Christmas at Hillsborough Castle

Hillsborough Castle will open its doors this December, allowing visitors to discover festive traditions through the ages, with a series of new and interactive tours designed to immerse guests with the spirit of Christmas in the Victorian era.

Christmas in 1850 at Hillsborough Castle saw the Hill family and their staff preparing for the Grand Twelfth Night Ball and the Earl of Hillsborough’s 5^thbirthday celebrations, alongside the family’s annual festive traditions.

Throughout designated days in December, visitors will find household staff preparing for festivities on arrival, and with the help of costumed, character guides, will discover the origin of some of Hillsborough Castle & Gardens’ long-standing Christmas traditions and the festive feast.

Father Christmas will also be in attendance at the Castle, and at the end of the tours, children can meet the man himself and receive a sweet treat to take home.

Crafters can also enjoy a weekend of Christmas wreath making on Friday 09 and Saturday 10 December, where ivy, holly berries and festive foliage will be plucked from the royal gardens and weaved together to handmake a wreath for the season. Participants will be guided by the talented and experienced hands of Lorna Brownlee, Hillsborough Castle and Garden’s resident florist, who will share skills that can be used for years to come.

Hillsborough Castle is also home to the Christmas at Hillsborough light trail which returns for its second year on Thursday 01 December. The spectacular trail will provide an enchanting walk throughout the royal gardens, with over a million twinkling lights and seasonal sounds creating festive magic for the whole family. For the first time, Hillsborough Castle itself will be illuminated, signifying the mid-point of the trail between enchanted forests, a meadow of light, the heart tunnel and snowflake reflections lighting up the paths.