A Family Christmas at Borde Hill
This winter, experience the magic of Christmas at Borde Hill. From 30th November to 22nd December, the Garden will be open from 10am to 3:30pm, welcoming families for a day of festive fun.
Children can write their letters to Santa and explore the Garden on an uplifting Christmas story trail, or for an additional charge, book to visit Santa in his magical grotto (weekends only).
Throughout the event, embrace the beauty of the season with an enchanting winter walk that the whole family can enjoy. As you explore the Garden, immerse yourselves in the stunning views before warming up with a cup of hot chocolate or mulled wine from Ginkgo Coffee Shop or the Gardeners’ Retreat Café, or browse our Garden Shop which will be open brimming with gifts for all the family.
Plan your Christmas visit by taking a look at what’s on below.
10:00pm – 3.30pm
Ivy’s Sparkling
Snow Ball Adventure
Daily Kids Trail in the Garden
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!
Cost: The trail is free to Members, or £4.50 per child, plus admission and includes a prize. It follows a circular route around the Garden and is available from 10am-3.30pm.
Santa’s Grotto
Book a 30 minute experience that includes festive crafts in Santa’s Workshop, followed by a visit to see the man himself in his Grotto, where each child will receive a Christmas gift.
🎄 Festive Fun in Santa’s Workshop
Ticket holders will be greeted by one of Santa’s elves who will take them through to their Workshop where the festive fun begins. Here, young visitors can enjoy decorating a door hanger to guide Santa to their home, creating their own mischievous elf, and colouring a charming wooden ornament to take home and hang on their Christmas tree.
🎅 Visit Santa in his Grotto
On the ring of Santa’s bell, it’s time for an audience with the great man himself. One of his merry elves will lead each family through to his magical grotto, where children will have their special moment with Santa. The man in red will be ready to listen to their Christmas wishes before giving out a present to each child.
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 so the festive fun can continue all day long.
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 £6.00 (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:
Saturday 30th November – Sunday 1st December
Saturday 7th – Sunday 8th December
Saturday 14th – Sunday 15th December
Saturday 21st – Sunday 22nd December (Sun 22nd fully booked)
30 minute sessions at:
9:30am, 10:15am, 11:00am, 11:45am, 1:30pm, 2:15pm & 3:00pm
Cost: £15.00, including Members (entry to the Grotto for 1 Child and 1 supervising Adult). One additional Adult can access the Grotto for £6.00. Tickets include complimentary entry to the Garden for the same Child and Adult.
Christmas Workshops
You may also be interested in our festive workshops taking place in the Animal Room inside Borde Hill House, or our evening of Christmas Wine Tasting inside Ginkgo Coffee Shop – spaces are limited and booking is required.
Thursday 14th November
2:00pm – 4:00pm
Botanical Christmas Card Painting Workshop
Embrace the festive spirit at our Botanical Christmas Card Painting Workshop, where you can create a personalised watercolour Christmas card for someone special or as a keepsake for yourself.
Friday 15th November
10:30pm – 12:30pm
Christmas Candle Making Workshop
During this relaxed two-hour masterclass you’ll create your own personalised scented Christmas candle, ideal for adding warmth to your seasonal tablescape, or for giving as a gift.
Friday 29th November
17:30pm – 19:15pm
Christmas Wine Tasting Evening
Step into the cosy ambiance of Ginkgo Coffee Shop for an exclusive after-hours evening of exceptional wine tasting, delightful learning, and a dash of festive fun with South Downs Cellars.
Tuesday 26th November, Tuesday 3rd December & Thursday 5th December, 10:00pm – 12:00pm
Christmas Wreath Making Workshop
Join professional florist, Barbara Mole 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.
