This Christmas Blenheim Palace is showcasing a brand new illuminated light trail and exquisitely themed Palace interior. It’s where Christmas memories are made, and we wouldn’t want you to miss out!
Our new Christmas illuminated light trail for 2023 brings together a multitude of twinkling lights, seasonal sounds and festive fun. Now firmly established as an unmissable diary date, our after-dark trail makes for an unforgettable time, with a glimpse of Father Christmas along the way!
Discover heart-shaped arches glittering in the moonlight, glowing tunnels filled with stars and an eight-metre sphere filled with over 20,000 moving lights (which are just a handful of this year’s installations). You will also see the return of the ever-popular dancing reflections in the colourful Cascades after an enchanting Lakeside walk.
Explore Blenheim Palace, transformed to retell the classic fairytale of Sleeping Beauty for a new generation. Each room tells a different chapter in Sleeping Beauty’s story and of course there’s plenty of festive decorations including our gigantic Christmas Tree in The Great Hall.
On the way to Auroura’s candle-lit bed chamber you’ll wander through the Evil Fairy’s spooky wooded lair and into the castle frozen in time. Watch out for spinning wheels and fluttering fairies as you follow the Lilac Fairy helping True Love to reawaken in the castle after 100 very sleepy years…
From Friday 17th November until Sunday 17th December, between 10.30 - 20.30 (excluding the 27th and 28th November, when it closes at 17.00), shoppers and foodies can escape the bustle of The High Street and stock-up on festive goodies at the celebrated Christmas Market in The Great Court.
The seasonal village of wooden chalets offers everything from inspired Christmas gift ideas to tasty treats, and if you have worked up an appetite, there is a tempting selection of street food stalls to share with loved ones under the stars.
Our Sleeping Beauty themed Afternoon Teas will be served throughout Christmas in the recently reopened Orangery restaurant.
Afternoon teas can be added at the end of the booking process, and you’ll need a valid Christmas at Blenheim Palace ticket. To have a sneak peek at the mouth-watering menu, click the button below.
Entry to The Story of Sleeping Beauty is free to existing Annual and Privilege Pass holders until 15.45 daily, except for the following days in December: Saturday 9th, Saturday 16th, Sunday 17th, Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th.
To book a timed entry slot we recommend visitors prebook via our partner See Tickets. Please note that parking charges apply to all visitors after 10.00am.
If donated, tickets for The Story of Sleeping Beauty can be converted to an Annual Pass during your Christmas visit or on the next visit (pass will be valid from the date of your Christmas visit).
Visit the See Tickets FAQs for more information. Read our FAQs.