Coventry in December means Broadgate lights, cathedral concerts, pantos, party nights and plenty of hot chocolate. If you’re choosing just a handful of things to do before Christmas, these are the stand-out events and experiences in Coventry this December 2025.
🎡 Big wheel, Christmas market & city-centre lights
Broadgate is the heart of Christmas in Coventry this year.
Coventry Christmas Market & Big Wheel
A Christmas market and a huge illuminated big wheel take over Broadgate from late November through early January (closed on Christmas Day). The big wheel usually runs from morning until late evening, with the market open daily for food, drink and gifts.
Expect:
- Festive cabins serving mulled wine, hot chocolate, burgers and loaded fries
- Local traders and craft stalls for last-minute presents
- A proper winter-wonderland feel under the starry light canopy in Broadgate
On selected dates in December, council-run city-centre car parks often offer free parking after mid-afternoon, making it easier (and cheaper) to come in for the market, big wheel and late-night shopping.
Best for:
After-work meet-ups, quick present runs, and budget-friendly family evenings (one big paid ride, lots of browsing and lights for free).
⛪ Magical nights at Coventry Cathedral
Coventry Cathedral always goes big for Christmas – and 2025 is no exception.
Experience Christmas & Step Into Christmas Market
“Experience Christmas” is an immersive, story-based journey through the Christmas story, mainly aimed at school groups, with morning and afternoon sessions in the New Cathedral at the start of December.
The “Step Into Christmas Market” turns the cathedral into a beautiful indoor market with local creatives and makers, perfect for slower, more thoughtful shopping in a stunning setting. Entry to the market itself is usually free.
Cathedral Choir Christmas Concert
In mid-December, the Cathedral Choir’s Christmas Concert fills the space with traditional carols and festive music. Adult tickets are typically modestly priced, with under-16s often going free (though it’s not usually recommended for very young children).
G4 Christmas & Carols by Candlelight
- A touring “G4 Christmas” show brings a classical-pop take on Christmas music to the cathedral, usually on one evening in mid-December. Expect tiered ticket prices from restricted-view seats to premium options.
- “Carols by Candlelight” is a traditional, community-focused carol service later in December, lit by hundreds of candles, with favourite carols and readings from the cathedral choirs. Entry is generally free, with donations welcome.
Best for:
Big “wow” moments, proper Coventry atmosphere, and anyone who loves live music in an iconic space.
🎭 Panto, family shows & festive theatre
Sleeping Beauty – Belgrade Theatre
The Belgrade Theatre’s 2025 panto is “Sleeping Beauty”, running from mid-November right through to early January.
You can expect:
- Classic panto gags, big musical numbers and lavish sets
- A local cast and creative team, including familiar Belgrade panto faces
- Accessible performances on selected dates (BSL, relaxed, audio-described)
Tip: If you want a December weekend show, book early – the popular Saturday afternoon slots usually go first.
Beauty and the Beast – Albany Theatre
Over in Earlsdon, The Albany Theatre is staging “Beauty and the Beast” as a traditional family pantomime in early December. It’s a more intimate option than the big city-centre panto but still full of songs, silliness and audience participation.
More Christmas shows around the city
Across Coventry you’ll also find adaptations of family favourites, festive dance shows and Christmas specials in smaller venues. Check local listings for extra productions if you’re planning a full “theatre December”.
Best for:
Families, multigenerational outings, or anyone who wants a classic “it’s behind you!” moment in their December.
🛍️ Indie markets & makers’ events
If you prefer independent stalls and handmade gifts to big-brand shopping, December in Coventry has plenty of options.
Christmas Makers Market – FarGo Village
FarGo Village’s Christmas Makers Markets bring together independent local traders, artists and designers selling everything from prints and jewellery to homeware and foodie treats, usually on the first full weekend of December.
Combined with FarGo’s permanent food and drink spots, it makes a great half-day out: brunch, browse, then a drink before heading into town.
Cathedral & city-centre markets
Alongside the Broadgate Christmas market and the cathedral’s indoor market, December often brings additional seasonal markets and pop-ups around the city. Many focus on local makers and small businesses, so you can tick off gifts while supporting independents.
Best for:
Supporting local traders, buying unusual gifts, and getting that cosy “Coventry at Christmas” feeling in one hit.
🎉 Party nights, food & festive escapes
Christmas at Coombe Abbey
If you’re planning a work Christmas do or a big family night, Coombe Abbey runs a full Christmas programme: themed party nights, seasonal dining packages and options for private events.
Think:
- Shared party nights with food, music and entertainment
- More formal dinners in a historic setting
- Overnight packages if you want to turn it into a proper treat
City-centre food & drink
Restaurants and bars around Broadgate, Cathedral Lanes and the surrounding streets usually put on festive menus, seasonal cocktails and winter warmers. It’s easy to combine a Christmas meal or drinks with a trip to the market, the big wheel or the Belgrade panto.
Best for:
Office parties, grown-up nights out and anyone who wants sparkle, music and a taxi home.
🧭 How to plan your December in Coventry
A few quick tips to make the most of it:
- Anchor your month around 1–2 big things
For example: Sleeping Beauty plus Broadgate market, or Cathedral carol concert plus FarGo Christmas Makers Market. - Use free or reduced parking offers
Check council announcements for free-after-3pm days in city-centre car parks – it makes a difference if you’re coming in as a family. - Book popular events in advance
Cathedral concerts, touring shows and weekend panto performances will sell out earlier than general markets or wander-about nights. - Mix free and paid
Build your own budget-friendly festive season: one or two ticketed events, plus free lights, carols and markets.
