Step into a world of festive wonder as magical moments fill Coventry city centre as the Festival of Christmas returns on Saturday 22nd November 2025.

Festival of Christmas | Christmas in Coventry City Centre

• Where: Various locations in Coventry City Centre
• When: Saturday 22nd November 2025  | 3pm - 8pm
• Prices: It’s completely free to enjoy the Festival of Christmas and is suitable for all ages.
• Find more info here

Step into a world of festive wonder as Coventry City Centre transforms into a magical winter spectacle! This year’s enchanting “Christmas Dreams” theme promises dazzling performances, festive characters, and captivating entertainment for all ages - the perfect way to kick off the season of joy.

Visitors can look forward to:

• Spectacular shows and dazzling displays filled with festive magic
• A special appearance from Father Christmas at the Cathedral Ruins
• Enchanting walkabout characters including snow leopards, reindeer, and giant robins
• A mesmerising snow angel inside a giant snow globe
• Mischievous elves bringing festive fun to Broadgate
• A live fire and ice sculpting show
• The unforgettable LED drummers, Spark! performing a stunning illuminated show

And that’s not all – the Christmas market and big wheel in the heart of the city will also be open, serving delicious food and festive drinks throughout the afternoon and evening.

Where it’s happening:

The celebrations will take place across Coventry City Centre, including:

• University Square 
• Cathedral Ruins 
• Upper Precinct 
• Broadgate 
• Smithford Way 
• Market Way 
• Hertford Street 

Bring the whole family and let your Christmas dreams come to life in the heart of Coventry. This is a free event, and everyone’s invited to join the festive fun!

List of Performances

Christmas Quackers - Festive duck characters waddling through the city centre. 

• Performing at 3.45pm, 5pm and 6.15pm.
•  Location - roaming around Smithford Way, Market Way, Precinct Cross and Upper Precinct 

Betty Twinkle - Old Victorian fairy riding around with her mischievous giant robin.

• Performing at 3.15pm, 4.45pm and 6.15pm
• Location - roaming around Smithford Way, Market Way, Precinct Cross and Upper Precinct

Dancing Dolphins - Illuminated dolphin puppets dancing in the night sky.

• Performing at 4.30pm, 6.15pm and 7.30pm
• Location - University Square

Snow Lion - Majestic giant white lion character with his Red Queen.

• Performing at 3.45pm, 5.15pm, and 6.45pm
• Location - Hertford Street

Live Music - Festive music from fantastic local performers and groups.

• Performing at 3pm, 5pm and 7pm
• Location - Broadgate 

Bouncing Elves and Mischievous Elves - Sneaky elves causing chaos with visitors in the city centre!

• Bouncing Elves performing at 4.15pm, 5.45pm and 7.15pm
• Mischievous Elves performing at 5pm, 6.30pm and 7.30pm
• Location - roaming around Smithford Way, Market Way, Precinct Cross and Upper Precinct

Fire and Ice Show - Breathtaking live fire and ice sculpting show.

• Performing at 4.45pm, 6.30pm and 7.45pm
• Location - University SquareFair 002    

Funfair rides for children to enjoy. 

• Rides are not free - charges apply.
• Location - Millennium Place

The Christmas Oak Mobile - Multi-sensory festive storytelling inside a magical tin house!

• Performing at 3pm and 6.15pm
• Location - Speakers’ Corner

Jingle Bells and Reindeer - Reindeer character Blitsen playing magical music with his elf.

• Performing at 3pm, 4.30pm and 6pm
• Location - Hertford Street

Cocky Robins - Seven-foot singing, dancing and tweeting robins who love to say hello! 

• Performing at 4pm, 5.30pm and 7pm
• Location - roaming around Smithford Way, Market Way, Precinct Cross and Upper Precinct

The Magic of Christmas - Magical theatre show for all ages starring Father Christmas.

•  Performing at 3pm, 4pm, 5pm, 6pm and 7pm
• Location - Cathedral Ruins

Magical Snow Globe - Mesmerising snow globe with the magical Snow Queen inside.

•  Performing at 3.30pm, 4.15pm, 5pm, 5.45pm, 6.30pm and 7.15pm
• Location - Speakers’ Corner

Swantacular - Swan pedalo playing festive songs and inviting people to join in the fun! 

• Performing at 3pm, 4.15pm and 5.30pm
• Location - roaming around Smithford Way, Market Way, Precinct Cross and Upper Precinct

Spark! - Unique drummers parading with kaleidoscopic lighting.

• Performing at 4pm and 6pm
• Location - Broadgate

Click here for the full programme and information.