This Christmas at Hever Castle, spend quality time with loved ones and enjoy a seasonal experience to remember, now in its 17th year. The magical Christmas Lights experience starts from 16:00 when you can wrap up warm and enjoy a walk under the stars to explore the grounds. Witness the enchantment of the Castle, gardens and lake festooned with fabulous colours and twinkling lights, capturing the spirit of Christmas.
Click the button below to find out what’s on and when this Christmas.
Tickets on sale:
• Tickets are now on sale to Annual Members and the general public.
• Pre-booked tickets must be booked online.
• We cannot take bookings over the phone.
In the period 18 Nov – 1 Jan, please note that:
• Only Christmas tickets are available – all tickets include access to the Castle & Gardens.
• Pre-booking is essential for Father Christmas and recommended for admission to avoid disappointment and to save money.
• Tickets will remain in your basket for 20 mins for you to complete your purchase. After this time, they will automatically go back on sale.
• Twilight Tickets are charged at a premium rate and are chargeable to annual members (see prices below).
Before booking, you must read the Important Information below.
If your question is not answered below you can ask ‘Santa’s Little Helper’ a chatbot. If the box doesn’t appear to ask your question, simply click the 3 dots at the top of the bot to ‘Start Again’.
• You can book Daytime or Twilight tickets.
• Please select your grounds entry time.
• Children’s tickets to visit Father Christmas must include ‘Father Christmas’ in the description and will include your Grotto entry time. This will be later than your grounds entry time.
Last exit times shown are for exit from the grounds not for individual activities. All other times can be found in the information above.
See here for any other ticket types not mentioned above.
Before booking your tickets we suggest you take a look at the full list of activities provided and the dates and times that these are available. Attractions, shops and eateries will start closing before the final exit time.
As much of this experience is outdoors we recommend you wrap up warm and pop on your wellies or suitable shoes.
This download provides a quick guide but full details can be found below.
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS & ILLUMINATIONS available from 16:00 only
The magical Christmas Lights experience starts from 16:00 when you can wrap up warm and enjoy a walk under the stars to explore the grounds. Witness the enchantment of the Castle, gardens and lake festooned with fabulous colours and twinkling lights, capturing the spirit of Christmas.
Bring torches and pop on your wellies to see Hever Castle’s much-loved gardens lit up with glorious colour washes, spectacular illuminations and music.
Wander further afield for a trip into ‘space’ where the bright moon shines and illuminated planets fill the evening skies.
CASTLE available daily.
In the Castle you will be met with beautiful traditionally decorated rooms, welcoming log fires and twinkling Christmas trees.
Audio Guides will not be available during the Christmas experience.
The Castle is open:
10:30 – 15:30 on 24 & 31 December
10:30 – 17:00 on 22, 23, 29 & 30 November
12:00 – 19:30 on all other dates
CHRISTMAS TRAIL – THE LOST IN THE FESTIVE FOREST available daily
Explore the charming ‘Lost in the Festive Forest’ Christmas Trail with Red the squirrel and discover the story of Ted the lost bear who Red helps to find his way home.
The Christmas Trail is open:
10:30 – 16:00 on 24 & 31 December
10:30 – 17:30 on 22, 23, 29 & 30 November
11:30 – 20:00 on all other dates
FAIRGROUND RIDES available daily, additional charges apply
The fairground rides consists of the Gallopers, a Big Wheel and a Children’s Train Ride.
The Fairground Rides are open:
11:00 – 16:00 on 24 & 31 December
11:00 – 17:30 on 22, 23, 29 & 30 November
12:00 – 20:00 on all other dates
All tickets must be purchased on the day from the designated Ticket Hut opposite the Information Hut. The Ticket Hut will accept cash and card, at £2 per ticket, 5 for £9 or 10 for £18.
Big Wheel Restrictions:
Galloper Restrictions:
Train Ride Restrictions:
These restrictions are for your safety and there are no exceptions.
CHARACTERS available weekends from the 18 Nov – 3 Dec and daily from the 6 – 24 Dec and 27 Dec – 1 Jan.
