This festive season, step back in time as Hampton Court Palace, the legendary home of King Henry VIII, transforms into a spectacular Tudor winter wonderland. From late November 2025, the historic palace in southwest London will be filled with roaring fires, festive feasts, and live music, offering visitors a chance to experience a royally oversized celebration.
A Tudor Christmas Celebration
This winter, the iconic Tudor palace is amplifying the Christmas spirit with decorations, music, and historic entertainment across its ancient, 500-year-old courtyards. The celebrations are designed to immerse you in the festive fun of Tudor London, providing a unique and unforgettable day out.
Feast Like a King in the Historic Kitchens
From 20 December to 4 January, the legendary kitchens of Henry VIII will come alive. Historic Kitchens staff will be cooking up authentic Tudor recipes straight from Henry’s court. Visitors can warm up by the roaring fires and discover the kind of lavish dishes that would have fuelled a king famous for his enormous appetite.
Musical Merriment and Festive Activities
As you roam the palace, you will encounter musicians performing a mix of historic tunes and well-known festive favourites. Down in the Wine Cellar, Palace Hosts will share centuries of Christmas traditions, from gossip about Tudor banquets to the influence of Charles Dickens, who helped shape the modern London Christmas.
For families with young children, the Magic Garden reopens from 17 December to 4 January. This outdoor adventure playground features frosty towers, mythical beasts, and medieval chaos, ensuring fun for the whole family.
Iconic Ice Skating and a Festive Market
No London Christmas is complete without the Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink, running from 21 November to 4 January against the stunning backdrop of the palace. This year, it returns with new events including live ice sculpting, a seasonal art exhibition, DJ sets, and a visit from Skating Santa.
Afterwards, visitors can warm up with hot toddies, mulled wine, or hot chocolate at the rink-side café. Please note that skating tickets are sold separately from palace entry.
Food lovers are in for a treat with the palace’s Festive Fayre. This giant Christmas market will take over the Great Fountain Garden on 5–7 and 12–14 December. With over 100 independent exhibitors, it will be a paradise of artisan treats, mulled wine, and perfect gift ideas. The merry atmosphere will be completed with horse-and-cart rides and live music.
Explore 500 Years of Royal History
With half a millennium of royal drama within its walls, Hampton Court Palace provides the perfect backdrop for a winter day out. You can wander through the Tudor apartments where Elizabeth I once dined, or stand in the Great Hall where Shakespeare performed for King James I during Christmas 1603.
This year, the palace promises a festive season truly fit for Henry VIII himself—thankfully minus the historical executions.
