A Family Christmas at Borde Hill
This winter, experience the magic of Christmas at Borde Hill. From 29th November to 21st December, the Garden will be open, with half price admission, 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.
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, or browse our Garden Shop, brimming with gifts for all the family.
Plan your Christmas visit by taking a look at what’s on below.
The Pony Who Dreamt of Being a Reindeer
Daily Kids Trail in the Garden
Young visitors are invited to join Bella the Pony as she embarks on a quest to locate the Sleigh Team’s missing bell so that the magic of Christmas can remain intact. The fate of the festive season rests upon her tiny hooves!
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.
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.
🎄 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 gingerbread cookie 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 and badge 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 £6.25 (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 29th & Sun 30th Nov, Sat 6th & Sun 7th Dec, Sat 13th & Sun 14th Dec, Sat 20th & Sun 21st Dec
Preschool sessions (9:30am to 11:45am) on Fri 5th & 12th Dec
30 minute sessions at:
9:30am, 10:15am, 11:00am, 11:45am, 1:30pm, 2:15pm & 3:00pm
Cost: £19.00, including Members (entry to the Grotto for 1 Child and 1 supervising Adult). One additional Adult can access the Grotto for £6.25. Tickets include complimentary entry to the Garden for the same Child and Adult.
Tickets are non-refundable for this event.
Our Christmas Workshops
You may also be interested in our festive workshops, taking place inside the unique and cosy setting of the Animal Room inside Borde Hill House – spaces are limited and booking is required.
Thursday 13th November 10:30am – 12:30pm
Christmas Candle Making Workshop
During this relaxed two-hour masterclass, you’ll craft three votive candles from a selection of enchanting winter scents – ideal for bringing a festive glow to your home or gifting to someone special.
Friday 14th November 10:30am – 12:30pm
Festive Calligraphy Bauble Workshop
Embrace the festive spirit by crafting personalised calligraphy baubles using modern ‘faux’ calligraphy techniques – perfect for decorating your tree or gifting to loved ones.
Thursday 20th November 10:00am – 12:30pm
Block Printing Workshop – Festive Gift Sack
Add a personal touch to your gift-giving by designing and printing a drawstring canvas Gift Sack and Tote Bag using a collection of traditional hand-carved Indian woodblocks.
Tuesday 25th November, Tuesday 2nd & Thursday 4th December, 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.
