Things to do at Holkham this Christmas 2025

October 1, 2025 | Christmas | 9 minute read

It’s ‘the most wonderful time of the year’, and one that we always look forward to at Holkham! In the run-up to Christmas 2025, we’ve a whole host of festive fun to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for shopping, celebrating, singing or strolling, you’ll find it up here in our part of North Norfolk. Gather your friends or family, wrap up warm, join us for Christmas at Holkham, where our events are brimming with comfort and joy.

Tour Holkham Hall by Candlelight

We don’t just deck the halls with boughs of holly, but all manner of quirky and joyful festive splendour! You may have seen us on Channel 4’s ‘Christmas at Holkham’ in previous years, but why not come and be wowed yourself?

From a chocolate banquet Willy Wonka would be jealous of to a starlit Night Before Christmas suite, Hansel and Gretel gingerbread house and a serene Partridge in a Pear Tree installation, our artists and makers are creating some truly show-stopping rooms which we can’t wait to see!

Our candlelit tours are always a magical time, especially with a glass of fizz and a mince pie to get you in the festive spirit for all pre-Christmas visitors.

Holkham Hall by Candlelight can be enjoyed as part of a guided tour on 4th, 11th and 15th December, or on a self-led tour on various dates throughout late November and December.

And new for 2025 is our Family Day! Bring your little ones and experience even more magic together on 20th December, with some very special visitors joining us at ho-ho-Holkham that day.

Christmas shopping in the Gift Shop

The gift shop in the Stables Courtyard will be bursting with beautiful Christmas decorations from mid-November, inspired by those used in the Hall. So if you’ve been wowed by the adorned state rooms, have a browse in the shop and take some of the Holkham magic home with you.

You’ll also find gifts aplenty, from cheese and chutneys for the foodies to scented candles and skincare for those who enjoy a good pamper. There are books, gardening goodies, children’s toys and so much more, so it’s the perfect place for a spot of Christmas shopping (or for picking up a treat for yourself!).

Head to the Christmas Market

Speaking of shopping, the Holkham Christmas Market is back for three days this year!

On 12th-14th December, over 60 local and regional producers will be in the Lady Elizabeth Wing and Courtyard selling artisan food, drink and gifts. North Norfolk and the rest of the county is home to some fantastic creatives, so you’re in for a treat.

Stay for a while – there’ll be live music and plenty of tasty street food to tuck into. Car parking is £10 for the whole day, while entry to the market is free.

Find out more about Holkham Christmas Market here and take a look at our guide to Christmas Markets in North Norfolk here.

Get creative at a festive workshop

Forget carving the turkey, carve out some time for yourself instead and take part in one of our creative workshops, each led by a talented local artist or maker.

Whether you’d love to learn calligraphy or candlemaking, or fancy turning your hand to silversmithing, there are a number of classes to choose from. Take a look at the range of workshops here. Be quick, as some don’t have many places left!

Sing some Christmas carols

Gather your hats, mittens, friends and family, and join us for a jolly, festive sing-a-long in the Courtyard this Christmastime, helping us fundraise for Break Charity. Carols in the Courtyard will be taking place on Thursday 11th December 2025.

We’ll be joined by YourChoir for an evening that’s sure to get you into the Christmas spirit. The café and gift shop will be open late, too.

…or enjoy Canine Carols instead!

If you’re furry friend is feeling festive, then Canine Carols will be a fun-filled day! Our annual chorus of woofs, yaps and howls is back, led by Reverend Brenda Stewart. Then, your pup can also enjoy the fun dog show and group dog walk around the lake. 

Join us for Canine Carols on 22nd December 2025.

Enjoy a wintry wander in Holkham Park, Holkham National Nature Reserve or Wells Beach

There’s something lovely about layering up, pulling on your gloves and woolly hat, and setting off for a stroll. Perhaps a beach walk takes your fancy, with many of the colourful beach huts decorated for Christmas. You might even see it covered in snow!

Or head to the Nature Reserve, which plays host to huge numbers of over-wintering birds, so you can enjoy the sights and sounds of them flocking in as you walk. Or visit Holkham Park – open daily throughout December except Christmas Day – where you can spot the herd of fallow deer and enjoy the grounds.

Cosy up in one of the cafés

The Courtyard Café, Wells Beach Café and The Lookout are all ideally situated for you to enjoy a hot drink after a blustery walk! Warm up, catch up with friends, tuck into delicious food, and sip on a hot drink. You can check the opening times here.

Tuck in to The Victoria’s new menu

The Victoria’s winter menu will be with us from late November, and there’s so much to enjoy!

Tuck into the lunchtime small plates, suitable for enjoying one or two to yourself, or for sharing, tapas-style! The main courses are equally delicious, and all courses include vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options alongside those served with meat and fish. While the fabulous Vic chefs are still cooking up the winter menu, you can take a look at the autumn options here.

In the evenings, the menu changes each day, with Head Chef Michael Chamberlain and the team creating scrumptious servings using local, seasonal produce.

So if you’re heading to Holkham for one of the events above, or you’re looking forward to a wintry walk on the National Nature Reserve or beach, why not warm up by the fire at The Victoria?

Booking is highly recommended.

Stay with us at Pinewoods or The Victoria

A stay at Holkham or in Wells-next-the-Sea is always a good idea, no matter what time of year. And with all our events going on, you might need more than one day to enjoy it all! In the run-up to Christmas, there is still some availability in the luxury lodges and caravan holiday homes at Pinewoods Holiday Park in Wells, as well as in The Victoria’s hotel rooms and the four gorgeous, self-catered shepherd huts that opened in spring 2025.

Both Pinewoods and The Victoria have dog-friendly accommodation available if you’re bringing your pup along!

Book your stay at The Vic here, or find out more about Pinewoods here.

So, with so much to enjoy at Holkham this December, why not get into the festive spirit with us? We’d love to welcome you and to be a small part of your 2025 Christmas.