As well as exploring the captivating displays on the trail, meet characters from the Festive Forest as you wander through the gardens.
The characters are in the grounds:
11:00 – 16:00 on 24 & 31 December
12:00 – 20:00 on all other dates
BOAT TRIPS
To discover the beauty and serenity of the lake on the Lady Astor and take in the stunning views, head to the Edwardian boathouse on the lakeside near the Loggia. You can watch a video of the Boat Trips from 2022 here and here.
Available from 13:00 – 18:00:
Saturday & Sunday 18, 19, 25 & 26 November 2023
Saturday & Sunday 2 & 3 December 2023
Friday, Saturday & Sunday 8, 9 & 10 December 2023
Friday Saturday & Sunday 15, 16 & 17 December 2023
Friday 22 December 2023
All tickets must be purchased on the day from the Old Boathouse. They will accept cash and card, at £12 per adult and £6 per child (age 1 and over).
All dates are weather dependent.
DEMONSTRATIONS
On the following dates you can meet florist Emma Fuller-Wilke and watch as she creates Christmas wreaths and table centrepieces.
The Christmas Wreath demonstration will be at 12:30 and the Christmas table centrepiece demonstration will be at 15:30.
Both demonstrations will last 30 minutes and take place in the Garden Exhibition.
November: 29, 30
December: 6, 8, 14, 15
OTHER ATTRACTIONS
The Play Areas, Yew Maze, Garden Exhibition and Military Museum will all be open daytime only until 16:00.
Lake Walk will all be open daytime only until 15:15.
The Miniature Model Houses will be open until 30 minutes before last exit.
Appreciate relaxed Christmas shopping in the Gift Shops, and sample delicious festive food in the restaurants and kiosks.
A list of food and drink outlets available in the grounds during the Christmas experience is available below.
For carvery information please email [email protected]
For pre-visit dining, The Waterside Bar, Restaurant & Terrace is situated at Hever Golf & Wellbeing, just one mile from the Castle & Gardens entrance. Festive lunches are available on select dates. Pre-booking is advisable.
For an extra special visit, nothing says ‘Christmas’ quite like a visit to Father Christmas at Hever Castle (only available on selected dates). Travel through the grotto, meet cheerful elves and wander along the paths to the Toy Workshop until you get to Father Christmas to meet the big man himself to receive a soft toy gift.
Father Christmas is only available on these dates:
18 & 19 November (Saturday & Sunday)
24, 25 & 26 November (Friday, Saturday & Sunday)
1, 2 & 3 December (Friday, Saturday & Sunday)
6 – 24** December (Daily)
** NB. Last entry to the Grotto is 15:45 on the 24 December.
Nothing says ‘Christmas’ quite like a visit to Father Christmas at Hever Castle (only available on selected dates). Travel through the grotto, meet cheerful elves and wander along the paths until you get to Father Christmas to meet the big man himself to receive a soft toy gift.
There will be no drop-in Father Christmas for 2023.
Download the table to find out what time slots will go on sale for visits to Father Christmas.
Standard charges apply to visitors with accessible needs, general admission for carers is free of charge. For carers in your party, please select the Carer ticket when making your booking. Proof of disability will be requested on arrival, which may include a Blue Badge, statement of special educational needs from LEA or NHS, a letter from a medical professional on NHS headed paper, a DLA or PIP letter from the Department of Work & Pensions, Attendance Allowance, Incapacity Benefit or a National DID Card. We do not accept carer cards. Failure to provide proof will mean that you will be charged the full rate on entry.
Accessible parking for blue badge holders is available.
Our access guide and access page can be found here.
SEN Father Christmas
This year we are launching our SEN Father Christmas Grotto. This experience will take place on 19th December from 11:00 to 12:00 (10:30 arrival in the grounds) and be tailored to children with SEN requirements. There will be just 16 tickets available this year but we are looking to expand this for 2024. Our fully trained Grotto staff will ensure the space is calm and welcoming, so that visitors do not feel overwhelmed. Communication picture cards will be available.
