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Christmas at Castle Howard Members Essential Information

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 Book Christmas tickets

 

Christmas Events and Experiences

Christmas at Castle Howard with the Wonderful Wizard of Oz , 13th November – 4th January
A jolly illustration of Castle Howard reimagined as the Emerald City
Our most popular Christmas experience! This year, the House is transformed into the magical world of Oz. Experience our festive take on L. Frank Baum's much-loved story, told through installations, soundscapes and projections. Includes access to the Gardens from first opening (either 9.30am or 10am). Recommeded for 4+. Members tickets available for this event, subject to availability.
Oz Twilight Tour , 28th November, 5th, 12th, 19th December
A young couple surrounded by coloured lights at twilight
An exclusive, after-dark guided tour of the House led by our Christmas Design Director. Discover Christmas at Castle Howard with the Wonderful Wizard of Oz after-hours in a small group, complete with a Nyetimber English Sparkling Wine reception (plus non-alcoholic options). Includes access to the Gardens from first opening (either 9.30am or 10am). For 16+. Only 25 tickets available per tour! Members tickets aren’t available for this event, but priority booking is available.
Father Christmas in the Castle, 22nd November – 24th December
Our beloved experience for families. Father Christmas, Mrs Claus and WonderPhil pay us a special visit from the North Pole, with a joyous show full of heart and Christmas spirit followed by an individual moment with Father Christmas for each group. Each child with a ticket receives a special gift to take home. Includes access to the Gardens from first opening (either 9.30am or 10am). Includes access to the House experience, Christmas at Castle Howard with the Wonderful Wizard of Oz, from first entry (9.30am or 10am, date dependent). Recommended for age 4+. This event is regrettably not wheelchair accessible, Santa’s Grotto in the Boathouse is accessible for wheelchairs. Members tickets available for this event (charges apply for children, reduced from non-Member pricing), subject to availability.
Santa’s Grotto in the Boathouse , 29th November – 24th December
The warm and wonderful Story Craft Theatre return to Castle Howard with a fabulous festive show in Santa’s cosy Boathouse Grotto. Santa himself will join the fun, with a gift for each child with a ticket. Recommended for age 2+. Members can add this event to their House or Gardens tickets. This event cannot be purchased alone. Charges apply for children, reduced from non-Member pricing.
Christmas Afternoon Tea in the Grecian Hall, 15th November – 31st December
A delectable afternoon tea on a grand table
Dainty finger sandwiches, home baked sweet and savoury scones, and delectable miniature cakes created locally by UK Pastry Champion chef Florian Poirot. Served in the cosy Grecian Hall, complete with roaring open fire. Refresh your tea and sandwich plate if you have room for more. Classic, Vegetarian, Plant-based and Wheat Free menu available. Children’s menu available. Add this event to your House or Gardens ticket, cannot be purchased alone. Members tickets aren’t available for this event, but priority booking is available.
Christmas Afternoon Tea in the Chinese Dining Room , 20th November – 29th December
A lovely afternoon tea with miniature cakes
Dainty finger sandwiches, home baked sweet and savoury scones, and delectable miniature cakes created locally by UK Pastry Champion chef Florian Poirot. Served in the intimate Chinese Dining Room, a lovely cosy space with a small number of tables. Refresh your tea and sandwich plate if you have room for more. Classic, Vegetarian, Plant-based and Wheat Free menu available, children’s menu available. Add this event to your House or Gardens ticket, cannot be purchased alone. Members tickets aren’t available for this event, but priority booking is available.
Wreath Making in the Garden Centre, Thursdays and Fridays, 20th November – 5th December
Join us for a practical two-hour session making 12-inch Christmas wreaths using natural materials. All materials are provided, and tea and coffee are included. Add a glass of Nyetimber English Sparkling Wine for extra Christmas sparkle if you are joining us for an evening session. Members tickets are discounted for this event, and priority booking is available. For age 16+. Only 10 tickets available per session!

Members tickets and benefits

Members tickets can be used for Christmas at Castle Howard with the Wonderful Wizard of Oz, or Father Christmas in the Castle which includes a visit to the House as part of the experience (charges apply for children, reduced from non-Member pricing), subject to availability. 

Gold Members (including Ryedale) can enjoy two benefit visits per valid membership card.  
Silver Members (including Ryedale, Lakeside and Pyramid Club) can enjoy one benefit visit per valid membership card. 
Members can visit the Gardens as often as they like during our opening hours. This will be illustrated by a colour-coded calendar when you book your tickets.

Member tickets are available on Yellow, Green and Blue Christmas at Castle Howard with the Wonderful Wizard of Oz timeslots. 
Member tickets are not available on Orange timeslots. The only date where Member tickets are not valid for any timeslot is 
24th December. Member tickets are available for all other timeslots on a first-come-first-served basis, subject to availability. 

 

Exclusive treats just for Members 

Bettys Pop Up Shop
We’re thrilled that Bettys will be joining us again this Christmas, with their pop-up gift shop in the Stable Courtyard opening from 13th November. Members receive a 10% discount on all purchases. 

Membership points
Accrue points on purchases in our shops and cafes all year round. Silver Members earn 5% and Gold Members earn 10%. Redeem your points at any of our shops this Christmas (excluding Bettys), including the Farm Shop and Butchery, Christmas Marquee and Garden Centre.  

Members Preview
Friday 14th November, 3.30pm – 6pm. This exclusive time is Members-only, pre-bookable on a first-come, first-served basis. Tickets to the Members Preview are a bonus in addition to your benefit visits, i.e. if you attend you do not use up your benefit visit tickets.

 

Important Information

Prebooking
Member 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 parking
We charge for parking at Christmas. 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. 

Membership and Christmas Child Ages
Children under 3 years old are free as part of the Castle Howard Membership scheme. This includes access to the House, Gardens and Playground in the main season, and Gardens and Playground during Christmas. 

At Christmas, children aged 12 months and over require a ticket for the House – this years House event is Christmas at Castle Howard with the Wonderful Wizard of Oz. We charge for children aged over 12 months in the House at Christmas because the installations are sensory and able to be appreciated by young children. If you have a child over 12 months but under 3 years, you can either add them to your Membership or pay for them as a Child. Children under 12 months are Babe in Arms. 

How to book

You need the Membership number of each person in your Membership. Find this on your Membership card, for example MEM6287. If you have lost your card, email: sales@castlehoward.co.uk

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, 9am – 5pm, but please note we are busier during the weekend.

In person: You can book your tickets at the Ticket Office, open 9am – 4pm daily.