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Christmas at Hatchlands Park

A drawing of the Snowdog with coloured socks as ears and surrounded by fairy lights, with pencil drawn snow coloured pine trees in the background and the words: Snowdogs Discover at Hatchlands Park
Discover the Snowdogs at Hatchlands this Christmas | © Snowdog Enterprises Ltd 2025

Soak up the magic of Christmas at Hatchlands Park this winter. Inspired by the animated sequel to the late Raymond Briggs’ timeless picture book The Snowman™, take a festive trail through the parkland to find Wild in Art’s ten uniquely decorated sculptures of The Snowdog. PLEASE NOTE: This article is from Christmas 2025. Check back soon to discover plans for Christmas 2026 at Hatchlands Park.

This article is for Christmas 2025

Please check back later this year to find out more about our plans for Christmas 2026 at Hatchlands Park.

A man taking a picture of a girl in front of colourful striped sculpture of a snowdog.
'Candy Cane' by Wild in Art at Hatchlands Park | © National Trust/Arnhel de Serra

The Snowdogs in the parkland

15 Nov - 6 Jan (except 24 & 25 Dec) 10am-4pm

Pick up a free trail sheet and discover ten festively decorated Snowdogs waiting patiently in the parkland. Each pup, unique from the rest, is individually hand-painted by artists capturing the magic of winter.  Which one will be your favourite?

There will be something for all ages to enjoy with themed games and activities along the way. If you're bringing  your own pup, they can also take part in the fun with a special festive dog agility for them to try.

 

Girl looking up at decorated Christmas tree in the Drawing Room at Hatchlands Park
Enjoy the magic of Christmas at Hatchlands | © National Trust/John Miller

Christmas in the house

1- 31 December (except 24 & 25 Dec) 12-3pm

Wander through the festively dressed downstairs rooms of this family home and enjoy the sparkle of the beautifully decorated trees, the festive fireplaces and the glow of the Christmas lights.  

As you walk through the house look out for clues about the dogs that used to call Hatchlands Park home and discover more about them and their lives at Hatchlands Park.

 

Christmas food and drink

A winter visit is not complete with out a festive treat or two from the café. Warm up in the cosy dog-friendly cafés found in the cobbled courtyard, and choose from festive bakes and hot drinks, sweet treats or hot seasonal lunches. 

What's on the menu?

Subject to availablity, seasonal choices include:

  • Festive turkey croques and sandwiches
  • Brie and cranberry quiche
  • Festive turkey baps in gravy
  • Festive loaded Jackets 
  • Mince Pies
  • Festive doughnuts, cookies and muffins
  • Mulled wine and non-alcoholic warm spiced apple drinks (weekends only)

Cafés are open daily 10am-3.30pm (except 24 & 25 Dec).

 

Girl sipping a large cup of hot chocolate with marshmallows on the top
Enjoy a warming cup of hot chocolate at Hatchlands | © National Trust Images / John Millar

Planning your visit

Entry: There's no need to book your visit to Hacthlands ParkNormal property admission price applies (free for National Trust members and under-fives). If you’re with a carer or essential companion, they can visit for free.

Parking: free parking is avaiulable in the car park next to visitor reception.

Planning your visit: Christmas can be a busy time at Hatchlands Park. Most visitors tend to arrive between 11am and 2pm, which can cause congestion in the car park. If you arrive at 10am you might find the grounds a little quieter and if you arrive after 1pm, there’s still time to enjoy all that Hatchlands Park has to offer. Please note that the last entry to the house is 3pm.

If you have the flexibility, a weekday visit is generally quieter than a weekend, even during school holidays. If you can only visit over the weekend, Saturdays are usually less busy than Sundays.

Visitors in the kitchen at Christmas, Petworth, West Sussex

Get into the festive spirit

From wreath-making workshops and carol concerts to winter illuminations, find Christmas days out near you.

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