A Family Christmas at Borde Hill
This winter, experience the magic of Christmas at Borde Hill. From 5th to the 23rd 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 browse our Garden Shop, brimming with gifts for all the family.
Plan your Christmas visit by taking a look at what’s on below.
Saturday 5th – Wednesday 23rd December, 10:00am – 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!
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.
🎄 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 £6.95 (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, taking place inside 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.
