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Winter Palace

Inside Story Issue 60

As the nights draw in and winter settles over Hampton Court Palace, we are weaving a very special Christmas spell to awaken our mythical beasts for the party season. This year, they will take centre stage in our festive celebration. Join us and let the magic begin!

Promotional pictures for "Winter Palace 2026" a costumed tail poking out from behind a gate leading onto Base Court.

Yes – you shall go to the ball! This year, we’ve dreamt up a brand-new festive tradition, Winter Palace: The Christmas Beast Ball, inspired by the marvellous, mythical creatures that live all over the palace. Some lurk in hidden corners, others in full glorious view across the Moat Bridge. Gaze up underneath a gateway, or scan a ceiling, look closely at a carved detail and you’ll discover lions, unicorns and other bizarre heraldic creatures (a swivelling-horned yale, anyone?) each with its own story and symbolism.

Over the festive period, discover the spirit of Christmas in historic rooms dressed in wintry blues and shimmering silvers, where costumed performances and merry music whisk you away to the ball of the palace beasts.

Along the way, you’ll encounter friendly mythical creatures, moments of mischief and perhaps even tiptoe past a sleeping dragon, dreaming his way through the festivities. Meanwhile, Seymour Panther, the palace’s Lord of Revels, ensures the festivities never lose their sparkle.

Meet the beasts

Panther

Meet the Winter Palace’s Lord of Revels - master of mischief. With a flourish of his whiskers and a flick of his tail, he ensures the Christmas Beast Ball never loses its sparkle.

Winter Phoenix

The Winter Palace's miracle of midwinter, forever rising from the frost and snow. She emerges through the Christmas Beast Ball in a burst of colour and light, reminding all who gather that even the coldest nights can spark something spectacular.

Unicorn Foal

Meet the Winter Palace's most precious inhabitant, blinking at the world with enormous, wondering eyes. They say she only appears to those who still believe. It seems she has found exactly the right place, and if she turns her gaze to you, you are believed in too!

Dragon Guardian

Meet the Winter Palace's ancient keeper of time - sentinel of secrets, guardian of ages. With one eye always open and a wisdom older than winter itself, he watches over every Christmas Beast Ball from within the deepest, most magical slumber.

Step in. Let the magic begin

Step into the festive magic as part of your visit. Login in to pre-book your free member ticket.

Winter Palace

28 November 2026 - 03 January 2027

You are invited to a celebration like no other. It's festive. It's mystical. And it's brand new for 2026. Start a new unforgettable Christmas family tradition. Pre-booking required. 

See for free

More to explore

There’s even more to enjoy at Hampton Court Palace this Christmas. Eat, shop and be merry at our popular Festive Fayre on 04–06 and 11–13 December (pre-booking required), or take to our famous ice rink with your member discount (additional ticket required). 

Father and daughter skating at Hampton Court Palace.

Win ice skating tickets

Enter our competition for your chance to win five tickets for you and your guests to enjoy a magical skating session together at the Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink. To enter, click below and complete the entry form by 31 October. Terms and conditions apply.

Enter competition

Festive events for members across our palaces

Make even more of the festive season with special events just for members across our palaces. 

Discover more

A Medieval Christmas Tradition - A Victorian Recipe!

Tempted to try something different for Christmas dinner this year? A baked boar's head was a medieval tradition at Christmas that continued for centuries. Join us inside the Historic Kitchens at Kew Palace to follow famous Victorian chef Charles Elmé Francatelli's recipe step-by-step. 

Watch on YouTube

Gift membership this Christmas

Give your loved one a gift they’ll treasure this Christmas. From £75, a Historic Royal Palaces membership unlocks a year of unforgettable adventures at the UK’ s most iconic royal palaces and gardens.

Gift membership