Ladbrokes Christmas Festival
Visitors experience twelve top-quality jump races, including major contests such as the King George VI Chase, the Christmas Hurdle, and the Desert Orchid Chase. Guests can watch horses from the Pre-Parade Ring, Parade Ring, and Winners Enclosure, or take in views of the final fence and Winning Post from the grandstand. Across the enclosures, attendees have access to bookmakers' pitches, bars, and food outlets.
What to Expect
Two days of iconic festive jump racing featuring top Grade 1 chases.
Event Details
Ages
Under 18s go free (excluding Premier Seats & Kauto Club), must be accompanied by an adult.
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
The Jockey Club
Food & Drink
Bars and food outlets are available in the Paddock and Premier enclosures; the Boxing Day-only Festival Enclosure has a small range of food and bar outlets.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Horse-racing fans and festive-day-out groups
Vibe
Festive and lively
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
££
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Paddock Enclosure from £10.00; Festival Enclosure from £22.00; Premier Enclosure from £35.00; Premier Seating from £50.00; Desert Orchid Experience and Private Box Experience from £279.00; Panoramic Restaurant Experience from £299.00. – Get tickets
- Parking: Main Car Park spaces are limited and must be pre-booked; no spaces will be available there on the day. Car Park B is recommended to be pre-booked for the festival.
Tips & Advice
- Book your tickets online ahead of the festival, because advance prices are lower than the gate prices charged on the day.
- Pre-book the Main Car Park or Car Park B before you travel, because Main Car Park spaces can't be bought on the day and passes are posted out in advance.
- Buy Premier Seating as early as you can if you want a guaranteed seat overlooking the course, because those seats sell very quickly.
- Pick Boxing Day for the King George VI Chase and the big festive raceday, or come on the 27th for a more relaxed day with family.
- If you're aged 18 to 24, sign up to RacePass before booking so you can save up to half on your admission ticket.
Special Events & Promotions
- King George VI Chase Day on Boxing Day, headlined by the Grade 1 Ladbrokes King George VI Chase.
- Kauto Star Chase Day on 27 December has a more relaxed, family-and-friends feel and includes the Grade 2 Ladbrokes Desert Orchid Chase.
- The Festival Enclosure is open on Boxing Day only.
- Booking online in advance gets you a lower price than paying at the gate.
- 18–24-year-olds can save up to half on admission by signing up to RacePass.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Which enclosure should I choose?
The Paddock Enclosure gives you the grandstand apron, the bookmakers' pitches, the Pre-Parade Ring, Parade Ring and Winners Enclosure, plus bars and food outlets. The Premier Enclosure adds the first floor of the grandstand, with views closest to the Winning Post. Premier Seats add a guaranteed seat for the day. The Festival Enclosure is Boxing Day only. It looks onto the home straight and the last fence, with a small covered unreserved seating area but no Parade Ring access.
How do the two days differ?
Boxing Day is King George VI Chase Day, the big festive raceday built around the Grade 1 King George VI Chase. The 27th is Kauto Star Chase Day. It has a more relaxed feel, is pitched at family and friends, and features the Grade 2 Desert Orchid Chase.
What hospitality options are there?
The glass-fronted Panoramic Restaurant gives you a private table for the day with a view of the Winning Post and a three-course à la carte meal, for a minimum of four guests. The Desert Orchid Suite on the Mezzanine level has a private balcony over the finish line, a festive two-course menu and a complimentary bar. Private Boxes are also available.
Is there a dress code?
No strict one. The racecourse's only guidance is to come 'dressed to feel your best'.
What is there to eat and drink?
Paddock and Premier tickets include access to bars and food outlets across the main grandstand. The Festival Enclosure has a smaller range of food and bar outlets.
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Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.