Christmas Festivities

Christmas cookery and music at the palace

Get into the festive spirit at Hampton Court Palace this Christmas. Savour historic Tudor cookery and revel in festive tunes from the past.

Discover Tudor Christmas cookery

This festive season, experience Tudor cookery in Henry VIII's Kitchens where you'll discover beef roasting while you warm up by the fire, and a selection of other Tudor Court favourites being prepared for you to investigate.

See Important information below.

Hear festive music at the palace

While you walk around the palace, listen out for the festive music in various locations through the day, from the Great Hall and the Guard Chamber in King William III's apartments. Listen to seasonal music from history, as well as some familiar tunes.

When

Daily from 21 December 2024 to 05 January 2025 (Excluding 24-26 December)

Where

Henry VIII's Kitchens, the Great Hall and the Guard Chamber.

Ticketing information

Included in palace admission (Members go free)

Buy Hampton Court Palace tickets

Important cookery information

Our historic cooks follow original recipes, use original techniques and replicas of historic kitchen tools while attempting to show how Henry VIII’s kitchens functioned in the past.

The fire in the kitchen is real and is hot and as with a modern kitchen, the tools being used may cause injury if misused or mishandled. Please remember that surfaces may not appear hot, and tools may not appear sharp.

While we are keen for you to enjoy an authentic and hands on visit to the kitchens, please ask before touching items that the cooks are using and follow any safety instructions they, or our Palace Hosts may give.

Please ensure children are supervised at all times while visiting the kitchens.

Many historic recipes contain ingredients now known to be allergens. While every attempt is made to reduce their use, and while none are available for consumption, please note that these demonstrations may include the use and processing of almond (Nuts), flour (Wheat), Eggs, Mustard, Oats, Fish, Molluscs, and dried fruits (Sulphites).