Enjoy a special Christmas at Holkham

Holkham Hall in North Norfolk is once again preparing to welcome visitors to one of the UK’s most spectacular Christmas experiences.

Returning from 29^th November to 30^th December 2026, Holkham Hall by Candlelight promises a bold creative vision, transforming the magnificent Palladian house into an immersive festive wonderland filled with colour, imagination and theatrical storytelling – and, for the first time, visitors will be encouraged to dance their cares away. A new collaboration with Dr Peter Lovatt (better known as Doctor Dance) will see visitors finish their visit in true disco style with an energetic finale in the Old Kitchen. Via a bespoke installation, visitors will learn about the benefits of movement and be encouraged to learn a dance to help shake off the cares and pressures of Christmas and share the joy.

This year’s experience is an immersive journey through a series of extraordinary worlds. Created by an exceptional team of designers, artists and makers, each State Room has been transformed into a theatrical installation inspired by nature, fairytales, celebration and the magic of Christmas. Together they create one unforgettable experience where every doorway reveals a completely new scene, from romantic floral dreamscapes and underwater kingdoms to whimsical circus spectaculars and a glittering dancing doctor.

Guests visiting before Christmas will enjoy a complimentary glass of fizz and a mince pie, included in the ticket price (except certain dates where refreshments are not included). Visitors can choose between a self-guided experience, allowing them to explore the Hall at their own pace on selected dates from 29^th November to 23^rd December (Adults £36, Children £18), or a guided tour on 14^th December (Adults £40, Children £20), offering additional insight into this year’s spectacular displays.

A JOURNEY THROUGH THE STATE ROOMS

Visitors will be welcomed beneath Holkham Hall’s red bow before stepping inside to discover breathtaking seasonal displays, atmospheric lighting and beautifully curated installations throughout the house. Each room has its own distinct theme, creating a magical progression through the Hall.

• Floribunda… Where Christmas Blooms – Marble Hall: The journey begins with Floribunda, a romantic celebration of flowers featuring soft greens, delicate pinks, abundant blooms and elegant ribbons.
• The Secret Winter Garden – North Dining Room: The Walled Garden brings Holkham’s gardens indoors with a beautifully imagined winter scene. A greenhouse and potting shed display, frosted vegetable beds, sculptural trees crafted from garden paraphernalia, and graceful Canada geese overhead create a tribute to the estate’s landscape.
• Beneath the Christmas Sea – Statue Gallery: An underwater Christmas transports visitors beneath the waves into an immersive world of coral reefs, jellyfish, mermaids and sunken treasure, all reimagined with a magical Christmas twist.
• The Great Christmas Feast – South Drawing Room: Holly and Ivy take centre stage with a lavish Christmas feast, rich greenery, elegant tablescapes and magnificent styling surrounded by Christmas trees.
• The Heart of Christmas – Saloon: The spectacular Saloon will once again showcase a soaring Christmas tree standing more than 14 feet tall, richly decorated in vibrant red and complemented by striking floral displays throughout the room.
• The Greatest Show – South Dining Room: A theatrical circus-inspired installation brings colour and imagination to the space, featuring big tops, circus animals and whimsical scenes.
• Razzle Dazzle – Landscape Room: A shimmering gold and silver scheme, complete with fringing, strings of pearls, glittering mirrors and elegant candelabras, creating a timeless setting inspired by classic Christmas glamour.
• Moment of Wonder – The Chapel: Step into a serene space of light and sound, where candlelight and subtle nativity details create a sense of calm, reflection and Christmas wonder.
• Kitchen Disco – Old Kitchen: The experience concludes in the Old Kitchen, transformed into an elegant festive disco where sparkling decor, music, cocktails and dancing create a joyful finale. New for 2026, Holkham is collaborating with Doctor Dance to bring this spectacular finale to life, adding an extra layer of movement, energy and playfulness to the experience. Visitors will be encouraged to let their hair down and join in the celebrations, creating an exuberant finale to their journey through the Hall.

Dr Peter Lovatt, founder of Doctor Dance, says: “Christmas is such a wonderful time for bringing people together, and dancing is one of the simplest ways we can turn that feeling of togetherness into something we actually experience. Dance can lift our mood, help us connect with other people and, importantly, it’s enormous fun. I love the idea that after journeying through all these extraordinary rooms at Holkham, visitors can become part of the final installation and join the kitchen disco. Whatever your age or dancing ability, I hope people will let go for a few minutes, have a dance together and leave Holkham with a smile on their face and perhaps a little more spring in their step.”

Holkham’s Christmas installations champion local suppliers and Norfolk-based creatives – all oozing incredible artisan skill. Whilst many of the decorations feature locally grown greenery and reusable materials.

The Countess of Leicester says: “Christmas at Holkham has always been about creating moments that stay with people long after they leave. Every year we look to surprise returning visitors while remaining true to the warmth and generosity of the season. This year’s journey is joyful, imaginative and beautifully crafted, celebrating not only the magic of Christmas but also the extraordinary creativity of the talented designers, artists and makers who bring Holkham Hall to life.”

Catherine Zoll, Creator of Christmas at Holkham, adds, “Each room has been designed to transport visitors into a completely different world. We wanted people to feel a sense of wonder from the moment they step through the doors, discovering unexpected colours, theatrical installations and playful storytelling around every corner. From romantic florals and magical underwater scenes to circus spectacle and an unforgettable festive finale, this year’s experience is our boldest and most immersive Christmas at Holkham yet.”

FESTIVE FAMILY DAY

Returning for 2026 is the much-loved Festive Family Day on Saturday 19^th and Sunday 20^th December, offering a magical version of the Holkham Hall by Candlelight experience created especially for younger visitors. Children can enjoy special interactive moments, meet Father and Mother Christmas, spend time with the mischievous Jingle Elves and discover plenty of surprises along the way.

AND THE MAGIC CONTINUES…

The celebrations don’t end on Christmas Day. Twixmas at Holkham (27^th – 30^th December) offers a memorable way to round off the holidays. Visitors are invited to make the most of those in-between days and soak up the last of the Christmas magic with a visit to Holkham Hall by Candlelight before the decorations are packed away (Adults £32, Children £16). Alongside the Hall experience, guests can also enjoy peaceful winter walks through Holkham Park and along Holkham beach, seasonal treats in the Courtyard Café, and post-Christmas browsing in the Gift Shop.

MORE FESTIVE HIGHLIGHTS

• Christmas Market (11^th-13^th December): More than 60 of Norfolk’s finest independent makers, producers and artisans will gather in the Lady Elizabeth Wing for Holkham’s much-loved Christmas Market. Visitors can browse handcrafted gifts, artisan food and drink, festive homeware, jewellery and unique seasonal treats, making it the perfect place to complete Christmas shopping while supporting local businesses.
• An Audience with Father Christmas (21^st–22^nd December): Families can enjoy an unforgettable immersive musical experience set within Holkham Hall, where Father and Mother Christmas welcome guests into their festive world. With entertainment from the Jingle Elves, and a magical audience in the magnificent Saloon, this is a Christmas experience designed to create treasured family memories.
• Craft Workshops (various dates in November & December): From wreath making and block printing to candle making, calligraphy and a floragami paper flower workshop, Holkham’s winter programme invites visitors to slow down, get creative and take inspiration from the season.
• Carols in the Courtyard (3^rd December): A free-to-attend festive singalong in the Courtyard, led by Your Choir, with donations raising funds for charity.
• Canine Carol Service (21^st December): A festive outdoor carol service for dogs and their owners, with Christmas music and seasonal cheer.

Tickets sell fast – early booking is strongly recommended. For full details and to book, visit holkham.co.uk