Families and friends can banish the winter blues this month and secure their place for festive fun at an iconic Oxfordshire landmark.
The much-loved Christmas at Blenheim Palace will feature a never-before-seen illuminated outdoor trail for 2024, and a swashbuckling Neverland-themed adventure within the state rooms.
But that’s not all. This Christmas, families and friends will also be able to make memories that last a lifetime at the country house, thanks to The Great Skate.
For the first time ever, the beautiful Great Court at Blenheim Palace will be transformed into a spectacular frozen ice rink.
The Great Skate is part of the Oxfordshire UNESCO World Heritage Site’s incredible festivities, which will also feature a delightful outdoor Christmas market and a vibrant fairground.
Surrounded by breathtaking beauty and festive decor, visitors will be able to enjoy a luxurious hot chocolate as well as other tasty treats at the venue’s rink-side seats. It will be the perfect opportunity for some festive selfies, promising an enjoyable experience for the whole family.
And to make this festive season special for those who need it most, The Blenheim Palace Heritage Foundation will also be supporting the Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity (GOSH) this year. One pound will be donated for every Neverland in the Palace ticket sold, and Neverland afternoon tea at the country house.
Ever since author JM Barrie gifted the rights for ‘Peter Pan’ to Great Ormond Street Hospital in 1929, the story continues to benefit the seriously ill children who go there for life-saving treatment every day.
The outdoor illuminated trail, Neverland experience, and The Great Skate will be at Blenheim Palace from Friday, November 15, 2024, to Wednesday, January 1, 2025.
The light trail is restricted to limited capacity with timed entry, and visitors are encouraged to book their tickets now to avoid disappointment.
An enchanting light trail and fairytale experience
Christmas at Blenheim Palace is a place where lifelong memories are made.
For 2024, visitors will be able to see the world-renowned gardens in a spectacularly different light, soaking in the seasonal sounds which fill the night air. There will even be the chance to catch a magical glimpse of Father Christmas along the way.
Inside the state rooms, guests can embark on an unforgettable journey with Neverland in the Palace, which will be bursting with magic and make-believe.
Adults and children alike will be able to feel the fairytale come to life, following Tinkerbell as she sprinkles fairy dust over baubles and Christmas trees. They can also prepare to be amazed as they wander through a moonlit London skyline and on to the enchanting Mermaid Lagoon.
Dominic Hare, Blenheim Palace CEO, said: “Following hot on the heels of our hugely successful Christmas season last year, we’re thrilled to announce that our fantastic ongoing partnership with Sony Music will once again enable us to reveal the beauty of the palace and grounds in a fantastic way.
“This year, we’re delighted to be able to support Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity (GOSH) in presenting Neverland as our indoor theme for 2024.”
Tickets to Neverland in the Palace and the illuminated light trail start from £59.50 for adults, £38 for children (aged 3-16 years), with family tickets also available. Parking at the site costs £10 per car after 10am.
Skate into the festive season
Within one of the UK’s most iconic settings, The Great Skate promises an extra festive experience for visitors of all ages.
Families and friends will be able to celebrate the ultimate winter wonderland experience at Blenheim Palace. Whether someone is a seasoned ice skater or just getting to grips on the ice, the attraction promises to be a great day out regardless.
The Great Skate will be open from 10am to 8pm, Monday to Sunday – and tickets for the new experience are now available to book online.
Admission will cost £15 for adults, £10 for children, and £60 per family (one adult and three children or two adults and two children). Visitors will be able to reserve a skating aid for free.
About Blenheim Palace
Home to the Dukes of Marlborough since 1705, Blenheim Palace was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.
Set in more than 2,000 acres of ‘capability’ brown landscaped parkland and designed by Vanbrugh in the Baroque style, the country house is also the birthplace of one of Britain’s most famous leaders, Sir Winston Churchill.
Exceeding 300 years of history, and home to one of Europe’s most important and extensive collections, the magnificent palace has a rich variety of cultural highlights, special events and exhibitions for visitors to explore.
The estate expands to a further 10,000 acres outside of the designated UNESCO World Heritage Site too. It focuses on care for the land through sustainable means, pursuing net zero; the growth of the local economy; and supporting community groups as part of its ambition to make this part of Oxfordshire a fairer and better place.
