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Christmas at Hardwick Hall

Mother and daughter tying a ribbon on the Yule Log in the High Great Chamber
Sharing a moment at Hardwick Wintertide | © Jon Scrimshaw

Share a special winter with the family at Hardwick Wintertide this year, chase lights and shadows around the hall as you tour by lantern light.

Hardwick Wintertide

Discover Hardwick Wintertide from 17th November to 7th January as you’ve never seen it before. Tour by lantern light and tiptoe around the decadent tapestries, friezes and portraits which don the 400-year-old walls and see what stories you’ll illuminate.

All is not as it would appear at the ‘Lantern House’ this winter, what will you reveal as you explore Hardwick in a new light?

This event is free for National Trust members. For non-members, please check our standard entry ticket prices.

Installations and decorations

Marvel at the contemporary festive displays which highlight the very best of Elizabethan winter celebrations, from lavish banquets to the importance of gift giving. These bespoke displays have been designed by Pedro, a local performance designer and lovingly created with our team of volunteers.

Journey through the gardens and take a peek at the displays in the Cart Shed, South Gazebo and Apple Store as you head to the hall.

Immerse yourself in the festive journey along the main processional route. The exhibition rooms and middle floor will be closed during Hardwick Wintertide.

Meet the designer

Residing in Sheffield, Pedro Sanchez Carvera has been inspired by this year’s theme of lanterns, playing with lights and shadows and how they fit with the key themes that surround a typical Elizabethan Christmas.

Meet the makers

Handmade elements make Hardwick Wintertide extra special, and our gifted volunteers are at it again for another year. Working together as a cohesive team, they have the skills to create a magical experience you won’t forget!

Lanterns lined up in the entrance hall for visitors to pick up when they journey through the hall.
Pick up your lantern to tour the house with | © Jon Scrimshaw

Festive family fun

Play with silhouettes and shadows as you move through the hall with your very own magical lantern or have a go at creating your own in our Family Lantern Workshop. Watch out for the Lord of Misrule as he encourages foolishness and folly throughout the mansion and make sure you don’t get caught up in his mischief along the way.

Continue the festivities in the beautifully decorated Stableyard for the Winter Trail.

Winter workshops

Get that festive feeling and make memories with your loved ones this winter. With a variety of engaging workshops for all ages, book your experience below.

Winter Wreath Workshop
Design and take home your dream wreath to decorate your door with this festive period. Booking coming soon.Book now
Family Paper Lantern Workshop
Make your day extra magical and create your own winter lantern to tour the mansion with. Booking coming soon.Book now
Lord of Misrule Puppet Workshop
Compete with your family to see who can build the best winter trickster! Booking coming soon.Book now

Events

Join us for a special event as Vocalium fill the High Great Chamber with a festive Elizabethan music programme on the 9th of December, with classics from composer William Byrd, this Christmas.

Food and beverages

Once you’ve worked up a treat exploring Hardwick Wintertide, make your way over to our festive drinks kiosk and enjoy a traditional winter warmer in the Gardens. Open Saturdays and Sundays only.

Relax at the Great Barn Restaurant with a cosy bowl of soup or some delicious light bites. Don’t forget to try our scone of the month!

At the bottom of the Parkland there is also the Hardwick Inn, to enjoy a hearty meal by the welcoming open fire.

4 hot chocolates on a table in winter
Hot chocolate in winter | © National Trust Images/Trevor Ray Hart

Group bookings

For groups over 15+ people, please contact bess.hardwick@nationaltrust.org.uk.

Bookings up until Friday 15th December. Bookings reopen on Monday 15th January 2024

FAQs

View along the Yew Alley towards the hall at Hardwick, Derbyshire

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Find out when Hardwick is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.

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