Discover more at Penrhyn Castle and Garden
Find out when Penrhyn Castle and Garden is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.
Christmas at Penrhyn Castle
Step into an Evergreen Christmas at Penrhyn Castle and be immersed in local traditions of the festive season as it would have been celebrated at the castle and in the local community. Discover activities and performances that will that delight, entertain, and bring loved ones together.
Between Thursday and Sunday from 26 November until 20 December, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday 21 to 23 December and daily from 27 December to 1 January 2027, the ground floor rooms of the castle and Victorian Kitchen will be open and decorated for the festive season.
Along with the Stables, shop, cafe and garden, Penrhyn will be open for an Evergreen Christmas and wintery walks.
There’s plenty to do over the festive period, from taking in the beautifully decorated downstairs stately rooms to enjoying a wreath-making workshop, watching a performance about local history, watching a magical storytelling session or going on a tour with one of the team.
An Evergreen Christmas at Penrhyn Castle
Enjoy evergreen decorations made from locally available greenery as you enter the castle, including a beautifully decorated giant wreath. Head towards the Grand Hall and see the spectacular Christmas tree, twinkling with festive lights and decorations as it reaches to the soaring gallery above.
Walk through the downstairs rooms, decorated and brought to life by the wonder and magic of Christmas. Oversized Christmas cards come alive with scenes of Christmas in the local community, including traditional preparations for the big day, the excitement of Christmas Eve and the celebration and togetherness of Christmas morning.
Time to reflect and celebrate
Stop and take a moment to reflect on what you’re thankful for as you write your own message of gratitude to add to our Christmas tree in the historic Library. Step inside the Breakfast Room where you’ll discover a range of traditional wooden toys for little imaginations to run free and enjoy some time to play before getting creative in the Butler’s Pantry making gift tags or cards to take home.
Don’t forget to visit the Victorian Kitchen, once the heart of the preparations for the season ahead. You may even see some tiny, unexpected guests - can you spot the Christmas mice?
Wreath making and flower arranging workshops
11 and 17 December
Feeling inspired by the festive scenes? Join Floverly for a festive flower arranging sessions at Penrhyn Castle. Get your house ready for Christmas with two sessions to choose from.
On 11 December, create a festive wreath for your door, or join the session on 17 December to create a floral centerpiece for your dinner table.
Booking in advance is essential, tickets are £35 each per session.
A Servant's Christmas - live history event
5 and 12 December
It’s December 1902 and the castle is abuzz with activity as the kitchen staff prepare for the festivities. Gwen the kitchen maid is busy at work but can’t help but think about her family back home in nearby Bethesda. Her sister, a quarryman's wife, is heading into the hardships of the third year of the Great Penrhyn Quarry Strike and her family’s Christmas will be very different for them this year…
Join us for this immersive experience with our actor in residence to learn about Christmas traditions at Penrhyn Castle and the comparison with the reality of life during the Great Penrhyn Quarry Strike of 1900-1903, the longest industrial dispute in British history.
There will be bilingual performances starting at 10.30am, 11.30am, 1.30pm and 2.30pm. Each will last around 30-45 minutes but you won’t need to be in the kitchens as they begin, or stay until the end.
This is a NHLF-funded collaborative project between the National Trust and the National Slate Museum.
Children’s storytelling sessions with Siwan Llynor
18 and 21 December
We’re excited to share that Siwan Llynor will be returning to the Grand Hall this year for magical storytelling sessions following on from the success of the last two years.
Be transported into the world of winter fairies and magic through song and drama. Siwan Llynor has years of experience in creative community engagement and performing for babies and young children.
There is no need to book and the session will be included within the standard entry price.
Guided Christmas tour
On Thursdays and Sundays, enjoy a tour through Penrhyn Castle's servants quarters and discover more about the cooks, maids, butlers and other staff whose daily work kept life inside the castle running smoothly.
Four tours each day, these tours are dependent on volunteer availability.
Choirs in the Castle
28 November, 5, 6 and 12 December
Enjoy festive music in the Grand Hall from four different local choirs and bands.
- 28 November - Menai Bridge Training Band, 11.30am and 1pm
- 5 December - Isle of Anglesey Choral Society, 11.30am and 1pm
- 6 December - Bangor Community Choir, 11am and 12.30pm
- 12 December - North Wales Saxophone Choir, 11am and 12.15pm
You might also be interested in
Christmas
Whether you want to make your own Christmas wreath, visit Father Christmas or enjoy winter illuminations at a historic location, we've plenty of festive events and things to do at the places in our care. Plan ahead for a festive day out this year.
Christmas days out in Wales
From castles and historic houses dressed for Christmas to family days out, Father Christmas visits, festive markets and winter walks, discover plenty of ways to enjoy Christmas at places we care for across Wales.
Visiting Penrhyn Castle
The castle exterior hides an opulent and lavishly decorated interior. A much-loved home to the Pennant family, learn about some of the glorious rooms you can see on your visit.
Visiting the garden at Penrhyn Castle
Penrhyn’s grounds and gardens are extensive and a feast for the senses. Find peace in the formal Walled Garden or explore the jungle-like Bog Garden.
Explore the estate at Penrhyn Castle
Why not take a stroll off the beaten track and visit the hide down by the River Ogwen. Families will also enjoy the natural play area. Remember to bring your wellies.
Coming soon: Industrial Penrhyn
Penrhyn Castle's Stable block is currently closed whilst we develop a new experience arriving later in 2024. Find out what's happening here.
Eating and shopping at Penrhyn Castle
Visit the Castle Café for delicious lunches and tempting cakes whilst the shop offers a range of locally sourced gifts. Browse the second-hand books for a bargain.
