This information is about Christmas 2023; we’ll update the page with details of Christmas 2024 nearer the time.

Christmas is coming to Ham House and Garden

From Saturday 2 December 2023 until Monday 1 January 2024, soak up the festive spirit at Ham House and Garden!

This year, visit our spectacular Stuart house to discover the history behind Frost Fairs, which took place on the frozen River Thames.

Please note, Ham House and Garden is closed on 24 and 25 December.

Step back 340 years…

It’s the winter of 1683. The River Thames is starting to freeze – could it be a Frost Fair year? Inspired by the possibility, the family and household are playing with recipes and activities…

Join us this December at Ham House to experience the flavours of a Frost Fair, from gingerbread and hot chocolate to games and toys! Discover the history behind these vibrant fairs as you explore the extraordinary house, decorated with aromatic greenery, twinkling candlelight and a stunning sugar banquet display.

There’s plenty to keep little ones entertained, with an animal-themed trail around the house and fair-inspired games in the beautiful gardens.

Meet Father Christmas in a magical grotto

A very special guest is visiting Ham House and Garden this December! Step inside the seventeenth-century Dairy and Garden Room, transformed into an enchanting grotto for the first time this year, to meet Father Christmas and his North Pole elves.

This meet and greet session is the perfect way to add some extra magic to your family day out. Each ticket holder will also receive a special gift to mark the occasion.

We have a limited number of slots available to meet Father Christmas, so be sure to book early.

Book a slot to meet Father Christmas

Have a festive feast!

Our Orangery Café (open daily) is the perfect spot to catch up with family and friends over warming treats and drinks. Or try our seasonal snack bar, The Piggery (open 2/3, 9/10 and 16 –23 December) for on-the-go refreshments.

Christmas shopping

Don’t forget to call into our gift shop which is brimming with artisan gifts, festive accessories, and food offering plenty of choice to choose a special gift for friends and family.

For a budget-friendly and sustainable gift choice, why not take a look in our second-hand bookshop? Managed by volunteers and stocked with visitor donations, this is a great spot to find an interesting book to gift a friend, loved one or add to a stocking!

A National Trust membership is the gift that keeps giving. Enquire at Visitor Reception to gift a membership this Christmas, creating future memories throughout the year to remember forever.

Details to help you plan your day out

We are operating our winter opening hours throughout December. The garden opens at 10am, with the Orangery Café and shop opening from 10.30am. The house will open at midday and close at 4pm (last entry at 3.30pm). To allow for the darker evenings, the garden also closes at 4pm. The café and shop will close at 3.30pm. Please place orders at the café 15 minutes before closing time. Please note, Ham House and Garden is closed on 24 and 25 December.