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Christmas at Castle Howard

Alice's Christmas Wonderland

Curiouser and curiouser! Tumble down the rabbit hole into a Christmassy wonderland like no other.
15th November - 5th January

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 Bauble Emporium, toast giant marshmallow 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 LionAlice's Christmas Wonderland
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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.
Meet Father Christmas, Mrs Claus and jolly WonderPhil at Castle Howard this Christmas. Watch a joyful performance bursting with jingle bells and Christmas spirit, sing Christmas songs together, and enjoy a special, individual moment with Father Christmas himself. All children take home a Christmas gift.
Share a laugh and photograph with Santa in our Boathouse Grotto this Christmas. Enjoy a short show bursting with puppetry, energy, and Christmas joy, before that all-important meeting with the man himself. All children take home a gift.
Enjoy a Guided Tour of our Alice in Wonderland-inspired installations in a small group after our regular opening hours, led by Design Director Adrian Lillie of CLW Event Designs. Learn about how we bring our spectacular creations to life.
Create a Christmas Willow Wreath or Willow Christmas Decoration at this practical workshop in the Castle Howard Garden Centre, led by expert willow artist Leilah Vyner from Dragon Willow.

Betty's pop-up shop

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 will bring its own Christmas magic to proceedings. The new shop interior has been designed by their aesthetic team and visitors can also expect to see a stunning Bettys Christmas window display.

Much-loved treats, including the famous Fat Rascals, fondant fancies, hampers and Christmas gifts, will all be available from the Bettys shop. A bespoke Alice-themed fancy will also be featured.

The Bettys pop-up shop is open 14th November 2024 – 5th January 2025, excluding the 25th and 26th December, and 1st January.

Pre-bookable Dining Experiences

Mad Hatter’s Afternoon Tea

November: 16th, 17th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 24th, 28th, 29th, 30th
December: 1st, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 12th, 13th, 14th, 15th, 19th, 20th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 24th, 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. 

Classic Afternoon Tea
Drink Me
Homemade Raspberry Lemonade
Selection of specialty teas and Castle Howard blend coffee
 
Miniature 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 cream

Sandwiches and savouries
Egg mayonnaise and cress
Roast gammon and caramelized onion chutney
Oak roast salmon with fresh dill & cucumber
Prawn Cocktail vol-au-vent
Vegan Afternoon Tea

Drink Me
Homemade Raspberry Lemonade
Selection of specialty teas and Castle Howard blend coffee

Miniature 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 cream

Sandwiches and savouries
Cucumber and dill pollen
Red pepper hummus and crunchy vegetables
Applewood smoked cheddar and chutney  
Coronation vol-au-vent

Wheat-free Afternoon Tea

Drink Me
Homemade Raspberry Lemonade
Selection of specialty teas and Castle Howard blend coffee

Miniature 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 cream

Sandwiches  
Egg mayonnaise and cress
Roast gammon and caramelized onion chutney
Oak roast salmon with fresh dill and cucumber
Shrimp tartlet

Children’s Afternoon Tea
Drink Me
Banana milkshake  
Miniature Cakes and Scones
Vanilla popping candy cupcake
Eat Me delicate biscuit
Chocolate dipped strawberries
Cheese scone with butter

Sandwiches   

Honey roast ham
Cheddar cheese
Mini sausage roll

Mad Hatter’s Afternoon Tea hosted by the Hatter

November: 23rd, 24th, 30th
December: 1st, 7th, 8th, 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.

Classic Afternoon Tea
Drink Me
Homemade Raspberry Lemonade
Selection of specialty teas and Castle Howard blend coffee
 
Miniature 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 cream

Sandwiches and savouries
Egg mayonnaise and cress
Roast gammon and caramelized onion chutney
Oak roast salmon with fresh dill & cucumber
Prawn Cocktail vol-au-vent
Vegan Afternoon Tea

Drink Me
Homemade Raspberry Lemonade
Selection of specialty teas and Castle Howard blend coffee

Miniature 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 cream

Sandwiches and savouries
Cucumber and dill pollen
Red pepper hummus and crunchy vegetables
Applewood smoked cheddar and chutney  
Coronation vol-au-vent

Wheat-free Afternoon Tea

Drink Me
Homemade Raspberry Lemonade
Selection of specialty teas and Castle Howard blend coffee

Miniature 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 cream

Sandwiches  
Egg mayonnaise and cress
Roast gammon and caramelized onion chutney
Oak roast salmon with fresh dill and cucumber
Shrimp tartlet

Children’s Afternoon Tea
Drink Me
Banana milkshake  
Miniature Cakes and Scones
Vanilla popping candy cupcake
Eat Me delicate biscuit
Chocolate dipped strawberries
Cheese scone with butter

Sandwiches   

Honey roast ham
Cheddar cheese
Mini sausage roll

The Chess Club

Weekdays from 18th November – 20th December

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.

Platter Menus
All platters come with freshly baked focaccia, cornichons, caper berries, sun blushed tomatoes, mulled wine pickled onions and mixed olives.

