An Enchanted Christmas at Hinton Ampner

An Enchanted Christmas 

16 November 2024 - 5 January 2025

Hop on a Christmas journey with us and discover the house brimming with bright Christmas colours, sparkling lights and charming festive scenes. From the world of the Ice Queen to a Woodland Ball and a  Gingerbread Village there is surprise and delight around every corner. Don't miss the North Pole Workshop where our mini Santa Express train is delivering the toy parts to the elves! Christmas elves are busy making toys & games – and getting in a muddle! 

Garden and Christmas sleigh

Our garden will be the backdrop for beautifully decorated trees with twinkling lights and classic Christmas colours. Join us for a family adventure with our games and activities in the gardens. Our Christmas sleigh, parked in front of the house and pulled by wooden reindeer, makes a great family photo moment. There's room for a little one to climb on board and hold the reins. And don’t forget to pop into Santa's Sweetshop nearby, full of traditional treats.

Winter walking

No trip to Hinton Ampner is complete without a winter stroll around surrounding parkland through nearby farmland and woodland. Throw on your best bobble hat, woolly scarf and cosy jumper and warm up afterwards with a seasonal drink from the café in the old stables.

Booking tickets

Booking is essential for Christmas at Hinton Ampner. This applies to house & garden visits only and to both members and non-members. If you are visiting the gardens only, you do not need to pre-book your ticket. 

If you would like to enjoy free entry by becoming a member of the National Trust, please either join online or telephone our Supporter Services Centre on 0344 800 1895 before booking your tickets to our Enchanted Christmas.   

Please note, if you have already purchased your admission tickets before joining as a member, we are unable to process a refund.

When will tickets be released?

• For visit date 16-24 November - tickets will be on sale from Thursday 31 October.
• For visit dates between 16 - 24 November: tickets will be on sale from Thursday 31 October.
• For visit dates between 25 November – 1 December: tickets will be on sale from Thursday 14 November.
• For visit dates between 2 – 8 December: tickets will be on sale from Thursday 21 November.
• For visit dates between 9 - 15 December: tickets will be on sale from Thursday 28 November.
• For visit dates between 16 - 22 December: tickets will be on sale from Thursday 5 December.
• For visit dates between 23 - 29 December: tickets will be on sale from Thursday 12 December. Please note the property is closed on the 25 & 26 December.
• For visit dates between 30 December – 5 January 2025: tickets will be on sale from Thursday 19 December.

Festive food and drink

A festive day out wouldn’t be complete without a delicious treat from our café. An array of winter-warmers await: from gingerbread lattes and turkey sandwiches, to mince pies with brandy butter. With our log-burner going, enjoy a cosy break and soak up the festive atmosphere.

Over the festive period we will also have our kiosk open opposite the mansion. We will be serving hot & cold drinks as well as savoury snacks and festive treats.

Our main cafe gets busy from 11am - 2pm. You're welcome to pick up something earlier in the day and enjoy a picnic around the site. 

Christmas Shopping at Hinton Ampner

Hinton Ampner's shop

From recycled rugs to mood-boosting soaps, chutneys for your cheeseboards and chocolates treats, visit our shop for plenty of Christmas gift inspiration (or perhaps treat yourself…).  Our products are sustainably sourced and support small makers and craftspeople, so pop in on your way out to take home a little of that Christmas magic.

Secondhand bookshop and sweetshop

Our secondhand bookshop is the perfect place to find a new page turner for those cosy winter evenings. From fiction to cookery, gardening to children's books - there's something for everyone. Don't forget to visit our sweetshop for a treat, or two...!

More about eating and shopping at Hinton Ampner

Family adventures

Santa needs to leave to get everyone's presents delivered in time for Christmas, but some cheeky little elves have run off with some of the presents - explore the area on the map and find the elves. Once you've found them, race to Santa's sleigh! (Suggested for children 0-4 years)

We have Christmas games and activities because we know even busy elves need to relax and have some fun! Come and discover our twinkly music station, find out your Christmas elf name and race like one of Santa's reindeer. (Suggested for children 5-8 years)

Top tips for your day

Your booking is for your entry to see the house display. Upon arrival you will be provided with a timed token for entry into the house. You may enter the house anytime within the half hour time slot. 

We get busy with our peak times being 11am to 2pm. If you're looking for a quieter experience consider an afternoon visit. There will still be plenty of time to enjoy everything on site. 

Our café gets busy between 11am and 2pm. You're welcome to pick up something earlier in the day or bring a picnic - there are lots of benches on site with beautiful views.