There’s nowhere like Hampton Court Palace at Christmas, and this year is no exception as visitors are invited to enjoy the seasonal magic and historic charm. Dressed up with traditional decorations, the Tudor palace will come alive with merry festivities, historic cookery and jolly tunes from the past. 

The roaring fire in Henry VIII’s historic kitchens offers an escape from the chill, where guests can discover the culinary traditions of Christmas past as they experience Tudor cookery in action. From 20 December – 4 January, the Historic Kitchens team will re-create recipes from the Tudor court, providing a glimpse into the lavish Christmas feasts enjoyed centuries ago. 

Hampton Court Palace is a magnificent royal palace, in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, which dates back to the early 16th century. The palace was first constructed for Cardinal Thomas Wolsey, Archbishop of York and the chief minister of Henry VIII, but soon fell into royal hands.

Throughout the Palace, visitors can enjoy live music from musicians playing a mixture of classical tunes and familiar festive melodies. They can then head to the Wine Cellar, where the Palace Hosts will bring the intriguing history of Christmas to life, from tales of festive foods to Charles Dickens. For little ones, the Magic Garden will awaken for a special Christmas opening from 17 December – 4 January, offering a playful outdoor adventure with frosty towers and mythical beasts. 

This year, the much-loved Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink will return, with exciting new activities for families to enjoy. From live ice sculpting displays and a seasonal art exhibition, to DJ sets and a Skating Santa, skaters of all ages and abilities can glide into a day of winter fun. After a skate, visitors can thaw out at the rink’s Café and Bar, which offers hot chocolate, mulled wine and hot toddies. 

Food lovers and gift shoppers can indulge at the bustling Festive Fayre, a Christmas market set in the Great Fountain Garden, running from 12 to 14 December. The gardens will be transformed into a food lover’s paradise, with over 100 stalls offering artisan food and drink, unique presents, stocking fillers and more. For further seasonal cheer, visitors can enjoy live music on the East Front bandstand and go on horse and cart rides through the stunning palace grounds. 

With over 500 years of history to explore, Hampton Court Palace offers an enchanting winter day out. From the lavish Tudor apartments where Queen Elizabeth I once hosted yuletide banquets, to the Great Hall where William Shakespeare performed for King James I during the Christmas festivities of 1603, Hampton Court Palace will bring visitors on a magical journey to the days of Christmas past.

If you or your group would like to start planning a magical winter getaway in 2026, including a visit to Hampton Court Palace at Christmas, please contact our friendly team. Or why not enjoy a tailor-made tour of the UK's royal palaces?

All photos © Historic Royal Palaces.