It’s that strange, hazy time of year. The turkey is gone, the bins are overflowing (check your revised collection dates here), and nobody quite knows what day of the week it is. This period, affectionately known as “Twixmas,” is actually one of the best times to enjoy Stratford-upon-Avon.
Whether you need to walk off the mince pies, entertain the kids now that the presents have lost their novelty, or plan a last-minute New Year’s Eve, this guide covers everything happening in the District between December 27, 2025, and January 1, 2026.
1. Best Winter Walks to Blow Away the Cobwebs
After days of sitting on the sofa, you need fresh air. Here are three distinct options depending on your energy levels:
For the Views (Moderate): The Welcombe Hills
Park at the top of Maidenhead Road and head up to the Obelisk. It is muddy this time of year, so bring wellies, but the panoramic view of the town frost-bitten in the morning light is unbeatable.
- Best for: Dog walkers and energetic families.
- Insider Tip: Look out for the grazing cattle—they are usually docile, but keep dogs on leads near the herd.
For the Coffee (Easy): The Stratford Greenway
Park at Seven Meadows and walk the flat, surfaced old railway line. It is pushchair-friendly, bike-friendly, and crucially, has a converted railway carriage café (Bobby’s) about a mile down for a hot chocolate reward.
- Best for: Buggies, bikes, and grandparents.
For the Wildlife (Peaceful): The Riverside Trail
Skip the crowded Bancroft Gardens and head towards the church. Follow the river past Holy Trinity and keep going. You’ll eventually hit the quieter stretches towards Welford.
- Best for: Spotting Kingfishers and escaping the sales shoppers.
2. Family Days Out: What’s Actually Open?
Many attractions shut down for the week, but these local favourites are open and running special Twixmas events:
Stratford Butterfly Farm
Escape the cold and step into the rainforest. The farm is open daily from 10:00am – 5:00pm (Last entry 3:30pm).
- Don’t Miss: The Life Cycle Demonstrations are running daily at 11:00am in the Discovery Zone from Dec 27 to Jan 6. It’s a great educational fix before school starts back.
Magic Alley: “Christmas Without Father Christmas”
Santa has gone back to the North Pole, but the magic remains. Magic Alley is running a special event, “Christmas in the Kingdom of Magic Without Father Christmas,” from Dec 27–30.
- Details: Perfect for older kids who still want the magic but without the Grotto queue. Opening times vary (generally 10am–8pm), with specific slots available from midday on Dec 30. Booking is essential.
RSC: The BFG
If you haven’t seen it yet, the Royal Shakespeare Company’s production of The BFG is the talk of the town. It’s the perfect length for families and offers a sweet, optimistic end to 2025.
- Tickets: Limited availability for matinees this week—check the box office early each morning for returns.
3. New Year’s Eve in Stratford: Where to be on Dec 31
If you haven’t booked yet, tables are disappearing fast. Here is the vibe check for Wednesday, December 31st, 2025:
| The Vibe | Where to Go | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Party Night | The Embankment | Live music from Suzi Kelly + DJ until late. Buffet options available. Tickets from £10. |
| Cosy & Historic | The Garrick Inn | “Cheers without the chores.” Festive buffets (Silver/Gold tiers) and a relaxed, historic atmosphere. |
| Casual Fun | The Windmill | Great for groups who want a pint and a burger without a dress code. Open late for the countdown. |
4. Essential “Boring” Info (Parking & Travel)
Don’t let a parking ticket ruin your start to 2026. Here is what you need to know:
- Park & Ride: The Bishopton Park & Ride is CLOSED on Bank Holidays (New Year’s Day). It typically runs on New Year’s Eve (Wednesday), but check the Stagecoach app for early finish times.
- Traffic Wardens: They are working! Single yellow lines and time-restricted bays are still enforced during Twixmas week.
- Sales Shopping: If you are hitting the Maybird Centre for the Next sale, go early (before 9am) or late (after 4pm) to avoid the infamous car park gridlock.
Have a safe and happy New Year, Stratford! I’ll see you in 2026.
