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Winter Palace

The Christmas Beast Ball

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When

28 November 2026 - 03 January 2027

Ticketing Information

Members go free, pre-booking required.

Included in palace admission. (Members go free, pre-booking required)

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Jump to practical information about late openings, accessibility and more.

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Step in. Let the magic begin.

This Christmas, you are invited into an enchanted world. Step inside The Winter Palace in the glowing halls of Hampton Court Palace - where mythical beasts join the most magical ball of the year.

The spell is cast. And throughout the palace, extraordinary creatures are gathering to welcome you to a celebration like no other.

It's festive. It's mystical. And it's brand new for 2026. Start a new unforgettable Christmas family tradition. Welcome to the Winter Palace.

An enchanting experience

Discover a live, immersive Christmas experience where the story unfolds around you.

Step through a portal into a world where it's always Christmas.

Wander through the palace’s spectacular rooms to discover breathtaking installations, meet friendly puppets and gentle mythical creatures as the story is woven through live performance and music.

Join the ball, discover moments of mischief, and encounter a giant, sleeping dragon.

Each room reveals a new chapter. Every visit feels different. This is a magical day out for families to explore, play, and become part of the story.

Meet the beasts

Panther

Meet the Winter Palace’s Lord of Revels - master of mischief. With a flourish of his whiskers and a flick of his tail, he ensures the Christmas Beast Ball never loses its sparkle.

Winter Phoenix

The Winter Palace's miracle of midwinter, forever rising from the frost and snow. She emerges through the Christmas Beast Ball in a burst of colour and light, reminding all who gather that even the coldest nights can spark something spectacular.

Unicorn Calf

Meet the Winter Palace's most precious inhabitant, blinking at the world with enormous, wondering eyes. They say she only appears to those who still believe. It seems she has found exactly the right place, and if she turns her gaze to you, you are believed in too!

Dragon Guardian

Meet the Winter Palace's ancient keeper of time - sentinel of secrets, guardian of ages. With one eye always open and a wisdom older than winter itself, he watches over every Christmas Beast Ball from within the deepest, most magical slumber.

Practical information

During this period, much of Hampton Court Palace is transformed into the Winter Palace experience. For visitors who prefer to explore the palace’s history without the festive displays, a selection of undecorated historic routes will remain available.

Accessibility

Find out more about accessibility at the palace including our access guide, ahead of your visit.

Late openings

Let the magic stretch into the early evening on select dates. Extended opening until 19:30 (last timeslot 17:30) applies on the following dates: 09-11, 16-17, 19-30 December.

Frequently asked questions

See FAQs for more information about the event.

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More to explore

Make your day even more festive. Glide onto our famous ice rink (additional ticket required), or visit our popular Festive Fayre on 04–06 and 11–13 December.

The beasts return

Our mythical beasts will return in December 2027 for even more magic.

Start your new Christmas tradition.

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