A Highclere Christmas:
Music, Gifts & Joy

Thursday 3^rd to Sunday 6^th December 2026

Step into the festive spirit! We are delighted to welcome visitors for self-guided tours of the Castle State Rooms and Gallery Bedrooms, with an opportunity to view our Christmas decorations.

We hope you will enjoy listening to traditional carols and music as you explore and don't forget to enjoy a winter treat as you pick up perfect Christmas gifts from the Highclere Gift Shop and our wonderful stall holders.

Your ticket includes:

•    Entry to the Castle and Egyptian Exhibition, plus time to admire the Christmas decorations; from the spectacular 24-foot-high Christmas tree in the Saloon to the gorgeous garlands winding down the staircases and more.

•    A chance to enjoy Christmas carols and songs.

•    The opportunity to browse Highclere’s Gift Shop and our Courtyard Christmas Gift Market.

•    A signed copy of Lady Carnarvon’s book, “Christmas at Highclere”.

Tickets are split into four admission times:

•    Morning ticketholders can enter the Castle at any time between 10.00am and 11:30am

•    Midday ticketholders can enter the Castle at any time between 11:00am and 1:00pm

•    Afternoon ticketholders can enter the Castle at any time between 12:30pm and 2:30pm

•    Sunset ticketholders can enter the Castle at any time between 2:00pm and 4:00pm (the advantage for this time is the twinkling lights in the darkness!).

All visitors are welcome to enjoy the Gardens and Grounds from 9:30am – 5:00pm. The Grounds will close promptly at this time. Please note there is no access to the Castle until your scheduled admission time.

The Tea Rooms and Gift Shop will be open all day, as will be the Gardens, weather permitting.

You will also be able to purchase warming coffees and croissants in the morning and a traditional selection of foods for lunch from our Tea Rooms, including delicious homemade soup made in the Castle kitchens, sandwiches, scones, cakes, mince pies and mulled wine.

The following ticket options are available:

* A child ticket is for those aged 4-16 years of age. Children under the age of 4 will receive free admission. Please note that children's tickets do not include a copy of “Christmas at Highclere”.

If you have already visited us at Christmas, and would like to swap your “Christmas at Highclere” book for a “Seasons at Highclere” book, please let us know by emailing [email protected]

Tickets for any of our Public Opening events must be pre-booked.

We will not be selling additional tickets on the day.

Tickets are sold online through this website.

Orders cannot be taken via the telephone.