Winter Palace
Guests wander through festively dressed palace staterooms featuring immersive sets, atmospheric soundscapes, and live music. Along the way, visitors encounter live actors, friendly puppets, and gentle mythical creatures including a unicorn foal, panther, and sleeping dragon guardian. For those wishing to experience the historic palace without festive displays, undecorated historic routes remain open.
What to Expect
Encounter mythical beasts at an enchanted Christmas ball across glowing palace halls.
Event Details
Food & Drink
Festive food and drinks are available, and the palace cafés offer warming treats.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and fans of immersive fantasy experiences
Vibe
Magical and atmospheric
Energy Level
Moderate
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
None
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Included in palace admission. Members go free, with pre-booking required. – Get tickets
- Hours: Extended opening until 19:30 on select dates; last timeslot 17:30. Dates: 9–11, 16–17 and 19–30 December.
- Accessibility: Read Hampton Court Palace’s accessibility information and access guide before visiting.
Tips & Advice
- Book ahead if you are a Historic Royal Palaces member: members visit free, but pre-booking is required.
- Choose an extended-opening date if you want an early-evening visit; the final timeslot is 17:30 on those dates.
- Use the undecorated historic routes if you want to explore the palace’s history away from festive displays.
- Read the palace accessibility guide before visiting to plan your route and check the access information.
- If driving, arrive early because on-site parking is limited and spaces are first come, first served.
Special Events & Promotions
- Historic Royal Palaces members go free but must pre-book.
- Extended opening applies on select dates: 9–11, 16–17 and 19–30 December.
- The experience is new for 2026.
- The Festive Fayre is a separate offering on 4–6 and 11–13 December.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Winter Palace suited for?
The experience is for all ages and is described as a family experience.
What can visitors experience inside the palace?
Explore festive palace rooms with immersive sets, soundscapes, live music and actors, and encounter puppets and mythical creatures.
Are there routes without festive displays?
Yes. Undecorated historic routes remain open for visitors who prefer to explore the palace without the festive displays.
Is food available during a visit?
Festive food and drink are available during the visit.
What accessibility information should visitors consult?
The palace recommends reading its accessibility information and access guide ahead of the visit.
More Christmas Events near Surbiton
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