To register your interest and receive information on tickets and how to purchase them – this will be at a later date – please email [email protected].
Q: I have lost my ticket, what can I do?
A: Enter your email address here and we will re-send all of your tickets for upcoming events.
If your ticket email did not arrive the usual culprit is a mistyped email address, but remember to check your junk mail folder too. If you can provide the details you used when purchasing your tickets here we’ll search for them.
Q: Can I bring my dog to Christmas at Hever Castle?
A: We welcome dogs in the grounds, both during the day and for the twilight experience, as long as they’re kept on a lead at all times.
With the exception of assistance dogs, dogs are not allowed inside the Grotto, cafés, restaurants, shops, Castle or play areas.
There is a stand where dogs can be tied and left in the Castle Courtyard if you wish to visit the castle, but this is not supervised, and they are left at your own risk.
Q: What is the difference between Daytime and Twilight tickets?
A: Those booking Twilight Christmas tickets will enjoy the experience at night with the castle and gardens illuminated from 16:00 – 20:30. Visitors attending the daytime experience must arrive at the time slot booked, lights go on at 16:00 and final exit is at 18:00 (except on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve when last exit is 16:30). All visitors must enter the grounds at the time slot chosen.
Q: How long is the experience?
A: We recommend that you allow at least 2.5 hours for your experience. The length of the experience will be dependent upon on how many activities you take part in, the number and age of people in your party and the number of tickets sold for that day. Please note that attractions will start to close before last exit, see individual activities for timings.
Q: If I have booked for the Daytime experience, can I stay for the Twilight experience?
A: Daytime ticket holders are welcome to stay for the first two hours of the Twilight experience but last exit for Daytime visitors is 18:00 (except on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve when last exit is 16:30). Visitors must arrive at your allotted arrival time to the grounds. Visitors cannot leave the grounds to return later unless they have a valid Twilight ticket.
Q: Can I upgrade my ticket to annual membership?
A: This upgrade offer is not available during the Christmas event.
Q: Can I just visit the Gardens Only if I want to?
A: There are no Gardens Only tickets for 2023 as the Castle is a free addition this Christmas. During this time there are no Castle upgrade fees for Garden Only annual members.
Of course, if you don’t want to visit the Castle during Christmas then that’s absolutely fine as there is plenty more to do!
If you are a Garden Only annual member and you wish to visit the Gardens Only then pre-booking is not necessary mid-week outside of school holidays, just show your annual membership card at the entrance.
Q: Can children who are not booked to see Father Christmas enter the grotto?
A: If no one in your party is booked to see Father Christmas then you cannot enter the grotto.
Q: I’m meeting friends and family. How can I make sure we all meet up together?
A: Please note that there is more than one car park. On arrival you will be met by staff to guide you to the car park that is open for use. If you have accessible needs, please notify a member of staff. If you are meeting friends and family unfortunately we cannot guarantee that you will be located in the same car park. Please make sure that all members of your party have a copy of your booking reference. Should you arrive at different car parks you can then access through different entrances and meet at an agreed location.
Q: What is this year’s theme?
A: The theme for Christmas 2023 is ‘Lost in the Festive Forest’. On the Christmas Trail you will discover a new story of Christmas created by our talented Design Manager Caz Pagden. The charming trails sees Red the squirrel discover the story of Ted the lost bear who Red helps to find his way home.
The Castle will be dressed traditionally.
Q: I have booked for the wrong day – can I transfer over to another day?
A: No, we are unable to offer exchanges or refunds once tickets have been purchased. It is noted at the point of booking that you need to make sure that you have chosen the right date and time slot at the time of making your booking.
Q: Why are you using a queueing system?
A: Due to high levels of demand and our limited inventory we need to ensure that there is a fair process in place for all those who wish to purchase tickets, whilst providing additional safeguards.
The queuing system provides the following benefits:
Q: What can I expect while in the queue?
