Christmas at the Palace
Illuminated gardens, decorated medieval Palace, Christmas Parties, Father Christmas and festive workshops.
Christmas Garden Illuminations and decorated Palace building
Spectacular light displays within the Palace’s inner gardens, including a captivating light maze and tunnel, all set against the historic backdrop of the medieval Palace.
Highlights:
- Illuminated Gardens & Palace: Wander through the beautifully lit gardens and admire the stunning illumination of the Palace itself.
- Light Maze & Tunnel: Explore the mesmerising light maze and tunnel – perfect for all ages.
- Decorated Palace Rooms: Discover the Palace’s interiors adorned with festive decorations, creating a magical atmosphere.
Festive Food & Drinks:
On Illuminations nights we’ll be serving a tasty BBQ or you can enjoy a mulled wine, cider or hot chocolate from the Bishop’s Brew Horsebox or the Applestore (located within the gardens).
Dates and Times:
December 6th (Members’ Only Preview Evening), 7th, 8th, 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th, 15th, 16th, 17th, 18th, 19th, 20th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 27th, 28th, 29th, 30th
4.30pm – 7.30pm (last entry 7pm)
Admission:
- Annual Admission Ticket Holders & Members: you can enjoy the illuminated garden evenings at no extra cost. No booking required.
- Joint & Day Tickets: Visitors purchasing Joint Cathedral/Palace day tickets or Palace Day tickets will have access to the event on the day of your visit.
- Special Evening-Only Tickets: provide access from 4:30pm to 7:30pm on selected evenings (last entry at 7:00pm).
Father Christmas
Come and meet Father Christmas in the beautiful surroundings of The Bishop’s Palace.
- Various dates in December 10.15-16.00
- SEN day Weds 18th 10.15-16.00
Tickets are £14 per child (including entrance to Gardens and Christmas Illuminations) and must be accompanied by a paying Adult.
Explore the beautifully decorated rooms of the palace, do some colouring while you wait then spend time with Father Christmas in his grotto. Each child will receive a gift during their visit.
How to book:
- Each timed slot has a capacity of two children. If there are more than 2 children in your family please book the next slot after and we will ensure you all go in together for your visit with Father Christmas.
- Please ensure fill out your child’s name correctly where it asks.
- Please book the right age category for your child so we can ensure they receive an appropriate gift.
- Please read your confirmation email for details of where to go on the day of your booking.
- Our SEN day is for children with additional needs, you will be contacted ahead of time to discuss how best suit their individual needs can be supported. No music will be played in the palace on this day.
Christmas Parties
Celebrate the festive season in the most spectacular surroundings at The Bishop’s Palace, adorned in all its Christmas finery.
December Dates (7.30pm – 11.30pm)
- Friday 6th December
- Friday 13th December
- Friday 20th December
- Saturday 21st December
Book a space at one of the Palace’s festive banqueting tables in the atmospheric vaulted Undercroft, transformed for Christmas. After exclusive access to the Christmas Garden Illuminations, you’ll be greeted in the entrance hall by your host and a roaring log fire. Once seated, you will be served a stunning, medieval-inspired Christmas feasting menu. All dishes will be served to the table, sharing-style. Then, get your dancing shoes on for non-stop music featuring all your favourite party classics.
Group or individual bookings are welcome. Our feasting parties are perfect for celebrating with friends or work colleagues, and if you’re attending as part of a group, you’ll be seated together along multiple tables of six arranged in banqueting rows. Each dish from the menu will be served to the table, sharing-style, as befits a medieval feast. Menus will include vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. There will be a fully stocked bar, and we highly recommend pre-ordering wine for your table to save time and money on the evening.
Price: £65 per person (inc. VAT). A £10 per person deposit is required upon booking.
This event is a fundraising event on behalf of The Palace Trust
Lino Print Christmas Cards Workshop
Lino print your Christmas cards!
- Dates: Tuesday 26th November/ Friday 6th December
- Time: 10.30am – 1.30pm
Come and spend a wonderful morning at The Bishop’s Palace creating all of your very own Christmas cards using lino and printing techniques. Gemma Lane from Green Fox Workshops will demonstrate a step by step approach, guiding you through the design element, the cutting of the lino and the printing process. A fantastic introduction to lino cutting. perfect for beginners. All materials included, hot drinks and a mince pie!
Tickets: £50 – Members // £55 – Non-Members