Christmas at Chirk Castle

With wintry walks, beautiful decorations, warming cups of hot chocolate and Christmas shopping, there was something to add some sparkle to everyone's Christmas at Chirk Castle. Those visiting our Enchanted Christmas in 2023 were invited to explore the stunning castle interior, visit Santa in the Reverse Grotto or enjoy a frosty adventure around acres of parkland before relaxing in the cosy tea-room.

Christmas has now finished at Chirk Castle

The below is information for Christmas 2023. We hope you all enjoyed the Christmas displays. Please check back here closer to Christmas 2024 when you will see updates for all the exciting plans we have in store for you.

What to expect

This medieval fortress will be filled with enchanting sights and ornate Christmas trees that are hung with some unique handcrafted decorations. Enjoy the gift of giving with our reverse grotto. Take a walk through the estate or garden then treat yourself to a selection of delicious festive food and drink or a gift from our shop.

Opening times

6 November to 1 December, open weekends only from 10am to 4pm. House closed.
From 2-24 December, open daily 10am-4pm. House open from 11am-4pm.
Closed 25 and 26 December and 1 January.
27-31 December, open daily 10am-4pm. House open from 11am-4pm.
2-7 January, open daily 10am-4pm. House open 11am-4pm.
Find out more about our opening hours here

Christmas in the castle

The enchanted castle theme at Chirk this Christmas is inspired by a large painting in our collection called Orpheus Charming the Animals by Thomas Ffrancis, which dates to the early 1600s.

See the collection brought to life as you wander through the house. Look out for a range of animals in our decorations including birds in flight and monkeys causing havoc.

Finish your visit with an immersive experience in the East Wing, which will be especially open for the festive season.

The grand staircase decorated for Christmas at Chirk Castle — The grand staircase at Chirk Castle decorated for Christmas | © National Trust Images/Paul Harris

Festive family fun

Reverse grotto

This December there will be a reverse grotto at Chirk Castle in aid of Oswestry and Borders foodbanks.

Items, including tinned tomatoes, soup, beans, tinned meat, tea, coffee, juice and UHT milk, can be donated at the ranger’s hub at Home Farm during normal opening hours.

Father Christmas will be visiting the grotto on 2, 3, 9, 10, 16 and 17 December, 10.30am-3.30pm.

Find out what the Foodbank is in need of here

Supper with Father Christmas

Get into the festive spirit by joining Father Christmas for dinner in our tearoom. Tuck into a traditional Christmas feast with all the trimmings followed by a mince pie and/or ice cream. Children will hear a story and receive a small gift. It takes place on 15 December from 4.30-6.30pm. Places are limited, and booking is essential. An additional charge applies for this memorable event.

To book, or for more information about our Christmas events at Chirk Castle, click here

Hand bell ringing

On 10, 17 and 24 December hand bell ringers from St Mary’s Church in Chirk will be performing some festive favourites near the Grand Staircase in the castle at 1.30pm and 2.30pm (1.30pm performance only on 24 December).

Winter walks

Winter is a fantastic time to explore Chirk's beautiful parkland. So wrap up warm, bring some sturdy shoes and get ready to explore.

There are two main circular trails on the estate. One offers great views of the castle with Shropshire and Cheshire behind, and the other follows paths with a lovely variety of woodland and parkland.

Learn more about exploring Chirk Castle estate.

View of Chirk Castle’s north front on a frosty day in Wales. — Enjoy a winter walk at Chirk Castle, Wrexham | © National Trust Images/Andrew Butler

Festive food and drink

If you’re feeling peckish, step inside the cosy tearoom where we have plenty of festive treats available on weekends in November and every day in December. From light bites to a hearty Christmas dinner with all the trimmings (vegan/vegetarian option available), and tempting treats like mince pies, hot chocolate and not forgetting mulled wine.

The tea-room is open daily 10am–4pm in December.
Closed 1, 25 and 26 December.

Christmas shopping

Skip the hectic high street and wrap up your gift buying in the shop at Home Farm. Decorations, homeware, gorgeous gifts and festive foods: our range has everything you need for a magical Christmas.

What’s more, every penny spent in our shop remains at Chirk Castle, helping us to continue looking after this special place for everyone, for ever – thank you for putting a sparkle in our Christmas too.