A: Once you enter the queue you will be assigned a queue position. While in the queue you will be told your position and your estimated waiting time. The speed of the queue (and your estimated wait time) might increase or decrease during your wait – this is perfectly normal. While we will try to minimise your time in the queue, your wait time is impacted by the people in the queue in front of you. Things such as how quickly people are completing their purchases or if people who are in front of you decide to leave the queue will impact how quickly you progress through the queue. Once you have reached the front of the queue you will be transferred to the ticketing pages where you can complete your purchase. Please note that if you navigate away from these pages and re-start your journey you may have to queue again.
Q: Why is there a booking charge?
Due to the high cost, it is necessary to pass on booking costs for special events like Christmas to our visitors as many other attractions do with experiences of a similar nature.
Q: My tickets haven’t arrived by email, what should I do?
A: The usual culprit is a mistyped email address but remember to check your junk mail folder too. If you provide the details you used when purchasing your tickets we’ll search for them here.
Q: I want to move my booking
A: Tickets are non-transferable. This is highlighted throughout the booking process and in the Important Information which you have to accept before completing your purchase.
Q: I want to cancel my booking and get a refund
A: We are not able to offer any changes, exchanges or refunds once tickets have been purchased unless the event is cancelled. Any refunds made due to event cancellation will be less any booking fees, donations or refund protection charges incurred.
Please be sure that you choose the correct date and time slot time when making your booking. Tickets are non-transferable. This is highlighted throughout the booking process.
Q: I want to buy extra tickets for a date/time that is sold out
A: It is not possible to buy extra tickets for dates or times that are sold out. Ticket numbers are limited.
Q: No tickets are loading on my screen, why is this?
A: If you are using Internet Explorer this might be the cause. This browser is no longer supported anymore due to Microsoft not supporting it and security issues, so you will need to use another browser such as Edge, Chrome, Firefox or Safari.
Q: Can I book Christmas tickets at the Ticket Huts or Information Hut?
A: We cannot pre-book tickets on for you. However, tickets can be purchased at the ticket huts on the day of your visit, subject to availability. We advise pre-booking to avoid disappointment.
If your question is not answered above you can ask ‘Santa’s Little Helper’ a chatbot. If the box doesn’t appear to ask your question, simply click the 3 dots at the top of the bot to ‘Start Again’.
Before booking, you must read the Important Information above.
Other Ticket Types
During the Christmas experience we are unable to offer concession or family tickets due to the additional expenses and resources that the Christmas experience requires.
Carers and access guide
Standard charges apply to visitors with accessible needs, general admission for carers is free of charge. For carers in your party, please select the Carer ticket when making your booking. Proof of disability will be requested on arrival, which may include a Blue Badge, statement of special educational needs from LEA or NHS, a letter from a medical professional on NHS headed paper, a DLA or PIP letter from the Department of Work & Pensions, Attendance Allowance or Incapacity Benefit. We do not accept carer cards. Failure to provide proof will mean that you will be charged the full rate on entry.
Our access guide can be found here.
B&B and Medley Court Guests
If you have booked to stay in the luxury Bed and Breakfast or our holiday cottage Medley Court during the Christmas experience then you will be given admission tickets on arrival to enjoy the Christmas experience during your stay. After making your room reservation you will be sent an email containing details for how to pre-book to visit Father Christmas should you wish to do so at an additional charge of £15 per child. Father Christmas tickets are limited and are available on a first-come-first-served basis. Please email [email protected] with any questions.
Existing Ticket Holders
If you are already in receipt of some complimentary tickets for Hever Castle & Gardens, these are not valid for Twilight Christmas (for arrival after 16:00), but you can use them for Daytime Christmas tickets. Please select the ‘Existing Ticket Holder’ ticket type when making your booking. You will need to produce your physical tickets when you visit with their separate unique 4 or 5 digit reference, along with your booking confirmation. Visitors that do not bring their complimentary tickets will be charged the full rate on entry.
Booking for this ticket type cannot be made during the Annual Member priority booking window and can only be booked from 11am on 27 September 2023.
