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A Christmas Enchantment at Petworth House

Step into A Christmas Enchantment - a midwinter journey through Petworth House, where the longest night of the year stirs something ancient and magical.

  • Booking not needed
  • Free event (admission applies)

Inspired by the Winter Solstice and the shifting rhythms of nature, the House transforms into a dreamlike world of overgrown wonder.

Drawing from the landscapes of Petworth’s park and gardens, the artworks in its collection, and the spirit of conservation, each room glows with enchantment: celestial skies, roaming woodland creatures, towering trees, and spaces to pause and reflect. Mice scurry beneath gilded furniture, foxes watch from shadowed corners, and the stars themselves seem to whisper of returning light.

This Christmas, wander through rooms that invite stillness, spark imagination, and gently reconnect us with the quiet beauty of winter.

A Christmas Enchantment at Petworth House is open 29th November 2025 - 4th January 2026, 10.30am - 4pm. Normal admission applies Closed 24th & 25th December.

On Saturday 29th November & Saturday 20th December experience the festive atmosphere at Petworth House after dark, with sparkling lights and a courtyard choir marking the turning of the season. A chance to enjoy the house's winter transformation in a new light. The House will be open until 6.30pm (last entry at 6pm), with a choir performing at 5.30pm.

On Saturday 29th Nov 10am-6.30pm & Sunday 30th Nov 10am-4pm find your Christmas gifts and a treat for yourself at this festive makers market featuring high quality artisan gifts. Held in partnership with Petworth Pop Up: Makers Market.

See our events page to learn more, and book onto one of our creative festive workshops.

Times

Prices

Event ticket prices

This event is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue.

Check admission prices

The basics

Accessibility

The House is approx. 550m on a gravel path with a gentle incline from the main visitor car park. There is a mobility buggy that runs from the main car park to the house on request. The State Rooms are all on the lower ground floor of the house, with step free access. The Chapel is down a small flight of stairs.

Other

Please note the Beauty Room and Grand Stairs are closed for conservation work throughout Christmas. Over the Christmas period we get very busy, so recommend arriving early, or after 2pm.

Contact info

Petworth Property Office

Upcoming events

Ship Ahoy! Family Trail 

Step into the world of J.M.W. Turner and set sail on an artistic adventure through Petworth House and Garden!

Event summary

on
23 Aug to 7 Sep 2025
at
10:00 to 17:00
+ 15 other dates or times

Introduction to ink at Petworth House 

An introduction to the fluid and versatile qualities of ink, in collaboration with West Dean College. Learn to control and allow the ink to flow to produce a variety of exciting outcomes.

Event summary

on
23 Aug 2025
at
10:15 to 16:45

Fun Art Fridays 

This summer, Petworth House and Garden invites young artists to Fun Art Fridays—a series of hands-on creative sessions inspired by the legendary painter J.M.W. Turner!

Event summary

on
29 Aug 2025
at
10:30 to 15:30

Painting the landscape – Turneresque 

This course will take its inspiration from Petworth House and Park and the exhibition of Turner's paintings. Explore the use of acrylic paints to evoke atmosphere and space in your paintings.

Event summary

on
29 Aug to 31 Aug 2025
at
18:45 to 21:00
+ 2 other dates or times