Historic Royal Palaces have announced a line-up of events. At Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, visitors can enjoy scarecrow displays, welly tossing, and winding mazes, alongside a full programme of nature trails, craft workshops, a pumpkin patch, and lively storytelling throughout the week.
At Hampton Court Palace, there will be ghostly spirits that roam the corridors and mysterious figures that lurk in shadowy corners, creating an experience for brave visitors. There will be exclusive evening palace ghost tours.
Meanwhile, at the Tower of London, guests can immerse themselves in chilling sights and sounds, weaving through cobbled paths and ancient battlements while encountering ghosts tied to the Tower’s dark and fascinating past.
A festive line-up for Christmas experiences across historic sites will include Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, and The Gruffalo’s Child brings a tale to life through an immersive family trail in the “deep dark wood”. The Tower of London celebrates with The Spirit of Christmas, a Victorian-themed event featuring traditional music and a performance of A Visit from St. Nicholas. Meanwhile, Kensington Palace marks 190 years since Princess Victoria’s 1836 Christmas with atmospheric displays inspired by her countryside celebrations.
Highlight of 2026: The Winter Palace – A Christmas Beast Ball
Running from 28 November to 3 January and included in admission to Hampton Court Palace, this brand-new offer transforms the historic palace into an enchanting world. Groups can wander through the palace’s State rooms to discover installations, meet friendly puppets and gentle mythical creatures as the story is woven through live performance and music.
All events are included with palace admission
- Halloween at the palaces: 24 October – 1 November 2026
- The Gruffalo’s Child: 28 November – 3 January 2027 Hillsborough Castle and Gardens
- The Spirit of Christmas: 27–31 December Tower of London
- Victoria’s Countryside Christmas: 25 November – 3 January 2027 Kensington Palace
- Winter Palace: A Christmas Beast Ball: 28 November to 3 January 2027 Hampton Court Palace
For more information on Historic Royal Palaces, click here.
