You are here: Home > What's On > Christmas at Castle Howard
Translate Website:

Christmas at Castle Howard

Christmas at Castle Howard with The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

A wicked and wonderful extravaganza awaits at Castle Howard for Christmas 2025. Gather your friends and family, and skip down the yellow brick road to experience the House dressed as scenes from Oz.

Working with the same creative team that brought you Alice's Christmas Wonderland and Christmas in Neverland, experience a festive take on L. Frank Baum's much-loved story, told in stately surroundings with theatrical installations, immersive soundscapes and projections. Delight in seeing the iconic characters and unique locations from the wonderful world of Oz, brought to life in technicolour splendour.

Tickets go on sale this August
Our Members receive priority booking, as do our Mailing List subscribers.

Important Dates
Monday 11th August, 9.30am: Gold Members tickets on sale 
Tuesday 12th August, 9.30am: Silver Members tickets on sale 
Thursday 14th August, 9.30am: Mailing list tickets on sale 
Friday 15th August, 9.30am: General tickets on sale 

Sign up to the mailing list

Find out more about Membership

Christmas Events and Experiences

All tickets must be booked in advance. If you are a Castle Howard Member, visit our Christmas Members page for information tailored to you. 

Christmas at Castle Howard with the Wonderful Wizard of Oz
13th November – 4th January. 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, created by CLW Event Design and Imitating the Dog – the same creative team that brought you Alice’s Christmas Wonderland and Christmas in Neverland.
Oz Twilight Tour
28th November, 5th December, 12th December, 19th December. 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).
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. Regrettably this event is not wheelchair accessible – Santa’s Grotto in the Boathouse is wheelchair accessible.
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. Add this event to your House or Gardens ticket, cannot be purchased alone.
Christmas Gardens Tickets
Explore Castle Howard’s famous Gardens, with two grand lakes, ornamental woodland, grand temples and historic statues. All Gardens tickets include access to the award-winning Skelf Island Adventure Playground, shops and cafes. Dogs on leads are very welcome.
Christmas Afternoon Tea
15th November – 31st December. Dainty finger sandwiches, home baked sweet and savoury scones, 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, or intimate Chinese Dining Room, a lovely cosy space. Choose your location as you book. Add this event to your House or Gardens ticket, cannot be purchased alone. Classic, Vegetarian, Plant-based, Wheat Free and Children’s menus available.
Wreath Making Workshop
Thursdays and Fridays, 20th November – 5th December. A practical two-hour session making 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. For age 16+. Only 10 tickets available per session!
Santa Paws at the Garden Centre
6th, 7th, 13th, 14th, 20th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd December, 10am – 3pm. Dogs can meet Santa Paws in the Garden Centre. Snap a festive photo, grab a treat for your pooch and enjoy a lovely meet-and-greet experience – free with no booking required.

Christmas at Castle Howard with the Wonderful Wizard of Oz

Dates and online prices, subject to a booking fee.

Betty's pop-up shop

Bettys popular pop-up shop returns to Castle Howard for 2025!

You will find everything you need for a very Bettys Christmas, from gifts and hampers to Christmas cakes, puddings, mince pies and stocking fillers. You’ll also find some year-round Bettys favourites including special edition chocolate Toto and box of four Wizard of Oz-themed Fondant Fancies, exclusively at Castle Howard.

The Bettys pop-up is a shop only, and a lovely place to do some delicious Christmas shopping alongside your visit to Christmas at Castle Howard with the Wonderful Wizard of Oz.

Find the pop-up shop in the Stable Courtyard. New for 2025, pop in and pick up a speciality tea, coffee, or warming hot chocolate to go.

Winner of the Little Vikings Best Christmas Experience Award

We are thrilled to have won the Little Vikings Award 2025 for Best Christmas Experience.

A big thank you to everyone who voted for Castle Howard.

Read the full list of winners here.

wasp