Christmas at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens

This winter season, Historic Royal Palaces brings the Christmas spirit to Hillsborough Castle and Gardens with an enchanted trail inspired by the 12 Days of Christmas. Step into a scene of festive cheer as each verse of the song comes to life in a series of installations across the grounds, all included in general admission.

Begin your journey by the Pear Tree Walkway, where a small partridge perched atop a display of garlands welcomes visitors through sprawling gardens bedecked in Christmas décor. At Lady Alice’s Temple, five shimmering golden wreaths catch the eye, whilst a path from the Lost Garden to the South Terrace leads to a captivating spectacle of nine dancers taking to the stage. The journey culminates on the 12^th Day of Christmas with a show-stopping 15-foot Christmas tree standing tall, circled by twelve decorative drums.

Discover dazzling wintry installations with a polar bear afloat on a boat in the middle of a lake; take a seasonal selfie next to a sleigh laden with gifts in the Pineapple Yard or bask in the Christmas atmosphere by strolling through the Walled Garden, draped in hanging decorations. Families are invited to meet Santa at the Stable Yard Café on select days, with bags of reindeer food to take home. Whilst at the café, indulge in Christmas treats from mince pies to hearty lunches and hot beverages of mulled wine and hot chocolate.

The festivities continue inside the Castle, with grand State Rooms dressed in shimmering Christmas trees and elegant decorations. Nestled inside each room of the royal residence are nods to traditional ornaments, from nutcrackers to other festive touches arranged in Christmas colours of gold, red and green. A stunning one-off performance by one of Northern Ireland’s most distinctive choirs, Cappella Caeciliana, on Sunday 15^th December promises to fill the grounds with the sounds of the season, celebrating an unmissable Christmas experience.