Christmas at Chirk Castle

From 28 November to 3 January, journey alongside brave Gerda as she sets out to rescue her friend Kai from the Snow Queen's icy grip. Wander through extraordinary handcrafted scenes, immersive soundscapes and spellbinding displays that bring every chapter of this beloved tale to life. 

With festive photo opportunities, hidden surprises and magical moments around every corner, it's a Christmas adventure to be enjoyed by children and adults alike. 

Normal admission prices apply, booking not required. 

Christmas opening times 

28 November 2026 – 3 January 2027 

• Garden, courtyard, shop and café open daily 10am-4pm 

• Castle open daily 11am-4pm (last entry 3.30pm) 

• Property closed 25 and 26 December and 1 January. 

Find out more about our opening hours here

 

Christmas in the castle 

The Snow Queen 

Journey through the ornate State Rooms as Hans Christian Andersen's The Snow Queen unfolds chapter by chapter through the castle. 

Join brave Gerda on an adventure across a magical winter landscape as she searches for her friend Kai. From imaginative scenes of friendship, mystery and courage to the grandeur of the Snow Queen's icy palace, each room brings a different part of this much-loved tale to life. 

Look out for the handcrafted details, striking artwork and imaginative displays created by artists and theatrical set-makers as the story unfolds around you. Atmospheric lighting and immersive soundscapes add to the experience, helping visitors of all ages step into Gerda's magical winter adventure. As the adventure unfolds, you'll arrive at the Snow Queen's palace, where atmospheric displays, painted scenery and carefully crafted details bring the story towards its dramatic finale.  At its heart is a spectacular setting inspired by the Snow Queen's throne room, where Gerda and Kai's heartwarming reunion awaits. 

Festive photo opportunities 

Capture a Christmas memory in a Snow Queen-inspired setting, where you can strike a suitably regal pose and take a festive photo to remember your visit. 

Look out for more seasonal photo opportunities around the castle and courtyard too. 

Traditional Christmas decorations 

Beyond the world of The Snow Queen, there’s a more traditional side of Christmas to explore at Chirk Castle too. 

Step into the East Wing, where festive greenery and ornately dressed Christmas trees twinkle and bring warmth and colour to the historic rooms. 

The Library and Reading Room offer a quieter festive setting, with traditional decorations and inviting spaces to pause and soak up the seasonal atmosphere. 

Outside, festive greenery and decorated trees welcome visitors to the castle, including the traditional kissing bough near the Castle Courtyard entrance, which is guaranteed to add an extra touch of Christmas magic to your arrival.

Festive family fun

This Christmas, visit Chirk Castle's Reverse Grotto and help those in need by donating essential items. 

Instead of receiving a gift from the Grotto, visitors are invited to donate non-perishable food and toiletries to support Oswestry and Borders Foodbank. 

Suggested donations include: 

• Tinned fruit and vegetables,  

• Pasta,  

• Tea and coffee,  

• Juice,  

• UHT milk  

• Toiletries. 

Donations can be made at the Ticket Office during normal opening hours, but Father Christmas will be waiting to thank you on selected weekends leading up to Christmas 

• Reverse Grotto  runs 28 November–20 December 2026. 

• Father Christmas times:  28 and 29 November, 5, 6 12,13 19 and 20 December, 10.30am–3.30pm.  

Find out what the Foodbank is in need of here 

Winter walks

Winter is a fantastic time to explore Chirk's beautiful parkland. So wrap up warm, bring some sturdy shoes and get ready to explore.

There are two main circular trails on the estate. One offers great views of the castle with Shropshire and Cheshire behind, and the other follows paths with a lovely variety of woodland and parkland.

Learn more about exploring Chirk Castle estate

Festive food and drink 

Slow down, catch up with loved ones and enjoy a little taste of Christmas at Chirk Castle. Enjoy a turkey, stuffing and cranberry bap served with wedges, with pigs in blankets available as an optional extra.

• The tearoom is open daily 10am–4pm in December.
• Closed 25 and 26 December, 1 Janaury.

Christmas shopping

Skip the hectic high street and wrap up your gift buying in the shop at Home Farm. Decorations, homeware, gorgeous gifts and festive foods: our range has everything you need for a magical Christmas.

Every donation and purchase made during your visit helps us to care for the nature, beauty and history of this special place – thank you for putting a sparkle in our Christmas too. 

• The Home Farm Shop is open 10am–4pm weekends and daily from 30 November.
• Closed 25 and 26 December, 1 January.