Partner Offers
Tesco Clubcard Vouchers, RHS, Historic Houses and Gardeners’ World offers are not valid during the Christmas event.
Cancellations, Exchanges, Transfers and Refunds
Tickets cannot be resold, exchanged, transferred to another date or refunded once tickets have been purchased unless the event is cancelled or covered by refund protection purchased.
Any refunds due to event cancellation will be less any booking fees, donations or refund protection charges incurred.
Please be sure that you choose the correct date and time slot time when making your booking. Tickets are non-transferable. This is highlighted during the booking process.
Refund Protection – Booking Protect (soon to be known as XCover)
Refund Protection (via our partner Booking Protect (soon to be known as XCover)) is available when purchasing tickets for Christmas at Hever Castle. This option is only available at the time of booking, you cannot add it to your order after you have paid. The cost is automatically calculated based on the total amount of your order. This will cover the cost of your tickets should you not be able to attend for a variety of reasons but please read the terms and conditions carefully before purchasing, these are available to read here. Hever Castle cannot advise on the suitability of these enhanced refund terms.
If you have purchased Refund Protection during the booking process (via our partner Booking Protect (soon to be known as XCover), then you may cancel your booking subject to the terms and conditions that are on your Refund Protection confirmation. Any questions about Refund Protection should be directed to Booking Protect (soon to be known as XCover).
Click here if you have purchased Refund Protection and wish to make a refund request (refunds will be issued by Booking Protect (soon to be known as XCover) via a bank transfer regardless of the original payment method).
Adverse Weather Plan and Cancellation Policy
Cancellations will not be offered in the event of poor weather. If you have purchased Refund Protection during the booking process (via our partner Booking Protect (soon to be known as XCover)), then you may cancel your booking subject to the terms and conditions that are on your Refund Protection confirmation. Any questions about Refund Protection should be directed to Booking Protect (soon to be known as XCover).
If Hever Castle determines that the weather on site presents a hazard and a risk to safety and a decision is made to cancel the event, you will be notified by email and you will be informed of the re-booking process if this is feasible. If an alternative date cannot be offered or attended, then a refund will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Any refunds will be less any booking fees, donations or refund protection charges incurred.
Booking Tickets – Reminders, queuing, charges, issues and errors
Q: I have booked for the wrong day – can I transfer over to another day?
A: No, we are unable to offer exchanges or refunds once tickets have been purchased. It is noted at the point of booking that you need to make sure that you have chosen the right date and time slot at the time of making your booking.
Q: I have lost my ticket, what can I do?
A: Enter your email address here and we will re-send all of your tickets for upcoming events.
If your ticket email did not arrive the usual culprit is a mistyped email address, but remember to check your junk mail folder too. If you can provide the details you used when purchasing your tickets here we’ll search for them.
Q: Why are you using a queueing system?
A: Due to high levels of demand and our limited inventory we need to ensure that there is a fair process in place for all those who wish to purchase tickets, whilst providing additional safeguards.
The queuing system provides the following benefits:
Q: What can I expect while in the queue?
A: Once you enter the queue you will be assigned a queue position. While in the queue you will be told your position and your estimated waiting time. The speed of the queue (and your estimated wait time) might increase or decrease during your wait – this is perfectly normal. While we will try to minimise your time in the queue, your wait time is impacted by the people in the queue in front of you. Things such as how quickly people are completing their purchases or if people who are in front of you decide to leave the queue will impact how quickly you progress through the queue. Once you have reached the front of the queue you will be transferred to the ticketing pages where you can complete your purchase. Please note that if you navigate away from these pages and re-start your journey you may have to queue again.
Q: Why is there a booking charge?
Due to the high cost, it is necessary to pass on booking costs for special events like Christmas to our visitors as many other attractions do with experiences of a similar nature.
Q: My tickets haven’t arrived by email, what should I do?
A: The usual culprit is a mistyped email address but remember to check your junk mail folder too. If you provide the details you used when purchasing your tickets we’ll search for them here.
