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Christmas at Hardwick Hall

Green Velvet Bedroom dressed for Hardwick Wintertide, gold cages, candles, and greenery surround a giant mirror in the centre.
Green Velvet Bedroom dressed for Hardwick Wintertide | © National Trust Images/ Jon Scrimshaw

This year, slip through time and enter the Elizabethan dream-world of the Lord of Misrule and take part in the Wintertide celebrations as his esteemed party guests.

Hardwick Wintertide

Come back and build memories at Hardwick once again as the season of Elizabethan magic will be here from the 17th of November 2024 to the 5th of January 2025! 

This year, Hardwick Wintertide is brimming with holiday joy, twinkly lights, and the spirit of togetherness. Whether it's exploring the handmade decorations by the Hardwick team, following the mischievous Lord of Misrule around the mansion, or interacting with the enchanting displays, our festive experience is crafted to bring smiles to everyone’s faces. 

 

Please note that last entry to the Hall is at 14.15 on standard opening days, and 19:45 on evening opening days.

The musuem rooms and the middle floor will be closed during this time for conservation cleaning.

This event is free for National Trust members. For non-members, please check our standard entry ticket prices.  

Lanterns lined up in the entrance hall for visitors to pick up when they journey through the hall.
Hardwick Wintertide | © Jon Scrimshaw

Late night openings

Hardwick Wintertide after hours is truly a spectacular experience. Delight in a mulled wine in the gardens and enjoy seeing the mansion in a whole new light. Save the dates:

  • 29th & 30th November 

  • 6th & 7th December 

  • 13th & 14th December 

  • 20th & 21st December 

There’s no need to book in advance as there will be free flow entry from 1pm - 8.30pm, with last entry at 7.45pm. The restaurant and gift shop will be open until 9pm on the late night opening days. It's the perfect place to stop for a hot chocolate  and do some last minute Christmas shopping!

Visitors enjoying the lantern tour at Hardwick Wintertide
Visitors enjoying the lantern tour at Hardwick Wintertide | © National Trust/ Jon Scrimshaw

Workshops and events

Make memories with your loved ones this winter. With a variety of engaging workshops and events for all ages, book your experience below:

Dronfield Handbell Ringers
Listen to an ensemble of handbell ringers and enjoy a festive night out at Hardwick Hall's late night opening evening.Find out more
Midwinter Storytelling & Singing
Listen to festive songs and Elizabethan tales on the shortest day of the year.Find out more
Create an Elizabethan Kissing Bough
Make an Elizabethan Kissing Bough to celebrate Hardwick Wintertide this Christmas.Book now

Food and drink

Tis the season to treat yourself and indulge in more than few tasty festive treats!  

Pop down to the Great Barn Restuarant to delight in a perfectly spiced mulled wine (or a butterscotch steamer for the kids), it's the ideal winter warmer to explore the parkland and formal gardens. To view our full festive menu, available after the 17th November, please visit the restaurant on the day. 

Indoor dog-friendly seating is available. The restaurant will be serving hot food until 8.30pm on the late night opening evenings. 

Family enjoying a festive hot drink during a walk in the gardens, in front of the hall
Enjoy a festive hot drink at Hardwick Wintertide | © National Trust Images/ Jon Scrimshaw

Feast of Fools 

Keep an eye out for the 1st of January 2025 as we celebrate the Feast of Fools. Expect things to not be as they seem at Hardwick with more information to follow soon. 

Accessibility

There is level access to the shop, restaurant and the Wintertide displays in the Stableyard and Gardens with ramped access to the ground floor of the Hall. The upper levels to the hall are accessible by stairs only. 

What facilities are available to use at Hardwick? 

  • Carers and companions go free with an Essential Companion Card or any other carers/companion identification.

  • Accessible parking is located to the front of the car park. 

  • A portable hearing loop is available in the hall to use as you journey through Hardwick Wintertide. 

  • Sensory bags will be available at both Visitor Reception and in the Hall to grab and go when needed. 

  • Buggy services running from Visitors Reception to the Hall (10am – 4pm every day). 

  • Hire a Tramper to manoeuvre around the gardens with ease free of charge, donations welcome. Trampers must remain outside when visiting the hall. Pre-booking is advised (01246 858435). 

  • Changing Places facilities are located in the Stableyard. 

Hardwick Wintertide Gallery

Children playing with the shadow puppets at Hardwick Hall in the Long Gallery
Play with light and shadows at Hardwick Wintertide | © National Trust/ Jon Scrimshaw

Interactive puppet show

Experience magical memories at Hardwick Wintertide in 2024.

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Group bookings

We are now taking group bookings for Hardwick Wintertide 2024. Group bookings will not be available after Friday 13th December 2024 or during weekends. Please visit our group page for more information.

FAQs

The East view of Hardwick from the East Court

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