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Christmas at Hardwick Hall
Experience old English tales of misrule and the Holly King at Hardwick Wintertide.
Hardwick Wintertide | 17 November – 4 January
Wintertide is celebrated every year at Hardwick to share Elizabethan winter traditions around themes of community, celebration and connection. These winter traditions include Yule (Christmas), the Feast of Fools (New Year Day), as well as gift giving and carol singing, and are centred around Elizabethan characters and folklore like the Lord of Misrule and the Holly King.
This year’s theme is The Tale of Misrule and the Holly King.
The Lord of Misrule invites you back to his festivities as his esteemed party guests at Hardwick. Along your journey through the gardens and hall, expect to hear stories of Wintertide past through the Tale of Misrule and the Holly King. A time when the mischievous Lord of Misrule chose not to adhere to tradition and favoured himself & playfully preparing for his party, over taking care of the annual offerings to the Holly King and winter spirits.
As you step into the hall this Wintertide all is not what it seems, the house has been turned upside down as the natural world runs riot. Will the Lord of Misrule make merry with the Holly King and help un-muddle Hardwick before it’s too late? Find out on your next visit to Hardwick Wintertide.
This event is free for National Trust members. For non-members, please check our standard entry ticket prices.
Additional information for planning your visit over Christmas
- The museum rooms and the middle floor will be closed during this time for conservation cleaning.
- The processional route will be dressed for Wintertide, and some collection items may be obscured.
- Please note that last entry to the Hall is at 14.15 on standard opening days, and 19:15 on evening opening days.
- The Old Hall will be closed until Spring 2026.
Late night openings
Hardwick Wintertide after hours is truly a spectacular experience. Delight in a mulled wine in the gardens and enjoy seeing the mansion in a whole new light. Save the dates:
- 29 November
- 5 & 6 December
- 12 & 13 December
- 19, 20, 21 & 22 December
There’s no need to book in advance as there will be free flow entry from 12.30pm - 8.00pm, with last entry at 7.15pm.
Hardwick Wintertide Gallery
Click through the magic and mischief of Hardwick Wintertide past in our photo gallery. Please note that the displays for 2025 will differ to the displays shown in the gallery.
Enter a party in full swing!
Step into the Hall and feel the warmth of festive cheer from the feasting display in the Entrance Hall
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Group bookings
We are now taking group bookings for Hardwick Wintertide 2025. Group bookings will not be available after Friday 12th December 2025. Please visit our group page for more information.
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Eating and shopping at Hardwick
Enjoy tasty food and drink in the Great Barn restaurant or browse in the gift shop. Both are located within a historic setting at Hardwick.
The history of Hardwick Hall
Read how wealth, power and ambition drove Bess of Hardwick to build her grand design, filled with a treasure trove of fine furnishings that can still be seen at the Hall today.
