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 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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Alice’s Christmas Wonderland