Discover more at Cliveden
Find out when Cliveden is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.
Christmas at Cliveden
- Published:
- 20 August 2026
From Friday 20 November 2026 – Sunday 3 January 2027, join the story of ‘The Snow Queen’ as a journey through memory, emotion, and winter transformation, unfolding across Cliveden, National Trust and its surrounding gardens. Enjoy winter walks rich with colour and scent, and discover family-friendly adventures across 400 acres of woodland. Seasonal treats across food outlets, a beautifully stocked Christmas shop and more. Extended festive open hours are returning for 2026, from 17 – 23 December, last entry 7:00pm, estate closes at 7:30pm.
Christmas at Cliveden: The Snow Queen
Step into the enchanting world of The Snow Queen as the story comes to life across the Water Garden, festive picnic area and the Sounding Chamber. Along the way, discover a captivating immersive installation, where scenes and fragments of the beloved tale unfold through visual and sensory experiences.
Visitors of all ages are invited to explore the seasonal displays at their own pace, engaging with the story through imagination, wonder and reflection. Your journey ends among snow-dusted white trees in the magical setting of the Sounding Chamber. As seasonal displays bring the grounds to life and festive treats await, experience the magic of Cliveden this winter.
Extended festive open hours
Make the most of your festive visit with extended opening hours in the lead up to Christmas. From Thursday 17 December to Wednesday 23 December inclusive, the main gates will remain open until 7pm, giving you extra time to enjoy an evening stroll through the winter landscape and soak up the seasonal atmosphere. The site will close at 7.30pm. Please note that the Woodland Car Park will continue to close at its usual winter closing time of 4:00pm.
Wrap up warmly and make the most of the enchanting evenings at Cliveden this Christmas. Please stick to the lit paths, remember to wrap up warm and bring a torch. For late nights ONLY, we will allow visitors with dogs to access all of the lit up areas. Please keep them on a short lead and be mindful of others as you explore the twinkling areas.
The gift shop and the following food and beverage outlets will be open until 7:00pm from 17 – 23 December as part of extended festive opening hours:
- Refreshment Kiosk (Walled Garden)
- Kai’s Fireside Pizza (Coach Park)
- Gerda’s Pantry (Picnic area)
Christmas Wreath-making workshop
Join us for a cozy, hands-on workshop in the Doll’s House where you'll learn how to craft a Christmas wreath using fresh, seasonal foliage (foraged by the gardeners and rangers from the Cliveden Estate), natural decorations, and a touch of your own creativity. Whether you're a complete beginner or a seasoned crafter, this workshop will help you create a luxury wreath to adorn your door and welcome guests this Christmas. Please note: Workshops are £65.00 per person and standard admission applies. Click the link below to book your place.
Dates and session times
- Tuesday 24 November (10:00am – 12:00pm and 12:30pm – 2:30pm)
- Thursday 26 November (10:00am – 12:00pm and 12:30pm – 2:30pm)
- Tuesday 1 December (10:00am – 12:00pm and 12:30pm – 2:30pm)
- Thursday 3 December (10:00am – 12:00pm and 12:30pm – 2:30pm)
Noyce’s Christmas Carousel
Add a little festive magic to your visit to Cliveden with a ride on Noyce’s Christmas Carousel. Running on selected dates from 20 November, this much-loved traditional carousel brings classic fairground charm, beautifully painted horses and a touch of Christmas nostalgia to the estate.
Whether you're creating family memories, enjoying a festive day out with friends or simply soaking up the seasonal atmosphere, a ride on the carousel is a wonderful way to make your Christmas visit even more special.
The carousel will be at Cliveden on Fridays to Mondays from 20 November to 14 December, daily from 17 to 23 December, and from 26 December to 3 January. Tickets cost £4.00 per person and can be purchased directly from the ticket booth beside the carousel. Children under one metre must be accompanied by an adult.
Christmas Marshmallow Toasting
Spark up your festive visit with marshmallow toasting at Cliveden. Gather the family around the firepit in the picnic area and enjoy toasting giant, fluffy marshmallows on selected dates from November to January.
