A candle-lit tour of Shakespeare's Birthplace, an exhibition of National Gallery paintings and a spot of yoga are some of the unusual festive activities on offer across south Warwickshire and beyond this Christmas.

A round-up of Christmas activities has been compiled by Shakespeare's England, the official tourism body for south Warwickshire, to help families enjoy the festive period.

The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust is inviting visitors to come in from the darkness of winter for an illuminating tour of William Shakespeare's Birthplace under candle light, as costumed guides help uncover the lost traditions of a Tudor Christmas.

Grade I-listed Georgian mansion and art gallery, Compton Verney, has taken nine paintings on loan from the world-leading National Gallery for visitors to peruse until 15 January 2023. Titled Dutch Flowers, the exhibition examines the origins of Northern European flower painting, through the height of its popularity in the Dutch Golden Age and its final flowering in the late 18th century.

Alongside art exhibitions, the venue is also hosting a reindeer trail throughout December and a Santa's grotto between 9 and 23 December.

Elsewhere, Market Hall Museum in Warwick is laying on multiple 20-minute yoga sessions for the whole family between 10am and 12pm on 22 December to help them relax during the festive rush.

An art exhibition is coming to Compton Verney as is Santa! (image supplied)

Lovers of the Polar Express can also relive the film in real life courtesy of THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride, which is returning to Vintage Trains and operating rides between from Birmingham Moor Street between 26 November and 23 December.

The magic of the 2004 motion picture is being theatrically re-created so families can be immersed in the sights, sounds and intrigue of the classic children's tale. There are dancing chefs and actors in all the carriages for the whole performance, where everyone will be able to meet the conductor and Santa before receiving a silver bell.

A guided Christmas Day walk around Stratford has also been arranged by Stratford Town Walk. Starting at 10.30am, the 90-minute walk will see guests walking along the spine of ancient Stratford, walking in William Shakespeare's footsteps from birthplace to grave. Other walks are also available throughout December.

Fairytale Farm in Chipping Norton is holding an immersive Christmas event throughout December featuring a fairytale castle, dancing penguins, and an enchanted forest before ending with a visit to see Santa. There will also be dedicated SEND sessions on 9 December, 13 December and 14 December.

A combined Christmas table decoration workshop and gin tasting experience from Shakespeare Distillery and Darling Buds of KJ is taking place at Judith's in Stratford town centre, which is named after William Shakespeare's daughter Judith, who lived in the building for over 20 years with her husband Thomas Quinney from 1616. The workshops are running on 7, 14 and 15 December.

Santa and his elves are taking over Shakespeare's Schoolroom & Guildhall throughout December, filling it full of Christmas magic, and they will be joined by Christmas characters for visitors to encounter along the way, before having the chance to meet Santa himself. Tickets can be booked here.

The National Trust's Charlecote Park is inviting families to test out their codebreaking skills on a festive trail in the parkland this Christmas, where they are being challenged to use their puzzle-solving skills to break the Frost Queen's "cold curse".

Fairytale Farm in Chipping Norton is holding an immersive Christmas event throughout December (image supplied)

Book your visit to try your hand at the trail challenge between 30 November and 2 January (closed 25 December). Visitors can also pre-book a three-course Christmas dinner to enjoy in the Orangery.

Ice skating, a meeting with Santa, and an illuminated magical light trail through the castle grounds and gardens are also on offer at Warwick Castle this Christmas.

Santa is also making an appearance at Kenilworth Castle where he will be greeting families and telling festive tales during weekends, starting from 26 November until 18 December.

The Royal Shakespeare Company is offering Christmas shoppers an extra treat with the roll-out of a wreath trail across Stratford-upon-Avon town centre, which is running from 19 November until New Year's Day.

Between 11 December and 16 December, petrol heads can celebrate the festive season at the British Motor Museum by enjoying a two-course lunch in the venue's roof-top Sky Suite, before going on a tour of the museum containing the world's largest collection of historic British cars.

Elsewhere, up to 21 December Coventry's iconic Coventry Telegraph Hotel is serving up a festive lunch, afternoon tea and dinner in the stylish Forme & Chase Restaurant.

Meanwhile, Stratford-Upon-Avon establishments Hotel Du Vin & Bistro and Hotel Indigo are offering a range of festive feasts for families and larger gatherings.

For more ideas and inspiration on what to do across south Warwickshire, visit www.shakespeares-england.co.uk