‘Tis the season to explore Coventry and Warwickshire virtually!

Tourism businesses across Coventry and Warwickshire are spreading the joy this Christmas with lots of festive events, shows and musicals on offer.

Despite local restrictions, the region has adapted its Christmas programme to entertain people from home, as well as in person over the festive period. From gliding around the ice in the Coventry Cathedral Ruins to a traditional pantomime story, some of Coventry’s biggest and best attractions are preparing to put on a magical show for locals and visitors this Christmas.

The Belgrade Theatre is hosting a virtual screening of Jack and the Beanstalk until 31 December. Viewers can enjoy a classic panto show that is full of festive fun, magic and mayhem from the comfort of their own home.

Meanwhile, the Ricoh Arena and NAEC Stoneleigh are set to host Horrible Christmas, a car park pantomime that takes audiences on a journey through the history of Christmas and how it has evolved over the years.

NAEC Stoneleigh is also screening festive blockbusters at its Nightflix Drive-In Cinema. From 4 December – 2 January 2021 film-lovers can roll in to enjoy a Christmas film extravaganza that features Home Alone, Love Actually, Arthur Christmas, Elf, The Polar Express, The Holiday, It's A Wonderful Life and manymore festive favourites.

Away from the bright lights and dramatic performances of pantomime and theatre, Escape Live Coventry is bringing the celebrations to households across the region with its online Christmas Party (10-18 December). Radio presenter Pat Sharp will be kicking off the night with a live and interactive game where prizes can be won, followed by a live magical illusion show by ITV’s Ben Hanlin and finished off with Escape Live’s resident DJ who will be taking song requests throughout theevent. The package also includes a selection of award-winning cocktails that will be delivered to the doors of partygoers to enjoy during the festivities.

The Coventry City of Culture Trust has recently confirmed that Coventry Glides (4 December – 10 January 2021) will go ahead at the Coventry Cathedral Ruins. Announced as part of the Trust’s winter programme, visitors can enjoy the festive décor as they skate around the newly installed ice rink.

In Warwickshire, Coombe Abbey is using its 500 acres of parkland to host its Luminate Coombe experience on 20 January – 21 February 2021. The event will immerse visitors in a mesmerising mile-long trail with stunning lighting elements, all set to ambient music.

Meanwhile, those rushing around trying to find Christmas gifts this year need look no further. Coventry Cathedral will be hosting a Christmas Craft & Flea market (12 December), which encourages visitors to shop with independents to support small businesses in the community.

Coventry’s Creative Quarter FarGo Village will also host an online Christmas Maker’s Market (5, 6, 12 and 13 December), which brings together 40 designers across two venues, shoppers can browse different stalls to fill their Christmas stockings with handmade gifts and treats. FarGo Village will also put on a Festive Food market (19-20 December), which will feature some of the finest cuisine from the city’s independent businesses.

Becky Frall, Head of Visitor Attraction at the West Midlands Growth Company, said:

“It has been a tough year for many of us and we all need some festive fun to cheer ourselves up over the winter months.

“Although the celebrations will be different this year, an inspirational programme of physical and virtual events has been put together by the region’s innovative tourism and hospitality businesses. All events are Covid risk assessed and will keep you and your family entertained throughout the festive period. So please, log on virtually or come and join the events in person, to the spread the Christmas joy!”

Councillor Patrick Harley, representing the West Midlands Board for Tourism, said:

“The number one focus of the West Midlands Regional Board for Tourism is to ensure that our region’s voice underpins the work of Government and national bodies like VisitBritain, as we navigate the sector’s road to recovery. Our tourism and hospitality businesses need targeted support that recognises the challenges Tier 3 restrictions will create over the festive season - a period that is critical to the bottom-line of this sector.

“As Christmas approaches, we’re also taking the opportunity to celebrate the wonderful community spirit of the West Midlands, and the continued effort of both residents and businesses to protect and support local trade and one another. The array of festive offerings in the West Midlands, despite the challenges, is truly inspirational.”

MakeitWM is an online portal for prospective visitors to find the best of the West Midlands’ festive attractions and events; great places to enjoy time with family and make new memories. Visitors can support the region’s independent businesses by checking out the region’s Christmas gift wish list, which includes vouchers, hampers and experiences. For your dedicated Coventry Christmas information, visitcoventry.co.uk.

For inspiration this Christmas, visit makeitwm.com.