Celebrate the Magic of Christmas
This winter, enjoy festive adventures and seasonal experiences set against the beautiful backdrop of Borde Hill’s historic landscape.
The Garden is open daily until 23rd December, and again from 29th December to 3rd January, 10am–3.30pm, with half-price admission throughout.
Families can enjoy a magical Christmas story trail, write letters to Santa, or book a special visit to Santa’s Grotto on selected dates. For those feeling creative, our festive workshops offer the chance to make something special, from beautiful Christmas wreaths to handcrafted gifts and decorations.
Enjoy a peaceful stroll through the Garden, taking in the sweeping winter views across the surrounding Parkland, before warming up with a hot chocolate and a treat from Ginkgo, or sitting down to enjoy seasonal flavours at Edie’s Kitchen. Browse our Gift Shop, filled with handpicked gifts and locally made products for all the family.
Discover what’s on below and plan your Christmas visit.
Closed: Thursday 24th – Monday 28th December
Ivy’s Sparkling Snow Ball Adventure
Daily Kids Trail in the Garden
Children aged 3–8 years old can ignite their imaginations while exploring the Garden on our magical story trail, ‘Ivy’s Sparkling Snow Ball Adventure’.
The Duchess of Winter is returning home early from Snowland where she has been visiting her family, and Ivy’s surprise Snow Ball is at risk of being a frosty flop! There’s no time to spare – Ivy hasn’t even begun planning, and she needs your help to gather everything she and her elf friends need to make the Snow Ball the most magical, glittering event of the season.
Are you ready to join Ivy on this festive quest? Together, we’ll ensure the Snow Ball is ready before the Duchess arrives. But be quick – if the Duchess isn’t pleased, she might just turn us all into ice sculptures! So grab your coats and get ready to sparkle – let’s make this the best Snow Ball ever!
The trail is free to Members, or £3.50 per child, plus admission* and includes a prize. It follows a circular route around the Garden.
*Garden admission is half price throughout the event.
Visit Santa’s Grotto
Book a 30-minute experience filled with festive fun and challenges at Elf Training Camp – before heading into Santa’s Grotto to receive a special Christmas gift.
Despite working hard all year preparing for the big day, Santa has taken time out of his mince-pie packed schedule to meet and greet families at Borde Hill and to hear what’s top of their festive wish lists.
🎄 Step into Elf Training Camp Ticket holders will begin their adventure by joining Elf Training Camp, where novice elves can take part in a series of creative tasks and festive games designed to prepare them for their big moment with Santa. With their activity sheet in hand, children can decorate a festive cup to take home and complete playful, elf-worthy challenges. Once they’ve completed every task, they’ll be officially ready to join Santa’s merry team of star elves!
🎅 Visit Santa in his Grotto On the ring of his bell, families will be led by the Head Elf into the heart of the grotto for a special audience with Santa. Children will have the chance to share their Christmas wishes before receiving a festive gift. Every newly trained elf will also be awarded an official certificate to celebrate their newfound elf skills.
Good to Know - Please Read Before Booking
The event will be inside the Garden Marquee, which will be decorated to provide a magical setting, with tickets including same-day entry to the Garden and Adventure Playground.
All visits to Santa’s Grotto must be pre-booked in advance.
Tickets include entry for 1 child and 1 supervising adult only. Due to limited space, 1 additional adult can enter the Grotto for an extra charge of £6.95 (maximum 2 adults).
Tickets are non-refundable.
Arrive at least 5 minutes before your session and sign in at Visitor Reception – late arrivals may result in entry being refused. Please present your ticket, either on your phone, or a paper copy, on arrival.
Dates available:
Sat 5th, Sun 6th, Sat 12th, Sun 13th, Sat 19th, Sun 20th, Mon 21st, Tues 22nd & Weds 23rd Dec
30 minute sessions at:
9:30am, 10:15am, 11:00am, 11:45am, 1:30pm, 2:15pm, 3:00pm & 3:45pm
Cost: £19.00, including Members (entry to the Grotto for 1 Child and 1 supervising Adult). One additional Adult can access the Grotto for £6.95. Tickets include complimentary entry to the Garden for the same Child and Adult.
Tickets are non-refundable for this event.
Important info:
Dogs are not permitted at this event.
Our Christmas Workshops
You may also be interested in our festive workshops, held in the unique and cosy setting of the Animal Room inside Borde Hill House – spaces are limited and booking is required.
Thursday 12th November 10:30am – 12:30pm
Christmas Votive Candle Workshop
Craft three festive votive candles using a selection of enchanting winter scents – ideal for bringing a festive glow to your home or for gifting to someone special.
Thursday 19th November 10:00am – 3:00pm
Festive Bauble Embroidery Workshop
Discover the joy of festive stitching as you create a beautiful Christmas bauble in an embroidery hoop embellished with fabrics, sparkly trims, and hand stitches.
Weds 25th, Thurs 26th Nov, Weds 2nd & Thurs 3rd Dec, 10:00am – 12:00pm
Christmas Wreath Making Workshops
Join us for this relaxed two-hour workshop where you will craft a traditional 14″ moss-based wreath, using sustainably-sourced materials collected from Borde Hill Estate.
Friday 20th November, 10:00am-3:30pm
Christmas Shop Launch
Festive Finds & Complimentary Guest Entry
Step into the festive spirit early and browse our Gift Shop filled with handpicked gifts and seasonal treats for all the family. From stocking fillers to something special, it’s the perfect opportunity to get ahead on your Christmas shopping.
As a thank you for your support this year, members are invited to bring a guest to the Garden free of charge for a seasonal walk.
Garden admission is not required to browse the Gift Shop.
Following the launch, our Shop will be open 10am to 3.30pm daily until Wednesday 23rd December.
Available Tuesday 24th November to Sunday 3rd January
Festive Dining at Edie’s
Celebrate the festive season at Edie’s Kitchen with a menu inspired by the comforting flavours of winter, from venison ragu and winter squash tart to traditional mince pies with brandy butter ice cream.
Bringing together produce from Borde Hill’s Walled Kitchen and Market Gardens alongside carefully chosen local ingredients, our menu reflects the best of the season.
No reservation is required for lunch.
For dinner reservations (Fridays and Saturdays), please reserve your table in advance using the link below:
For groups of 5 or more guests, we offer a bookable 3-course Set Festive Menu at £40pp. To reserve a table, please email us here.
Christmas Opening: 10am-3pm Tuesday 29th December to Sunday 3rd January
Closed: Thursday 24th to Monday 28th December
