27 November 2010– 9 January 2011
Ice at the palace
The Hampton Court Palace ice rink returns in November for another splendid skating season. Set in the truly spectacular surroundings of the palace West Front, this is a family festive event not to be missed.
4-5, 27 December 2010 - 2 January 2011
Tudor cookery
Which dishes rumbled a Tudor tummy? Come in from the cold and feel the heat from the fire in our Tudor kitchens. Experience real smells and sounds as our intrepid team of history chefs experiment with recipes, ingredients and cooking methods to prepare a feast fit for a king.
For more information on Tudor cookery click here or to re-create your own Tudor festive feast at home visit www.tudorcookery.com.
5, 12, 19, 31 December 2010
Ghost tours
See Hampton Court Palace in an eerie new light.
Experience the unique atmosphere of Henry VIII's State Apartments, including the infamous Haunted Gallery, and creep through the deserted courtyards - if you dare!
18-20 December 2010
Carol singing around the palace courtyards
Join us for our annual carol singing around the courtyards of Hampton Court Palace, accompanied by the Epsom & Ewell Silver Band. Promenade around the palace courtyards singing carols to get everyone in the Christmas mood.
This is an outdoor event so please dress warmly. A torch to see the words by is also useful, 6pm-7pm, Pre-booking is essential as tickets sell out quickly 0844 482 7777
21, 22 and 23 December
A Jacobean Christmas
The King James version of the bible was written to be heard rather than read, and what better place to hear the Christmas verses than in the very hall in which James I commissioned it?
This is a Christmas celebration to launch the 400th anniversary year of the publication of the King James Version in 1611: it weaves rich and beautiful Christmas readings and choral settings of biblical verses with carols and scenes depicting the Jacobean context in which this bible came to be. The performance is presented in the magnificent Great Hall and culminates in the great kitchen at Hampton, with mulled wine and minced pies and a finale of carols.
27 December 2010 - 2 January 2011
Tudor Christmas
Join in the festive activities as live costumed interpreters transport you back in time to a Tudor Christmas. Dress up in Tudor cloaks and join Henry VIII's new young wife, Catherine Howard, as she celebrates her first Christmas as Queen at Hampton Court Palace. With songs, stories, music and the king's fool, it'll be a Christmas to remember. Meanwhile in the Tudor Kitchens, our historic cooks will also be preparing suitable festive fare. Come to the King's finest palace and experience the splendors of his court.