Christmas at Shakespeare's Family Homes
A Tudor Christmas, candlelit tours, and craft workshops to get you in the festive mood.
- 12 Nov 2024 - 05 Jan 2025
- 10:00 - 16:00
- General Interest
- Shakespeare's Birthplace
- No booking required
Christmas is Coming to Shakespeare’s Birthplace
Step into Christmas at Shakespeare’s Birthplace with a host of festive activities for all the senses to get you in the mood for the season. From an intimate candlelit tour of Shakespeare’s childhood home to hands-on crafting workshops we look forward to welcoming you to Stratford this festive season.
Included in Admission
Shakespeare’s Birthplace at Christmas
Christmas during Shakespeare’s lifetime was remarkably different from how it is celebrated today, so forget the tinsel and fairy lights and travel back in time to discover a traditional Tudor Christmas.
From 12 November, Shakespeare’s Birthplace will be transformed with winter greenery and garlands of ivy and holly to give you a glimpse into how Christmas was celebrated in the late 16th century.
Shakespeare’s Birthplace will be decorated to celebrate a Tudor-Christmas glory until the Twelfth Night, the traditional end of Yuletide and is included in your admission.
Ticketed events
Christmas Craft Workshops
Looking for that special Christmas activity to kick start the festive season, then look no further than our hands-on Christmas Craft Workshops.
Letterpress Christmas Card Workshop with Louisa Hare
21 November | 10am-2pm
Tickets £50
Join Louisa Hare at The Garden Café at Anne Hathaway's Cottage and try your hand at creating your own bespoke set of Christmas cards. Using traditional methods Louisa will show you the art of lino print and letterpress printmaking, which you master to create your own unique, festive design to send to loved ones.
Due to the hands-on nature of the workshop, spaces are limited. Please keep your eyes peeled for more information, coming soon so you can book early to avoid disappointment.
No tickets will be available on the day.
Find Out More and Book Your Ticket >
Christmas Wreath Making Workshop with Renata Egan-Wyer
28 November & 5 December | 10am-1pm
Tickets £65
Join expert florist, Renata Egan-Wyer at The Garden Café at Anne Hathaway's Cottage to create your own Christmas wreath.
Using locally grown, seasonal foliage such as, mistletoe, plus festive decorations, you will be shown how to create a show-stopping wreath to place upon your door.
Bring a friend, enjoy a glass of mulled wine, and enjoy making your own festive creation that will have the neighbours green with envy.
Due to the hands-on nature of the workshop, spaces are limited. Please keep your eyes peeled for more information, coming soon so you can book early to avoid disappointment.
No tickets will be available on the day.
Find Out More and Book Your Ticket >
Candlelit Christmas
29, 30 November, 6, 7, 13, 14 December | from 5pm | Tickets from: £9:75
Our special, after dark tours of Shakespeare’s Birthplace are back.
This year, you will be welcomed on arrival with a glass of mulled wine in our ‘Famous Beyond Words’ exhibition space where you can enjoy the sounds of traditional Tudor music whilst sipping your drink. Next you will take a LED candle and start your guided tour through Shakespeare’s Childhood home by one of our costume guides and learn all about festive traditions of the Tudor and Jacobean period that William and his family may have celebrated.
>> Find out more about Candlelit Christmas and book your tickets
Please note: Tickets are limited for all events and pre-booking is essential, as no tickets will be available to purchase on the door.
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More events
Conservation Period 2025
As part of our commitment to conservation and preservation of the Shakespeare Family Homes, a series of works will be taking place at Shakespeare’s Birthplace and Anne Hathaway’s Cottage in 2025.
- General Interest
- No booking required
- Various
Winter at the Cottage
See Anne Hathaway’s Cottage in a new way this winter with a special installation by a local artist
- Exhibition
- No booking required