Q: I want to move my booking
A: Tickets are non-transferable. This is highlighted throughout the booking process and in the Important Information which you have to accept before completing your purchase.
Q: I want to cancel my booking and get a refund
A: We are not able to offer any changes, exchanges or refunds once tickets have been purchased unless the event is cancelled. Any refunds made due to event cancellation will be less any booking fees, donations or refund protection charges incurred.
Please be sure that you choose the correct date and time slot time when making your booking. Tickets are non-transferable. This is highlighted throughout the booking process.
Refund Protection (via our partner Booking Protect (soon to be known as XCover)) is available when purchasing tickets for Christmas at Hever Castle. This option is only available at the time of booking, you cannot add it to your order after you have paid. The cost is automatically calculated based on the total amount of your order. This will cover the cost of your tickets should you not be able to attend for a variety of reasons but please read the terms and conditions carefully before purchasing, these are available to read here. Hever Castle cannot advise on the suitability of these enhanced refund terms.
If you have purchased Refund Protection during the booking process (via our partner Booking Protect (soon to be known as XCover)), then you may cancel your booking subject to the terms and conditions that are on your Refund Protection confirmation. Any questions about Refund Protection should be directed to Booking Protect (soon to be known as XCover).
Click here if you wish to make a refund request (refunds will be issued by Booking Protect (soon to be known as XCover) via a bank transfer regardless of the original payment method).
Q: I want to buy extra tickets for a date/time that is sold out
A: It is not possible to buy extra tickets for dates or times that are sold out. Ticket numbers are limited.
Q: No tickets are loading on my screen, why is this?
A: If you are using Internet Explorer this might be the cause. This browser is no longer supported anymore due to Microsoft not supporting it and security issues, so you will need to use another browser such as Edge, Chrome, Firefox or Safari.
Q: Can I book Christmas tickets at the Ticket Huts or Information Hut?
A: We cannot pre-book tickets on for you. However, tickets can be purchased at the ticket huts on the day of your visit, subject to availability. We advise pre-booking to avoid disappointment.
Groups
If you would like to make an inquiry for a booking of 15 or more persons for Christmas 2023 or 2024 please email [email protected].
Christmas Charity
Hever Castle is delighted to be working with two official charity partners for 2023. You will able to donate to these charities at the time of booking if you wish to. Donations will be split equally between the two charities.
Alzheimer’s Society is the UK’s leading dementia charity campaigning for change, research and support services for those who are affected by dementia.
Hospice in the Weald provides free care and support to local people of all ages with terminal illness and their families.
Before booking, you must read the Important Information about this event and confirm that you have read it before you can proceed with your online booking. Tickets are sold subject to these terms and conditions:
Always check details before travelling. Hever Castle reserves the right to close all or part of the Castle, grounds, catering outlets and activities, and to change or cancel events. Tesco Clubcard Vouchers, RHS, Historic Houses and Gardeners’ World offers are not valid during the Christmas event
Please note, the Castle and Gardens are now closed Mondays and Tuesdays until 6 December. Christmas opening hours are now in operation.
If you can’t find the Christmas tickets that you booked, you can click here.
Book your visit to Hever Castle & Gardens.
Within the grounds of the Hever Castle Estate, there are two opportunities for you to stay the night with us.
Hever Castle has played host to many important events and celebrations for over 600 years. In 1903 when William Waldorf Astor set about restoring Hever Castle to its former glory, he added the Astor Wing, to accommodate his family and guests, before creating a lake and the spectacular Italian Garden to house his impressive collection of ancient Greek and Roman statuary.
There are multiple places to eat & drink across the Hever Castle Estate. Select between the Castle & Gardens and Golf Club below to discover more.
Set in the mature grounds of the Hever Castle Estate, Hever Castle Golf Club is a 27 hole Kent golf course that will encourage and inspire all golf enthusiasts.
Set in the mature grounds of the Hever Castle Estate, the Wellbeing Centre consists of five smart treatment rooms.
