If you go to Warwick University, you are a very lucky student. Many towns around our beautiful campus, as well as on campus itself, hold fun Christmas events. Although some have passed at the time of writing this, there is always next year!
On Campus
Every year, without fail, Warwick Campus has a Christmas market accompanied by a turning on of the Christmas lights. The market has some amazing stalls, and I still have a scarf from one of them that I bought in first year! They also have some food and drink stalls, where you can enjoy dinner and a mulled wine with friends. When they turn on the lights, there is a countdown and it is magical. A lot of students gathered to watch the lights turn on this year, the piazza was simply packed. This is such a nice way to bring together the Warwick community, as you can still enjoy the stalls and turning on of the lights if you don’t celebrate Christmas.
Leamington spa
Every Sunday, down the Parade, there is a huge market in Leamington Spa. As the month turns to December, the market becomes more Christmas themed as the beautiful lights hang above them. It is the perfect place to buy presents, and it is super affordable as well! I once bought a full-sized JellyCat for my friend for only Ā£12. Each year, they too have a ceremony to turn on the lights, however the date is forever changing so make sure to check the council website! There is also a market for when the lights are turned on, as well as multiple stages down the parade for performances. This is such a cute day out with friends, and definitely a memorable experience.
Warwick
A year ago, I went to see the Warwick Light Trail on the Warwick Castle grounds and it was nothing short of magical. We arrived a bit early and had time to look around the stalls, which were selling food, drinks, sweets and trinkets. It was absolutely adorable, and I really enjoyed the view of the vast Castle in the background. Then, we made our way over to the ice rink, where I watched families skate past (you would never catch me dead on ice skates). When we finally made our way to the light trail, it was amazing. Music was playing throughout the trail, and it winded throughout the Castle grounds. Tickets were only Ā£11 which was amazing, I had such a good time and would love to go again.
Birmingham
Although Birmingham is quite far from Warwick Campus, it is only a cheap 40-minute train journey away! The Christmas Market in Birmingham is the largest authentic German Christmas market outside of Germany and Austria. Birminghamā€™s Frankfurt Christmas Market offers a large range of traditional good and gifts and a selection of tempting food and drink. It is a great place to meet up with family and friends and enjoy the live music programme on Victoria Square, and I especially enjoyed looking through all the amazing stalls.
Although our university may seem like it is in the middle of nowhere sometimes, it has some amazing Christmas activities that will bring you joy this festive season!