This page contains essential information for current Castle Howard Members. If you are not a Member and are looking for information about our Christmas events, visit our Christmas page.
Christmas Page Join the Membership
Monday 3rd August, 10am Gold Members
Thursday 6th August, 10am Silver Members
Friday 7th August, 10am Bronze Members
Monday 10th August, 10am Mailing List
Tuesday 11th August, 10am General
12th November – 3rd January
Charles Dickens’ classic novels are brought to life in grand Christmas style, leaping off the page with projections, soundscapes, and theatrical surprises. This Victorian extravaganza will leave you full to the brim with festive cheer, so climb aboard your carriage and join us for a traditional Christmas like no other!
21st November – 24th December (selected dates)
Our most beloved festive experience for families. Join Father Christmas and the gang as he pays us a special visit from the North Pole with a heartwarming Christmas show filled with laughter, wonder and festive cheer. After the performance, each family will enjoy a magical one-to-one moment with Father Christmas.
Every child with a ticket will receive a Christmas gift to take home.
Please note: Unfortunately, this experience is not wheelchair accessible. The Santa’s Grotto in the Jellycat Shop is fully wheelchair accessible.
• Gold & Silver Member tickets available for this event (charges apply for children, reduced from non-Member pricing), subject to availability. • Includes access to the Gardens from first opening (either 9.30am or 10am). • Includes access to the House experience from first entry (9.30am or 10am, date dependent). • Recommended for age 4+. • Maximum of two adults per booking.
28th November – 24th December (selected dates)
Step into a world of Christmas magic with a one-to-one visit to Santa in his charming Grotto, complete with a magical Jellycat experience. Every guest or child with a full-price ticket will receive a special Jelly to take home – the perfect cuddly reminder of a magical Christmas visit.
19th November – 11th December (selected dates)
A practical two-hour session making a Christmas wreath using natural materials. All materials are provided, and tea and coffee are included.
Over two enjoyable hours, you’ll create your own wreath using natural materials, with guidance every step of the way and no experience required. Enjoy complimentary tea and coffee during your session.
Dainty finger sandwiches, home baked scones with festive flavours, and delectable miniature cakes created locally by UK Pastry Champion chef Florian Poirot. Refresh your tea and sandwich plate if you have room for more. Served in the grand Grecian Hall complete with roaring fire. Dates available in November: 14th, 15th, 20th, 21st, 22nd, 27th, 28th, 29th, 30th. Dates available in December: Daily, excluding 24th, 25th and 26th. Dates available in January: 1st, 2nd, 3rd.
A special dining experience hosted by a live actor. Enjoy a spectacular four-course Afternoon Tea complete with dainty finger sandwiches, home baked scones with festive flavours, and delectable miniature cakes created locally by UK Pastry Champion chef Florian Poirot.
Book your own table for your party and refresh your tea and sandwich plate if you have room for more.
Dates available in November: 28th, 29th.
Dates available in December: 5th, 6th, 12th, 13th, 18th, 19th, 20th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd.
More information for Gold Members One visit only per Member, with no restrictions on date or time.
More information for Silver Members One visit only per Member, with some restrictions on date or time. Changes compared to 2025 Where Member tickets were restricted, around 25% more are available in 2026. There are Silver Member tickets available every weekend afternoon, in the week running up to Christmas, and on Christmas Eve.Dates and times when tickets are not available for Silver Members 9.30am-1.30pm, 21st, 22nd, 28th, 29th November 9.30am-3.30pm, 5th, 6th, 12th, 13th, 19th, 20th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd DecemberImportant to remember Some dates have fewer Silver Member tickets than others. These are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Once they are gone, they are gone.
More information for Bronze Members Bronze Members can enjoy a full weekend of Priority Booking before the Castle Howard mailing list. They are not eligible for Member tickets for any Christmas events (excluding Gardens), so do not choose these when booking your tickets online – make sure to book regular tickets instead.
PrebookingMember tickets for any event (with the exception of Gardens) must be pre-booked online in advance. If you don’t have access to the internet please contact us by phone. We will refuse entry if tickets are not pre-booked, and there is no availability.
Car parkingWe charge for parking at Christmas. Gold, Silver and Bronze Members are entitled to one free parking space alongside their Christmas event tickets, which must be pre-booked alongside their tickets. Additional spaces must be paid for. Members can park for free if they are using the Stable Courtyard or visiting the Gardens. Blue Badge-holders can park for free.
Check your renewal date Your Membership must be valid at the time of booking tickets, and your Christmas visit(s). If you are unsure of your renewal date, email sales@castlehoward.co.uk.
Gold and Silver Members need the Membership number of each person in their Membership. Find this on your Membership card, for example MEM6287. If you have lost your card, email: sales@castlehoward.co.uk.
You card numbers must align with the ticket type, for example if you are booking a Child ticket you must add a Child Membership number otherwise our system will not accept it.
Online: This is the easiest way to make a booking. We will email you on the on-sale date and time with a link. If you can’t see the email, check your spam folder.
Phone: If you don’t have access to the internet you can book over the phone, 01653 648333. Phonelines are open daily, 10am – 4pm, but please note we are busier during the weekend.
In person: If you don’t have access to the internet, there are dedicated in-person booking sessions dedicated to supporting you in booking your Christmas tickets at the following times:
11am-2pm on August 3rd, 5th, 6th, 10th, 11th, 12th, 13th, 17th, 18th, 19th, 20th, 22nd, 24th, 25th, 26th and 27th.