What to expect from Warwick Castle’s Christmas celebration including light trails, free presents and Santa sleepovers

SANTA’S elves welcome us into the castle grounds, singing a Christmas carol.

I can already smell the food market ahead – wafts of wintery delights, from mulled wine and hot pulled-pork buns to toasted marshmallows, freshly made doughnuts and chocolate waffles.

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We’re at medieval Warwick Castle in the West Midlands, where the festive season is in full swing.

As well as the delicious market, there’s a magical light trail, outdoor ice rink and storytime with Santa.

Come prepared with warm clothes and comfy shoes as many activities are outside, including the light trail.

This extravaganza is a 30-minute walk around the castle with plenty of photo opportunities, before making a pit stop in the outdoor drinks tent.

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Festive finery

The lights magically sweep across the castle grounds, shimmering in the trees and leading you around the moat before ending back inside the grand castle walls where a surprise awaits . . . 

The pièce de résistance sits inside one of the magnificent wings of the castle in a golden room decked out with all the festive finery you could dream of. It was so, so beautiful.

When you have finished exploring, and stuffing yourself full of festive treats, Santa, Mrs Claus and their elves are waiting to close your evening with a storytime.

With immaculate costumes and upbeat demeanours, they made everyone smile.

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Parents can kick back with a glass of fizz and a mince pie while the kids are kept busy.

There’s a gift from Santa for every child, and the chance to take photos with him.

My 16-month-old had no idea who this bearded man was, but loved inspecting the huge Christmas trees, admiring the twinkl­ing lights and playing with his new toy.

If you want to extend the magic or don’t fancy a long drive home yet, check in to the new Warwick Castle Hotel, a ten-minute walk from the ­castle grounds.

It opened in July and now hosts Santa Sleepovers, from £50pp, per night.

My son knew something exciting was about to happen as he stared in awe at the smiling faces and thousands of twinkling lights illuminating the magnificent castle in the distance.

A horse in shining armour greeted us with a bellowing neigh, kicking his legs in the air as we pulled the knight’s sword out of the stone on arrival at the hotel entrance. Yes, you read that right.

Kids will love the theatrics, and parents the practicalities.

Inside the immaculate rooms are travel cots and bunk beds, plus tea and coffee facilities.

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Each guest is treated to a big buffet breakfast the next morning in the Knight’s restaurant, included in their stay.

If you’re not yet in the Christmas spirit, a visit to Warwick Castle will get you in the mood.

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