Christmas at Penrhyn Castle

Christmas decoration in the Victorian Kitchen at Penrhyn Castle and Garden, Gwynedd | © National Trust Images/Paul Harris

Over Christmas in 2024 at Penrhyn Castle we invited you to our luxurious decorated rooms as the perfect backdrop for quality time with your loved ones. We discovered the pastimes that continue to bring us together at this special time of year.

Christmas 2024 has now finished at Penrhyn Castle and Garden

The below information is for Christmas 2024. We hope you enjoyed all that we had to offer. Please check back here closer to Christmas 2025 when you will see updates of all the exciting plans we have in store for you.

Celebrating Christmas at Penrhyn Castle (30 November - 1 January)

Step into the magic this Christmas at Penrhyn Castle as visitors can enjoy various experiences during their visit, whether it is hands on craft activity in the Butler's Pantry or recreating a portrait and having fun in the Breakfast Room. The Dining Room table in the castle will be dressed ready for Christmas, ensuring the visitor's experience is one to remember. A Christmas tree will also be on display in the Grand Hall, where families will have the opportunity to have a photo together to remember their festive visit.

Immerse yourself throughout the Christmas period as we are celebrating our community here at Penrhyn, bringing together local groups as they create a magical display in the castle gardens. Wooden stars will be painted and decorated and will be proudly displayed for all visitors throughout the holiday season. On Saturday, 7 December we have the Bangor Community Choir joining us for a special performance in the Grand Hall, again bringing the local community together in the build up towards Christmas.

Come and see and do things that makes you feel part of the Christmas season at Penrhyn, whether that is to participate in activites or to reconnect with friends and family.

Visit Penrhyn Castle This Christmas (16-20 December)

As we approach Christmas here at Penrhyn Castle and Garden, we will be open throughout the week prior to Christmas (16 to 20 December).

Head Gardener Winter Walks (16-17 December)

On Monday and Tuesday, 16-17 December, our winter walks returns with our Head Gardener, Gethin. Enjoy this insightful experience by learning about what the garden team will be working on during the winter months, in addition to taking in the natural beauty that is to be seen in Penrhyn's Gardens.

Behind The Scenes Castle Tour

Enjoy a behind the scenes tour of the castle during your Christmas visit here at Penrhyn. The tour is based on Alice Douglas-Pennant's story from her early childhood in the nursery floors of Penrhyn, to her burial in Capel Curig. You will gather in the Grand Hall before the start of the tour, where you will then be lead to the Lower Keep and then into the Lower Unloved Rooms, where Alice woul;d have spent her early childhood in. Shortly after, you will be lead to the King's Bedroom, where Alice was banished to when her father, George, banished for falling in love with a gardener. Following this will be a walk through the Ebony Room, where you'll be shown the scratching window and told the story of Alice proving the authenticity of her diamond ring. This will then lead up the secondary flight of stairs along the Chapel Corridor and into the Drawings store. The tour will then conclude in the Textiles store, where the final part of Alice's life will be reflected and the love she mainained of Penrhyn and North Wales countryside.

For futher details of the Behind the Scenes Castle Tour, which take place on 19 and 20 December, click here: Taith Tu ol y Llen Castell Penrhyn | Penrhyn Castle Behind the Scenes Tour | National Trust

'Meet The Maker' Session (16+18 December)

Join us on the 16 December as Dilys Thompson, creator of cyanotype prints joins us for a meet the maker session using plants from the estate. On 18 December Catrin Roberts from Meath Natur and creator of balms made from foraged plants from the estate will be in the castle shop for the second meet the maker session of the week.

On 17, 19 and 20 December, there will be tasting sessions in the castle shop. On 17 December, there will be a food tasting, and on 19 and 20 December we will be hosting an alcohol tasting session in perfect time as we approach Christmas Day.

Storytelling Session for Children (18 December)

On 18 December, join us in the Grand Hall for a storytelling session for children under five years old. The session will be hosted by Siwan Llynor, who has several years experience in creative community engagement with babies and children.

The week before Christmas is the perfect opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of Christmas preperations and meet up with friends and family, whether that is to do some shopping or enjoy a bite to eat or enjoy a hot drink in the café. Join us at Penrhyn Castle this Christmas and spend time connecting with your loved ones!