Holkham Hall in north Norfolk is set to undergo a fabulously creative transformation this Christmas. The magnificent stately home will once again be adorned with sparkling lights, opulent decorations, and scents of the festive season for Holkham Hall by Candlelight.
This year’s festive programme also sees the return of An Audience with Father Christmas, The Christmas Market, Canine Carol Service, and a variety of bespoke craft workshops with local and national makers. Set within 25,000 acres on the majestic North Norfolk coast, Holkham offers a magical location for a truly memorable Christmas experience with loved ones.
Holkham Hall by Candlelight (From 29th November to 30th December)
Get into the festive spirit with a magical candlelit tour of Holkham Hall, an unmissable opportunity to explore the exquisitely decorated state rooms. Every year, each room narrates a unique story crafted in collaboration with a diverse group of talented artists and makers, with The Countess of Leicester and Catherine Zoll at the helm. Visitors are invited to take it all in on a self-led tour, an opportunity to explore the state rooms at their own pace, with Hall guides stationed in each room to share inspiration behind each installation and answer any questions. Guided tours are also available on 5th, 12th and 16th December, perfect to enjoy with friends and family.
The candlelight experience begins in the splendid Marble Hall, where visitors are invited to pause and enjoy the live music and ambience of the Palladian Hall, before stepping into the state rooms.
From the North Dining Room, through to the Old Kitchen via the Statue Gallery and Saloon, the state rooms are transformed into stage sets, each carefully designed and curated to offer inspiration and festive wonder. Rooms are filled with vibrant hues of crimson and scarlet, a show stopping Christmas pudding crafted by LillyPuds, themes of ‘Carnival’ styled and crafted in paper and ribbon by stylist, Alice King; a celebration of the gardener’s favourite bird, the robin, as well as stunning tablescapes and carefully selected locally grown Christmas trees, all decorated with elegant ornaments selected from visits to specialist UK and European Christmas fairs.
Holkham’s iconic 14-foot Christmas tree will be showcased in the Saloon, sourced from local growers at Salle Estate, adorned in a warm and inviting palette of oranges, pinks, plums, and greens. The room’s grandeur will be enhanced by magnificent mantels, beautifully created with help from the Fakenham and District Flower Club.
New for 2024, Holkham is collaborating with Spectacular Projections, the leading provider of 3D projections, to bring wonder and humour to this year’s magnificent ‘crystal and ice’ themed Statue Gallery. Through the magic of 3D mapping visitors will be transported into a unique and immersive festive experience, complete with snow and ice features by FX-Live.
Local sound and lighting providers, Audio Resolution, have created an all-encompassing sound experience in the Chapel, where visitors can take a break, reflect and enjoy the surroundings. The experience finishes in the Old Kitchen, where an impressive ‘Gingerbread Holkham Hall’ will take centre stage – an irresistible feast for the senses and a masterpiece created in collaboration with food artist Emily Garland.
After the tour, visitors are encouraged to visit Holkham’s Courtyard Gift Shop which will be open with gifts and Christmas decorations – a perfect take-away memento. Don’t miss the winter scenes on the glazing of The Courtyard Café and Shop windows created by Georgia May. The Courtyard Café will be dressed by draping expert Boomting Bunting, Georgia Fulcher.
Throughout Twixmas, visitors can visit Holkham and enjoy the beauty of the Park with a leisurely walk, indulge in delicious treats at the café, and explore unique finds at the gift shop. Holkham Hall remains open for self-led tours of the captivating rooms at a reduced price. Pre-booking tickets is highly recommended to ensure availability.
An Audience with Father Christmas (21st, 22nd, 23rd December)
On select dates in December, families are invited to a very special Audience with Father Christmas at Holkham. An immersive journey through the beautifully decorated state rooms, a merry band of all-singing, all-dancing ukulele elves will greet families and take them to meet Father and Mother Christmas. Little ones will delight in Christmas tales and receive small gifts. A truly memorable experience for all.
Carols in the Courtyard (12th December)
On December 12th, visitors are invited to gather for Carols in the Courtyard, a heart-warming festive sing-along with YourChoir and Reverend Brenda Stewart. The Courtyard Café and Gift Shop will both be open too. (Free entry. Donations to Norfolk and Waveney Mind)
The Christmas Market (13th, 14th, 15th December)
Holkham’s popular Christmas Market returns in December where shoppers and foodies can stock up on festive goodies. Due to popular demand, the event extends to three days this year. Stalls include everything spanning local food, drink and crafts, including highlights such as lino prints by Sue Welfare, spirits from Archangel Distilleries and charcuterie by Marsh Pig.
Christmas Workshops (November and December dates)
Have a wholesome time and learn a new skill at one of Holkham’s Christmas workshops. Paint the enchanting winter landscape that surrounds Holkham on a two-day Christmas oil painting workshop. Join a wreath-making workshop with Holkham’s Head Gardener Mark Morell and make a masterpiece using foliage sourced from the estate. Try a needle felting workshop with tutor Nessa Pratt, where participants can learn to craft natural decorations using sheep’s wool. Create unique silver jewellery at one of Holkham’s ring or bangle silversmithing workshops, led by expert silversmith Suzanne Seed. Learn new techniques and skills at the lino printing workshop with Sue Welfare and create a beautiful A5 print to take home.
The Canine Carol Service (21st December)
The much-loved Canine Carol Service returns to Holkham this December. All furry friends are welcome for a festive celebration like no other, featuring heart-warming carols, poetry and readings with a dog-related theme Fancy dress is encouraged for both owners and dogs, with a festive selfie spot to capture a perfectly posed picture.
