What’s on

Holkham by Candlelight

Name: Holkham by Candlelight
Start: 2026-12-23
Location: Holkham Hall

Home What’s on Holkham by Candlelight

Experience the Christmas magic of Holkham by Candlelight for yourself

Step inside Holkham Hall this festive season and discover one of North Norfolk’s most magical Christmas events. Explore our magnificent state rooms, adorned with spectacular Christmas decorations, twinkling lights and creative displays, as Holkham by Candlelight returns for 2026.

Begin your visit in the magnificent Marble Hall, where live music sets the scene, before exploring the beautifully decorated state rooms at your own pace. Our friendly Hall Guides will be on hand to share the inspiration behind each room and share the stories that bring Christmas at Holkham to life.

Come and see this favourite Norfolk attraction all dressed up for Christmas. With a complimentary glass of prosecco and mince pie to enjoy, this is a wonderful way to celebrate the festive season with family and friends.

Fancy a peek behind the scenes? See how Holkham Hall by Candlelight is brought to life by our talented team in the Channel 4 documentary – Christmas at Holkham.

Two people walk in front of the North Side of Holkham Hall all decked from Christmas.

The details

29th November, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 6th, 8th, 9th, 15th, 16th, 17th, 18th & 23rd December

Arrival: The main entrance for visitors is via the north gates in Holkham village. If arriving by car, use NR23 1RH in your sat nav to take you to the north gates.
Car parking: Parking is included in your ticket. Please park where directed by the Car Parking team on the day. For accessible parking please make the team aware when you arrive.
Where next: Follow the festoons to our main meeting point, outside Visitor Reception, where our welcoming team will direct you to the Hall. Please arrive here at least 30 minutes before your booked time.
Refreshments: A complimentary mince pie and a glass of Prosecco (or soft drink) is included in your ticket.
How long is the visit?: This visit is taken at your own pace, you can decide how long you want to take enjoying each room. We suggest allowing 45 to 60 minutes.

11th, 12th and 13th December

Our Christmas Market is on this weekend and you are very welcome to visit that too. Please be aware that Holkham will be busier than on other dates, so different arrangements are in place.
Arrival: The main entrance for all visitors is via the south gates at New Holkham. Please look out for AA road signs when you get closer to the area. If arriving by car, use NR23 1RX in your sat nav to take you to the south gates.
Car parking: Parking is included in your ticket. Please park where directed by the Car Parking team on the day. Please be aware you will be parking on grass and walking to the Hall, so we recommend appropriate footwear. For accessible parking please make the team aware when you arrive.
Where next: Once parked, follow signs to the market and then to the Hall entrance. Our Visitor Experience team will be at the Hall to welcome you.
Refreshments: You can visit the Courtyard Cafe for refreshments during your visit. Please note that complimentary refreshments are not included with this ticket.
How long is the visit?: This visit is taken at your own pace, you can decide how long you want to take enjoying each room. We suggest allowing 45 to 60 minutes.

Visiting with your little ones? Our Festive Family Days are for you!

Perfect for Christmas lovers, little and large – our Festive Family Day on 19th and 20th December might be exactly what you’re looking for! Explore the fully decorated Hall at a relaxed pace, chat to our family-friendly room guides and see hello to the big man himself!

Would you prefer a guided tour?

Exclusively on 14th December this year, enjoy a special guided tour of Holkham Hall‘s state rooms. Your lovely guide will reveal the stories behind the installations and decorations, as well as sharing what inspired the theme of each room.

The magic continues at Twixmas…

Visiting after Christmas? Make the most of that in-betweeny time between Christmas and New Year with a visit to Holkham By Candlelight at a reduced entry fee but please note this experience doesn’t include complimentary prosecco and mince pies.

Here are some more ideas of things to do at Holkham during the Twixmas period.

Are you planning a group visit to Holkham Hall by Candlelight for Christmas 2026?

We offer a special discount for pre-booked groups of 15 people or more coming to Christmas at Holkham Hall – find out more here.

What other Christmas events are there at Holkham in 2026?

Christmas at Holkham 2026 is set to be fantastic, and we can’t wait! From our popular Christmas Market to canine carols and craft workshops, there’s so-ho-ho much going on at this most wonderful time of the year! Browse our full programme of Christmas events.

Twp women take a photo in fron of a Christmas team and a table laid for Christmas in the Old Kitchen at Holkham.

Holkham by Candlelight FAQs

What is Holkham by Candlelight?

Our self-led tour of the decorated state rooms of Holkham Hall at Christmas, full of wonderful and sometimes surprising installations that are sure to wow!

When is Holkham by Candlelight in 2026?

Our self-led tours take place on 29th November and 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 6th, 8th, 9th, 11th, 12th, 13th, 15th, 16th, 17th, 18th, 23rd December. They can be booked here.

A guided tour is available on 14th December.

Families with young children may prefer the Festive Family Days on 19th and 20th December.

How much are Holkham by Candlelight tickets?

Tickets are £36 for adults, £18 for 2-16 year olds and free for under 2s. Book yours now.

Reduced tickets are available during the Twixmas period. Find out more about visiting between 27th-30th December.

How long does Holkham by Candlelight take?

The experience within the Hall takes approximately 45 minutes, but as it is self-paced, you’re welcome to spend as long as you’d like exploring the state rooms.

There is also time for your refreshments before going into the Hall.

Is Holkham by Candlelight suitable for children?

You are welcome to bring your children along to Holkham by Candlelight. Tickets are £18 for 2-16 year olds, or free for under 2s.

You might wish to book tickets to our special Festive Family Days, which include your visit to the state rooms as well as fun in the Marble Hall with Father and Mother Christmas and their band of merry elves!

What is the difference between the self-led and guided Candlelight tours?

Our self-led tours allow you to explore the rooms at your own pace. Our Hall Guides will be on hand in each room should you have any questions about the displays. Your ticket includes a complimentary mince pie and glass of Prosecco or soft drink.

Our guided tours will take place on 14th December. During these, your guide will talk about the fabulous installations and decorations to your tour group, sharing the inspiration behind each room’s theme. Your tour will end in the Old Kitchen where you can enjoy your refreshments.

Event details

29th November

1st, 2nd, 3rd, 6th, 8th, 9th, 11th, 12th, 13th, 15th, 16th, 17th, 18th, 23rd December

Adult £36 , Child (2-16 years) £18, Under 2s free.

Approximately 45 minutes

Holkham Hall

Complimentary Parking

Complimentary Prosecco and mince pie

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Christmas at Holkham

Various dates throughout November and December

Looking for things to do in North Norfolk this Christmas? Have a browse of our exciting winter events calendar!

Wreath Making Workshop

Thursday 26th, Friday 27th and Sunday 29th November

There is nothing more welcoming than a wreath dazzling from your door at Christmastime. Enjoy a few relaxed hours creating your own using armfuls of locally sourced spruce, pine cones and hedgerow teasels, adorned with sweet cinnamon sticks and citrus slices.