Rediscover the magic of Christmas this year from Saturday November 26 at the newly re-opened St Mary’s Guildhall located in the heart of the Cathedral quarter on Bayley Lane. Escape the bleak mid-winter and join us in celebrating the festive season with a brand-new experience inspired by the Christmases of a bygone era. Marvel at the beautifully bedecked medieval building, traditionally dressed with festive garlands and wreaths and two magnificent 18ft Christmas trees. Enjoy a range of activities and then cosy up in the stunning Undercroft restaurant for delicious, tasty treats and warming drinks. This new programme of Christmas activities which has been made possible thanks to support from National Lottery players via The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
A Victorian Christmas Special Event – Saturday 26 November, 3 and 10 December.
On Saturday November 26, and December 3 and 10. Be welcomed on a journey which will take you through to the newly unveiled medieval kitchen last seen 100 years ago, and entertain you with a special performance of scenes from Charles Dicken’s A Christmas Carol. Enjoy yuletide treats of mince pies and mulled wine before being led to the sumptuously dressed Great Hall where you will find out about Victorian Christmas traditions dating back to the mid-19th century and be treated to Christmas Carols around the tree. Advance pre-booking is required for this special event.
Afternoon Tea with Father Christmas – Sunday December 4, 11 and 18 December.
Make magical memories with a pre-bookable, specially themed Christmas Afternoon Tea, in the beautiful atmospheric Tales of Tea Restaurant. Located in the vaulted Undercroft with its festive twinkling lights. Children will be greeted by an elf before meeting Father Christmas in his grotto to receive a small Christmas gift.
Christmas at the Guildhall - From November 27 until December 23.
Throughout the festive period visitors can also discover the lavishly decorated guildhall and experience the cutting-edge augmented reality digital tour exploring Coventry 700 years of history.
Plus follow a fun festive trail around the Guildhall and discover clues based on the history of Christmas traditions. Suitable for children and for those young at heart! Visitors can also enjoy a festive themed daily history tour and festive afternoon Tea and Christmas lunches will also be available during December in the atmospheric Tales of Tea restaurant.
Abi Moore, heritage and venue manager of St Mary’s Guildhall, said: “We are so pleased to be open again and to be able to share the magical Guildhall in all its Christmas finery with our visitors. Our Christmas experience offers families and visitors of all ages the chance to have a completely different festive experience inspired by the origins of how we celebrate Christmas today.
Advance booking is for required for both afternoon tea with Father Christmas and the Victorian Christmas Special Event. For more information and to book tickets visit www.stmarysguildhall.co.uk.