Every Christmas market has a little magic to it, but after visiting a few, they can all start to blur into one. Even Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market loses its sparkle eventually, but this festive market, in the Great Court of a 300-year-old country house, never fails to mesmerise us.
A designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, Blenheim Palace is probably best known for standing in for Buckingham Palace in the Regency romance, Bridgerton. But we’re here to talk about Christmas, not Netflix—and the stunning backdrop of one of England’s biggest houses, to our festive shopping, is an unbeatable seasonal day trip.
A village of traditional wooden chalets will from Friday, November 14 to Sunday, December 21, selling everything from hand-picked Christmas gifts to tasty festive treats. Just 90 minutes from Birmingham, the Christmas market is free to visit too, but you will need a ticket to experience the rest of Christmas at Blenheim Palace.
What else is happening at Blenheim Palace for Christmas?
Blenheim Palace at Christmastime is much more than a market. The after-dark, illuminated trail is always a show stopper—with glowing artworks from international and local artists, and a glimpse of Father Christmas along the way. Plus, you’ll also find its very own ice rink and observation wheel (with a bird’s eye view of the grounds) in the heart of the Great Court.
Step inside the country house itself this Christmas and you’ll discover a Blenheim Palace transformed into the magical Land of Oz. Inspired by L. Frank Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, follow the yellow brick road to the Emerald City, where Dorothy awaits—but keep an eye out for Toto, The Tin Woodman, Scarecrow, Cowardly Lion, as you journey through Blenheim Palace. And why not stop for a spot of afternoon tea?
How much does it cost?
While the Christmas market is free, tickets for the Illuminated Trail and ‘Palace of Oz’ start from £65 for an adult and £42 for a child. Then, to go skating, add on another £12 and £8 for an adult and child. With food, drinks and fairground rides at the market on top, this isn’t looking like a cheap trip, but it’s undeniably one of the most magical experiences you can find in the UK this Christmas.
📍 Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, Oxfordshire, OX20 1UL
🌐 To learn more information about Christmas at Blenheim Palace, head here