THE CHRISTMAS spirit has cast its spell on Warwick Castle to bring festive joy to all.
And as far as I could see it worked.
Apparently if visitors were quiet enough you could hear sleigh bells as the reindeer guided Father Christmas and Mrs Claus to the Castle.
But with two four-year-olds in tow who were singing jingle bells at the top of their voices and squealing with excitement the whole way there – I’ll have to take other people’s word on it!
The Castle grounds have once again been taken over by a market where there is plenty to enjoy from mulled wine to hot chocolate, hot dogs and a fire to toast marshmallows on.
Be warned – if you’re going on an icy day like us the ground matting around the market, and the light show, does get slippery and the little ones might get a taste of ice skating before heading onto the rink if, like mine, they run everywhere.
The Castle is open as usual and the Great Hall is bedecked with a 20-foot Christmas tree and presents piled under it and the state rooms are all prepared to welcome guests for Christmas.
After reflection the little ones decided Stories with Santa just stole the top spot for the best part.
Before going to meet the man himself the children are tasked to sort the letters to Santa that had got all mixed up following a shake up among the elves roles at the North Pole.
The letters were poured out of one of Santa’s sack onto the floor and the children had to sort the letters in the postboxes.
This was great for children with confidence but we were left relying on the kindness of some of older children to share their pile so we could post a few letters.
The time then came for Father Christmas and Mrs Claus to inspect the work – but unfortunately Father Christmas had got stuck and it was up to us sing and get him out of the chimney.
Once safely out Father Christmas gathered everyone around and got out his story book and told us about Bernie, the Eagle Owl, who helps him at Warwick Castle.
Back outside the ice-rink, for those over three, is open in the day and the evening and there are aids to help little ones on their way round along with ice stewards to give a helping hand for those not so little ones.
This was the first time the little ones had hit the ice and after watching a spectacular festive performance from Telford Ice Skating Team they were ready to go with a penguin and a whale to help us all round!
Back solid ground the light show illuminates the castle grounds and peacock gardens.
The Snow Queen who was on horseback welcomes visitors to the show.
With over half a million twinkling lights and a laser show with musical accompaniment it was a stunning show to watch.
For me watching the magic of Christmas wash over the little ones was the best part to see their faces light up with amazement while listening to Stories with Santa and watching the lights and the ring of laughter on the ice rink.
That and the quite journey home as they were so exhausted!
So if you’ve found yourself feeling a little Grinch-like among the gift-hunting, crowd-filled streets and having to deal with cheeky little elves invading the house head on over to Warwick Castle which is filled with Christmas magic.
