Alice is planning a huge Christmas party, and she invites you to follow the White Rabbit through Castle Howard’s grand halls and regal rooms with each twist and turn revealing fanciful festive surprises.
Don’t be late for this very important date, as you immerse yourself in a psychedelic world that will leave your smile as wide as the Cheshire Cat’s.
Complete your experience with an elegant Mad Hatter’s Afternoon Tea, select special mementos from the Christmas Shop, toast giant marshmallows by the Christmas Tree, and stock up on delicious seasonal essentials from our Farm Shop and Garden Centre.
New for 2024: discover The Chess Club, a secret dining room for grown-ups only, serving Wonderland-themed cocktails and sharing platters.
We highly recommend purchasing tickets in advance. This will save you money at the Ticket Office, and any disappointment if we are sold out on the day of your arrival. See walk-up prices here.
Castle Howard is hosting a pop-up Bettys shop in their historic Stable Courtyard this Christmas. Synonymous with Yorkshire and celebrated internationally, Bettys is known for mouthwatering confectionary, chocolates, teas and coffees and has never before created a pop-up shop.
Bettys has brought its own Christmas magic to proceedings. The new shop interior has been designed by their aesthetic team and visitors can also see a stunning Bettys Christmas window display.
Much-loved treats, including the famous Fat Rascals, Fondant Fancies, hampers and Christmas gifts, are available from the Bettys shop, as well as a bespoke Alice-themed Fancy.
The Bettys pop-up shop is open until 5th January 2025, excluding the 25th and 26th December, and 1st January.
December: 12th, 13th, 15th, 16th, 19th, 20th, 21st, 23rd, 27th, 28th, 29th
Take a seat at the most elegant of tea parties! Our sumptuous festive Afternoon Tea includes delicate sandwiches, freshly baked scones, and intricate miniature cakes, served with a selection of tea and coffee in Castle Howard’s Grecian Hall – the perfect Christmas treat. Expect whimsical decoration and delightful presentation. Vegan and Wheat Free options are available.
Drink Me Homemade Raspberry Lemonade Selection of specialty teas and Castle Howard blend coffeeMiniature Cakes and Scones Hatter’s chocolate black forest Queen of Hearts strawberry surprise Ace of Spades wonder macaroon Eat Me delicate biscuit Classic buttermilk scone, strawberry jam and clotted creamSandwiches and savouries Cucumber and dill pollen Red pepper hummus and crunchy vegetables Applewood smoked cheddar and chutney Coronation vol-au-vent
Drink Me Homemade Raspberry Lemonade Selection of specialty teas and Castle Howard blend coffeeMiniature Cakes and Scones Hatter’s chocolate black forest Queen of Hearts strawberry surprise Ace of Spades wonder macaroon Eat Me delicate biscuit Classic buttermilk scone, strawberry jam and clotted creamSandwiches Egg mayonnaise and cress Roast gammon and caramelized onion chutney Oak roast salmon with fresh dill and cucumber Shrimp tartlet
December: 14th, 15th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd This sumptuous festive Afternoon Tea is hosted by the Mad Hatter themselves, in Castle Howard’s bespoke Tea Party space, The Chess Club. This Afternoon Tea sitting will feature special theatrical appearances by the Hatter, bringing joyful surprises to the festive occasion! Vegan and Wheat Free options are available.
Weekdays from 18th November – 20th December, subject to availability.
Immerse yourself even further in Alice’s curious Christmas world inside Castle Howard’s secret dining room, for grown-ups only. Delicate tea pots filled with Wonderland-themed cocktails, mocktails, and sharing platters of Yorkshire cheeses, charcuterie, sweet treats and tasty accompaniments are on the menu, served in an atmospheric environment. Mix and match by booking delectable tasting boards in advance, and order delicious cocktails served in teapots and teacups on the day.
Our Stable Courtyard has everything you need to get ready for Christmas, with a fantastic selection of festive essentials and treats available.
Visit the Courtyard shopping and food outlets for free, including parking*
*Parking charges apply to those entering the House and Gardens, excluding Members.
Stock up on much-loved treats, including the famous Fat Rascals, Christmas hampers and gifts. Make sure to try the bespoke Alice-themed fondant fancy!
Enjoy a dedicated Butchery, fresh vegetables, and deli counter with Yorkshire produce.
A fantastic collection of gifts and souvenirs. Our Christmas Shop is in the Christmas Marquee, with decorations from our Christmas displays.
British-grown Christmas trees and Christmas house plants, available from 23rd November. Visit during weekends in December to meet Santa Paws with your pet, starting from Saturday 7th.
Visit our online shop to browse our collection celebrating the world of Alice including our exclusive collaboration with Yorkshire based illustrator Emily Sutton.
Snacks and treats on the go:Coffee Shop: open daily, serving take-away cakes, hot drinks, and snacks.
Courtyard, Boathouse and North Front Trailers: open daily in December, serving hot drinks and marshmallows for toasting on the brazier.
Please note, food and drink are not allowed inside the House.
Sit down and enjoy a meal:
Our cosy Courtyard Café is open daily, serving a delicious seasonal menu including breakfast, brunch, lunch, and afternoon treats.
Our Christmas Marquee serves delicious handmade pizza, hot pies, indulgent crumbles, our famous and very popular turkey rolls, hot drinks and sweet treats.
Compassion in World Farming is our 2024 Christmas Charity Partner. They are the world's leading farm animal welfare charity. They are dedicated to ending factory farming - the biggest cause of animal cruelty on the planet - and achieving a humane and sustainable food system. Compassion in World Farming International is a registered charity in England and Wales, registered charity number 1095050; and a company limited by guarantee in England and Wales, registered company number 04590804. For more information, visit ciwf.org.uk or email supporters@ciwf.org
Alice’s Christmas Wonderland Member Admission
Father Christmas Members Tickets
Father Christmas in the Castle
Santa’s Grotto in the Boathouse
Car Parking
Car parking must be booked online prior to your visit to guarantee availability. One parking space per booking is complimentary for Members, additional spaces may be booked and paid for. Blue Badge spaces are free.
Everyone is welcome at Castle Howard. Find out about our access initiatives and specific events to help you plan your visit.
Alice’s Christmas Wonderland