Kings and Queens Meat Platter

Pigs in blankets sausage roll
Sage and onion stuffing bites with festive chutney
Lishman’s Charcuterie: Yorkshire chorizo, fennel salami, red wine pepperoni
Pork and spiced cranberry pie
Honey and mustard roast chipolatas

Checkmate Cheese Platter
Whole baked camembert studded with garlic and rosemary
Deep-fried brie and festive chutney
Wensleydale with cranberry
Harrogate blue
Extra mature Yorkshire cheddar
Fresh grapes
Artisan crackers

Rook and Pawn’s Seafood Platter
North Sea prawn cocktail, Bloody Mary sauce  
Crispy calamari rings, roast garlic aioli, fresh lime
Tempura king prawns, sweet chilli dip
White crab and avocado brioche slider
Juniper smoked Scottish salmon

Knight’s Vegan Platter
Spiced sweet potato and nut croquettes
Cumin roast squash, pomegranate molasses and toasted almonds
Plant-based stuffing balls with festive chutney
Roasted maple figs
Roasted red pepper hummus
Roasted chestnuts

Endgame Treat Platter
Bramley apple and blackberry crumble with vanilla custard
Warm chocolate fudge cake and whipped cream
Crunchy meringue with winter berries
Cinnamon sugar churros with chocolate sauce

Christmas Shopping & Eating

Christmas food-to-order

Our Farm Shop has everything you need to create a delicious, locally sourced Christmas dinner, including locally-reared turkey and Castle Howard Estate beef. Pick up an order form at the Farm Shop or download an order form below.

Place your order by Monday 25th November and receive a free bottle of wine with orders over £50.

Place your order by 6th December.

Farm Shop Food-to-order

Christmas Shopping

Bettys Pop-Up: 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!

Farm Shop: Enjoy a dedicated Butchery, fresh vegetables, and deli counter with Yorkshire produce.

House Gift Shop and Christmas Shop: A fantastic collection of gifts and souvenirs. Our Christmas Shop is in the Christmas Marquee, with decorations from our Christmas displays.

Garden Centre: British-grown Christmas trees and Christmas house plants, available from 23rd November. Visit during weekends in December to meet Santa Paws with your pet.

Online Shop: Visit our online shop to browse our collection celebrating the world of Alice including our exclusive collaboration with Yorkshire based illustrator Emily Sutton.

Christmas Eating and Drinking

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 during weekends in November and 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.

Christmas Charity Partner and Our Sponsors

Compassion in World Farming

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

Membership Benefits and Allocations for 2024

Membership Benefits and Allocations for 2024
  • Priority booking ahead of the mailing list and general public. This is for both free or discounted Members tickets, and paid-for tickets.
  • Unlimited access to the Gardens and Grounds during our regular opening hours
  • 10% off in the Bettys pop-up shop
  • Accrue Membership points on purchases in our shops and cafes – 5% for Silver and 10% for Gold
  • Redeem your Membership points in the Farm Shop, House Gift Shop and Bauble Emporium

Alice’s Christmas Wonderland Member Admission

  • Gold Members (including Ryedale) are entitled to two visits per valid membership card to Alice’s Christmas Wonderland.
  • Silver Members (including Ryedale) are entitled to ¬one visit per valid membership to Alice’s Christmas Wonderland.
  • *New for 2024* Members Preview Day: the 14th November is reserved for Members-only, 10am – 6pm. Tickets to this day counts as one visit.
  • On our busiest days the number of free tickets available to Members is limited and can be pre-booked on a first come first served basis. We are limiting the overall capacity on these days to ensure we minimise queues and the House experience does not feel overcrowded. The member tickets are spready equally throughout all time slots:

  • 30th November – 500 member tickets available
  • 1st December – 500 member tickets available
  • 7th December – 500 member tickets available
  • 8th December - 500 member tickets available
  • 14th December - 200 member tickets available
  • 15th December - 200 member tickets available
  • 20th December - 100 member tickets available
  • 21st December - 100 member tickets available
  • 22nd December - 100 member tickets available
  • 23rd December - 100 member tickets available
  • 24th December - 100 member tickets available

  • We have analysed data from previous years and have found that Members sometimes book a free ticket and then do not attend, which means paying guests can’t use the tickets. We encourage you to use the SeeTickets portal to cancel any tickets you know you can’t use, which will release them for other Members or paying guests.
  • Outside of these times there are no restrictions on how many Members can book their free ticket and we have plenty of capacity across the run.
  • Walk ups are not available on the above dates but are available on other dates (subject to availability).
  • We recommend you pre-book your tickets online prior to your visit. We may refuse entry if tickets are not pre-booked, and there is not availability.

Father Christmas Members Tickets

Father Christmas in the Castle

  •  Child Members receive a £10 discount (£50 from £60)
  • Adult Members may use one of their free visit entitlements to accompany their child.
  • A maximum of two adults can accompany their child – this is to help us manage capacities in the room, and reserve space for children wishing to see Father Christmas.

Santa’s Grotto in the Boathouse

  • Child Members receive a £2 discount (£34.50 from £36.50)
  • Adult Members may accompany their child free of charge as part of their membership. This event is not in the main House and does not count as a free visit.
  • A maximum of two adults can accompany their child – this is to help us manage capacities in the room, and reserve space for children wishing to see the Grotto.

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.

Accessible features, shows and tours

Alice’s Christmas Wonderland

  • Calm Sessions – 22, 23, 24 November, 9.30am – 10am

  • Touch Boxes – Objects and materials from the installation for any visitor who would benefit from an additional sensory experience. Touch Boxes are available on every date in certain rooms around the House route. Touch Boxes are supported by North York Moors National Park.