Dates and times
- 21 & 22 November, 10:45am – 4:15pm
- 28 & 29 November, 10:45am – 4:15pm
- 5 & 6 December, 10:45am – 4:15pm
- 12 & 13 December, 10:45am – 4:15pm
- 17 to 23 December, 10:45am – 7:30pm
- 26 December to 3 January, 10:45am – 4:15pm
Follow the magic around the estate
Young explorers can enjoy the Storybook Play Den and maze in the Water Garden and there are 400 acres of natural woodlands to discover for nature enthusiasts. Finally, we have many dog friendly paths for those with four-legged friends to take in the winter views across the Thames Valley through the frames of the bare trees. Head to 'Visiting Cliveden with your dog' to find out more.
Accessibility
Gardens have hard gravel paths, some steep slopes, undulating terrain and steps. Map of suggested level access routes around the gardens is available from the Information Centre. Braille and large print guides available from the Information Centre. To plan your visit and find out about accessibility needs, please visit: AccessAble - Your Accessibility Guide
Christmas food and drink
Warm up after your visit with a seasonal treat, choosing from hot chocolate, mince pies and more at food outlets across the estate.
This winter, follow their story around the grounds: warm yourself at Kai's Fireside Pizza, where wood-fired Christmas pizzas are baked to thaw even the iciest heart, then wander to Gerda's Pantry for mulled wine, warming spiced drinks, coffee, and mince pies — just as
Gerda offered comfort on her long journey north.
Christmas outlet opening times
- Conservatory Café 9:30 - 16:00
- Refreshment Kiosk 9:30 - 16:00
- Kai’s Fireside Pizza (Coach Park) 10:00 – 15:30
- Gerda’s Pantry (Picnic Area) 10:00 - 15:30
- Doll’s House (weekends only until school holidays) 10:00 – 15:00
- Woodland Lounge Trailer 8:30 – 15:00
- The Old Firestation Parlour CLOSED
Your perfect Christmas gifts await you at the Cliveden Gift Shop
Step inside Cliveden’s carefully curated Christmas shop and let the season’s magic unfold. Brimming with festive charm, each display has been lovingly arranged to capture the warmth and wonder of Christmas at Cliveden.
Wander through shelves adorned with elegant ornaments, indulgent seasonal treats, and hand-picked gifts inspired by the estate’s heritage and natural beauty. From locally sourced home fragrances to the perfect bottle of wine for your Christmas table, every item has been thoughtfully chosen to bring a touch of sparkle to your celebrations.
Sustainably sourced and beautifully presented, these treasures offer something special for everyone — whether you’re searching for a keepsake to cherish, a thoughtful stocking filler, or a memorable gift to share with loved ones. Embrace the joy of giving this festive season with a visit to Cliveden’s Gift Shop — where every gift tells a story, and Christmas truly comes to life.
As part of the extended festive opening hours, the gift shop will remain open until 7:00pm from 17 – 23 December.
Planning your visit
- Christmas at Cliveden will run from Friday 20 November 2026 – Sunday 3 January 2027.
- Please note that Cliveden Estate is closed on 24 and 25 December 2026.
- No booking necessary, free event but normal property admission price applies (free for National Trust members).
- Gardens and grounds are open from 9:30am – 4:30pm (last entry is 4:00pm).
- From 17 – 23 December, the Cliveden estate will be open from 9:30am – 7:30pm with last entry at 7:00pm. Please note that the woodlands car park with close at the usual time of 4:00pm.
- The gift shop and the following food and beverage outlets will be open until 7:00pm from 17 – 23 December as part of extended festive opening hours:
- Refreshment Kiosk (Walled Garden)
- Kai’s Fireside Pizza (Coach Park)
- Gerda’s Pantry (Picnic area)
- On arrival, head to the Information Centre in the Walled Garden to start your winter journey.
- The Sounding Chamber is approximately a 20-minute walk from the main car park and is accessible on hard paths and gravel surfaces. Step-free access routes are available, please ask for an accessibly map from the Information Centre.
- Cliveden is an outdoor property so please dress appropriately for the weather.
- Dogs are welcome in many areas of the Cliveden Estate. There is a dog map available to pick up on arrival, which will show you the on-lead and off-lead areas.
- Cliveden's visitor shuttle bus is available upon request at the Information Centre for accessible needs only.
- Hearing loops are installed at every fixed till point.
- We're putting the finishing touches to our festive food and drink offering. Check back soon for more details.
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