Discover more at Chirk Castle
Find out when Chirk Castle is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.
Christmas at Chirk Castle
With wintry walks, beautiful decorations, warming cups of hot chocolate and Christmas shopping, there’s something to add some sparkle to everyone's Christmas at Chirk Castle. Explore the stunning castle interior, visit Santa in the Reverse Grotto or enjoy a frosty adventure around acres of parkland before relaxing in the cosy tea-room.
What to expect
This medieval fortress will be filled with enchanting sights and ornate Christmas trees that are hung with some unique handcrafted decorations. Enjoy the gift of giving with our reverse grotto. Take a walk through the estate or garden then treat yourself to a selection of delicious festive food and drink or a gift from our shop.
Opening times
- 6 November to 1 December, open weekends only from 10am to 4pm. House closed.
- From 2-24 December, open daily 10am-4pm. House open from 11am-4pm.
- Closed 25 and 26 December and 1 January.
- 27-31 December, open daily 10am-4pm. House open from 11am-4pm.
- 2-7 January, open daily 10am-4pm. House open 11am-4pm.
- Find out more about our opening hours here
Christmas in the castle
The enchanted castle theme at Chirk this Christmas is inspired by a large painting in our collection called Orpheus Charming the Animals by Thomas Ffrancis, which dates to the early 1600s.
See the collection brought to life as you wander through the house. Look out for a range of animals in our decorations including birds in flight and monkeys causing havoc.
Finish your visit with an immersive experience in the East Wing, which will be especially open for the festive season.
Festive family fun
Reverse grotto
This December there will be a reverse grotto at Chirk Castle in aid of Oswestry and Borders foodbanks.
Items, including tinned tomatoes, soup, beans, tinned meat, tea, coffee, juice and UHT milk, can be donated at the ranger’s hub at Home Farm during normal opening hours.
Father Christmas will be visiting the grotto on 2, 3, 9, 10, 16 and 17 December, 10.30am-3.30pm.
Find out what the Foodbank is in need of here
Supper with Father Christmas
Get into the festive spirit by joining Father Christmas for dinner in our tearoom. Tuck into a traditional Christmas feast with all the trimmings followed by a mince pie and/or ice cream. Children will hear a story and receive a small gift. It takes place on 15 December from 4.30-6.30pm. Places are limited, and booking is essential. An additional charge applies for this memorable event.
To book, or for more information about our Christmas events at Chirk Castle, click here
Hand bell ringing
On 10, 17 and 24 December hand bell ringers from St Mary’s Church in Chirk will be performing some festive favourites near the Grand Staircase in the castle at 1.30pm and 2.30pm.
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.
Festive food and drink
If you’re feeling peckish, step inside the cosy tearoom where we have plenty of festive treats available on weekends in November and every day in December. From light bites to a hearty Christmas dinner with all the trimmings (vegan/vegetarian option available), and tempting treats like mince pies, hot chocolate and not forgetting mulled wine.
- The tea-room is open daily 10am–4pm in December.
- Closed 1, 25 and 26 December.
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.
What’s more, every penny spent in our shop remains at Chirk Castle, helping us to continue looking after this special place for everyone, for ever – thank you for putting a sparkle in our Christmas too.
- The Home Farm Shop is open 10am–4pm daily.
- Closed 1, 25 and 26 December.
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