There are 23 days to Christmas; looking for something to do? Here are some of the top events catering to all tastes in the Ludlow area. Don’t forget to visit our regularly updated ‘What’s On’ page for more ideas.
For Children and families
Father Christmas at Ludlow Castle
3rd-4th, 10th-11th and 17th-18th December
Father Christmas is taking time out of his busy schedule to visit the castle. He is staying in Mortimer’s Tower, which has been decorated especially for his arrival. He would love to meet families and hear the children’s Christmas wishes and is bringing gifts for any children who come to see him. He also has some naughty elves who have climbed all over the castle. See if you can spot them as you wander around. Seasonal treats – hot drinks, mince pies and biscuits – will be available in the Beacon Rooms. This year Father Christmas has made a special request of those who visit him: if you can, please bring an item of food (dried goods) to donate to the Ludlow Food Bank, thus ensuring that everyone has a happy Christmas this year.
Costs: £12.50 per child (aged 1 and over) and includes entry to the castle, accompanied by up to 2 adults per booking. Any other members of the family who wish to join the child will have to pay standard admission charges (£8 for adults, £4 for children aged 5 – 15). Family members are welcome into Mortimer’s Tower, but only children with a ticket will receive a gift. Book here.
Xmas notes: Although Father Christmas is snug in his tower, don’t forget the castle is a ruin, so there is nowhere to wait under cover. Please wear suitable outdoor clothing and footwear. Father Christmas will be on the ground floor of Mortimer’s Tower. For accessibility information, please call the office on 01584 874465
Santa’s Grotto at Ludlow Kitchen, Ludlow Farmshop
Saturday 3rd & Sunday 4th December
Come and see Santa in his Grotto at Ludlow Kitchen and hear Santa’s tales about his previous visits to Ludlow before every child can tell Santa what they would like for Christmas and receive their special gift. Of course, parents will receive a hot drink & mince pie too.
Costs: £12.50 per child. Please enter your child’s name and age in the order notes section at checkout. £2.50 per accompanying adult (maximum 4 adults per child). There are no single adult bookings.
Xmas notes: Please state the parents/guardians’ surname in the gift message box if gifting. Don’t forget to book your adult tickets. Please bring your order confirmation with you on the day. Book ONLINE
Santa’s Grotto at Miracle on King Street
3rd, 4th, 11th, 12th, 17th, 18th, 22nd, 23rd, 24th December
Santa’s Grotto will run 10 am-4.45 pm on the above dates with 15-minute slots.
BOOK VIA EMAIL: To ludlowchristmasshop@outlook.com with the date, approximate time and number of tickets.
Costs: £12.50 per child, including a gift. Adults are free. Under 1s are free with a paying sibling (if you would like a gift for the under 1, please book them a ticket).
Christmas fairs & Christmas lights
8 December
Frank P Matthews Christmas Fair, Tree Shop, Berrington Court, Tenbury Wells
10 December
Santa’s Christmas Market & Table Top sale, Ludlow Brewery
Croft Castle Illuminate Christmas begins at 5:30 pm joined by Pizza Girls, The Beefy Boys, and Mr. Gryo Booking essential.
17 December
Croft Castle Illuminate Christmas 5:30 pm start with Fire performers and Pizza Girls, MacMan, and Mr. Gyro will cater. BOOKING ESSENTIAL
29 & 30 December
Croft Castle will have a storyteller in the church, and Origin Pizza, The Beefy Boys, and Mr Gyro will cater and Ted’s Tacos (30 December) BOOKING ESSENTIAL
31 December
Croft Castle start at 5:30 pm with Fire performers and Origin Pizza and Mr Gyro will cater. BOOKING ESSENTIAL
For a Cultural Christmas
Ludlow Choral Society Concert, Ludlow Assembly Rooms
3 December
A concert to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the birth of the English composer Ralph Vaughan Williams. The main work is Dona Nobis Pacem, written in 1936 when the horrors of WWI were still remembered, and fears of another war were growing. It is a plea for peace and, thus, also a work for our times. Other shorter works include Five Mystical Songs. The choir, professional soloists Abigail Kelly and Piran Legg, together with Ludlow Camerata (leader Anne Tupling), will be conducted by Nicola Starkie. Visit Ludlow Choral Society.
Costs: Tickets are £15 from Ludlow Assembly Rooms or at the door.
For a Grown up Christmas
Pigdaze & Hotrox: Kickback #2 Live Music, Ludlow Brewery
9 December 7:30 pm – 11:30 pm
Kick off your Christmas celebrations with a night of dancing and drinking, enjoying music. Tickets are £10, available from the Brewery (CASH ONLY) or via the bands before the gig. You can also pay at the door on the night. A fun, lively night is always guaranteed when Pigdaze organises it. For more info visit Ludlow Brewery.
Costs: £10
Christmas Quiz at The Clive Arms
10 December
What better way to get in the festive spirit than with a fantastic festive quiz?
Up to 6 people per team, £2.50 per person, with a wonderful prize for the winning team! The quiz questions will kick off at 7 pm, and there will be a selection of Ludlow Farmshop nibbles. You can also enjoy a festive mulled cider – the perfect winter tipple.
Booking is not required, pop in from 6:30 pm, and we will get you seated.
Costs: £2.50pp
Ludlow Racecourse Christmas Party
10 December
Check out the delicious menu for the Ludlow Racecourse’s Christmas party night. Featuring Aaron Booton Acoustic Guitarist/Singer and Don’t Feed the Goat
All are welcome! Bring your friends, families and work colleagues.
Call 01584856221 for more information or view their Facebook page.
Costs: £40pp
The Beefy Boys Pop Up, Ludlow Brewery
11 December 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
The Beefy Boys are popping up to serve their epic burgers and fries from midday. Come down to the brewery, grab a table, order your burgers and enjoy some beers. We also do loads of soft drinks if you are bringing the kids, tea and coffees.
Tanners Christmas Meeting, Ludlow Racecourse
20 December
Get festive at the Ludlow Racecourse and have a day at the races.
- First Race: 12:20 pm
- Last Race: 3:40 pm
- Gates Open: 11:40 am
Costs: See booking. Tickets are from £16, and under 18 accompanied are free.
Get ahead planning for New Year’s Eve
Relaxing New Year’s Eve at The Clive Arms – The menu is mouthwateringly good. Contact them to see if there are any spaces on 01584 856565
