Step in. Let the magic begin.
This year Hampton Court Palace will be transformed into The Winter Palace from 28 November. We invite schools during this period to come and experience the enchantment.
Magical enhancements will greet schools visiting the Palace, including installations, performers, puppets and decorations that will bring The Christmas Beast Ball to life. It will offer a spectacular pre-Christmas trip for students. More information on The Winter Palace can be found here.
For school groups wishing to explore the palace without festive displays please note that the Tudor Apartments and Historic Kitchens will be fully dressed for the Winter Palace experience during this time. However, a selection of other, undecorated historic spaces will remain available.
Winter Palace FAQsSeasonal sessions at Hampton Court Palace
These sessions support the Winter Palace: Christmas Beast Ball experience being installed for the Christmas period and running from 28 November 2026 - 3 January 2027.
Bookings for these seasonal sessions will open soon.
Meet the Christmas Beasts
Enter a winter wonderland to meet the Christmas Beasts—Panther, Dragon, Unicorn Calf, and Winter Phoenix. Through storytelling and creative activities, pupils explore Tudor heraldry and design their own colourful mythical creatures.
Key stage 1
Subjects: History, Art & Design
Topics: Tudors
Session type: Classroom-based, Seasonal
Christmas Beasts - Symbols and storytelling
Through storytelling, discussion and creative art activities, pupils will explore Tudor heraldry, uncover the meanings behind mythical creatures, and create their own unique heraldic beast
Key stage 2
Subjects: History, Art & Design
Topics: Tudors
Session type: Classroom-based, Seasonal
Meet the Christmas Beasts SEND
A flexible, multi-sensory session where learners meet the Christmas Beasts through sensory storytelling and have the option to design or decorate their own colourful mythical creatures.
Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
Subjects: History, Art & Design
Topics: Tudors
Session type: Classroom-based, Seasonal