Father Christmas at the Palace
The hand tightly gripped in yours, the shining eyes, the sharp intake of breath as the door opens… a visit to Father Christmas is the most magical of childhood moments.
Here at the Palace we are proud to have been a part of so many family Christmases over the years, hosting the most special of seasonal visitors, Father Christmas, and being part of treasured Christmas traditions.
In 2026 we are delighted to be able to welcome families to come and spend time with the very special, jolly old St Nick again. He will be ensconced in one of the most beautiful, atmospheric rooms in the Palace, meeting families amongst a backdrop of frosty trees, elegantly wrapped presents and magical twinkling lights; keen to meet children and their families and sprinkle his unique Christmas magic.
There is lots going on for families at the Bishops Palace throughout December. This year your Father Christmas visit can be combined either with a daytime ticket – meaning you can explore the Palace and gardens, follow a family trail, enjoy some festive arts and crafts and be home before dark or, if it suits you better, combine with an after dark visit to our Christmas Illuminations instead.
Daytime visits (before 4pm) include:
- A visit to Father Christmas in his magical grotto
- A gift from Father Christmas
- Festive Art Adventurers in the Undercroft
- A family trail in the Gardens and Palace
Evening (after 5pm) visits include:
- A visit to Father Christmas in his magical grotto
- A gift from Father Christmas
- Christmas illuminations in the Gardens and Palace
Daytime visits are available on:
- Saturday 12 December, 11am–4pm
- Sunday 13 December, 10am–4pm
- Saturday 19 December, 10am–4pm
- Sunday 20 December, 11am–4pm
- Monday 21 December, 10am–4pm
- Tuesday 22 December, 11am–4pm
Evening sessions are available on:
- Saturday 12 December, 5pm–7pm
- Sunday 20 December, 5pm–7pm
- Tuesday 22 December, 5pm–7pm
Important information
Each visit to Father Christmas will be around 5 minutes long. We recommend a maximum of four children per visit, to give everyone time to have a little chat and enjoy the moment. You may wish to book consecutive slots if your party is bigger than that.
Father Christmas will be visiting on: Sat 12th, Sun 13th, Sat 19th, Sun 20th, Mon 21st, Tues 22nd December
Tickets are £15 per child.
When you book your tickets, please also book tickets for adults who will be coming along. Everyone who books will then have access to the gardens, Palace and into the grotto with Father Christmas if you wish.