Every Christmas market is a little bit magical, a little bit different and a little bit special. But you’ll find few that can rival the wonder of Christmas at Blenheim Palace. Traditional wooden chalets selling everything from mulled wine to sweet treats, knitwear, jewellery and ceramics. It’s a scene you’ve likely come to recognise at Birmingham Christmas Market and others.
Taking place in the Great Court of this 300-year-old country house, the stunning backdrop of Blenheim Palace sets it apart from every other market in Britain. So grand is the location, it was used as Buckingham Palace in Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story – including the final ball scene. Visitors to Blenheim Palace can currently see a selection of costumes from the show on display at the palace.
But we’re here to talk about Christmas, not Bridgerton. An hour-and-a-half drive from Brum, the Christmas market runs every day until December 17 filled with artisan gifts and festive foods. It’s free to visit too before 4pm, but if you purchase a ticket to see the rest of Christmas at Blenheim Palace, the market stays open until 8.30pm.
What is happening for Christmas at Blenheim Palace?
Beyond the Christmas market, Blenheim Palace has a brand new Christmas light trail for 2023. From heart-shaped arches to an eight-metre sphere filled with over 20,000 moving lights, the magic just keeps on coming. Elsewhere, you’ll find glowing tunnels filled with stars, the return of the dancing reflections in the colourful Cascades, and even catch a glimpse of Father Christmas along the way.
Step inside of the country house itself and you’ll discover a Blenheim Palace transformed. Retelling the story of Sleeping Beauty, this time with a contemporary twist, each room tells a different chapter in the story. From Princess Aurora’s candle-lit bed-chamber to the Evil Fairy’s spooky wooded lair, this is turning up the magic to eleven this festive period.
Throughout this breathtaking palace – which is one of England’s biggest houses and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 – you’ll also find plenty of festive decorations including a gigantic Christmas Tree in The Great Hall. And with 2000 acres of parkland to explore, plus 300 years of history, you’ll unlikely run out of things to do.
To enjoy all of Christmas at Blenheim Palace adult tickets cost £54.50, but come with a free Annual Pass valid. Children’s tickets start at £34.50, but if you’re heading down as a family of four, you can grab a ticket for £38.75 each. To learn more information about Christmas at Blenheim Palace head here.