Christmas at Croft Castle

A large Christmas tree in front of a fire place, with portraits on the wooden walls and dim lighting. — Make your Christmas magical at Croft Castle | © Kie Cummings

Celebrate a traditional Christmas at Croft this year, surrounded by twinkling trees and cosy décor inside the castle. Don’t miss the enchanting Illuminate winter lights show. Join in wreath-making, meet Father Christmas, and indulge in seasonal treats and warming drinks at the Carpenters tea-room.

Illuminate - winter lights show

Make your Christmas magical with our after-dark winter lights show at Croft Castle. Explore the illuminated castle, gardens, gothic arch, and church, and see our ancient trees sparkle. Indoors, enjoy the castle dressed for Christmas and a varied evening programme with fire performers, musicians, storytellers, choirs, and glow games for families.

Don’t forget to grab a bite from external caterers or enjoy festive snacks and mulled wine in the tea-rooms.

Illuminate will be running from 6pm to 9pm over three weekends at the end of November and beginning of December.

Find out more and book your tickets below:

Illuminate

Croft castle lit up in blue light in the dark. In the foreground you can see people playing with light up hula hoops and stings of fairy lights along the path. — Make your Christmas magical with our after-dark winter lights show at Croft Castle | © Kie Cummings

Christmas in the castle

16 November – 6 January

It's the 1920s and you are cordially to Croft Castle's Christmas party! Discover the castle decorated as it would have been 100 years ago, with twinkling trees, cosy décor, and handmade decorations created by our team of house volunteers.

A priceless family heirloom has vanished during the party preparations - can you figure out who's responsible for its disappearance?

From glittering decorations to favourite toys, discover how Christmas was celebrated 100 years ago. As you explore, you may notice something amiss, as there is a Christmas mystery that needs to be solved!

Castle opens for guided tours only on weekdays – On weekdays from Monday 4 November, the castle will be open for guided tours only at 11.15am and 12.30pm. This is your chance to get a behind the scenes peak behind closed doors during the magical winter and Christmas period. No booking required. 

Castle opens as normal at weekends – During the weekend, the castle will be fully open as normal from 11am until 4pm. No booking required. 

The castle will be closed on 24, 25 and 26 December.

Follow the button below for full details of the Weekday Tours

Weekday Tours

Vintage toys around a fire place, with rocking horse and small train set. — Visit Croft Castle this Christmas | © Kie Cummings

Croft's 1920s children's trail

16 November – 5 January

Look out for festive surprises on our Christmas family trail. More details coming soon.

This trail will be running from 16 November to 5 January. Trails cost £3 each and include a prize.

Storytelling with Father Christmas

Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 December

Enjoy some festive stories read by Father Christmas in the Dining Room of the castle and receive a small present at the end. These will be group storytelling sessions and each session will last for approximately 30 minutes. Booking is essential as spaces are limited.

Dates: Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 December (30 minute sessions each day from 11am to 4pm).

£5 per child. 2 adults can accompany each child/group of children for free (normal admission charges apply). Please note only 2 adults per group as we have limited space.

Visit Father Christmas

Christmas and winter walks

Escape the hustle and bustle on the lead up to Christmas and immerse yourself in winter nature. Take in the majesty of ancient trees and breath-taking views across the Herefordshire countryside, discover an Iron Age hillfort, woodland, orchard and a SSSI river and much more.

During winter, the parkland will be open every day from 10am to 4pm (last entry 3.30pm). The whole of Croft is closed on 24, 25 and 26 December.