About
Winter Palace: The Christmas Beast Ball is an immersive, self-guided Christmas adventure that transforms Hampton Court Palace into a world of festive wonder. As you wander through the palace’s historic state rooms and courtyards, you are invited to explore a richly imagined winter realm brought to life through large-scale displays, atmospheric projections, sound and lighting, live performance and puppetry.
This is a participatory, walk‑through experience designed to be discovered at your own pace. Along the way, you may encounter curious beasts inspired by the palace’s history, stumble upon moments of storytelling and performance, or find yourself surrounded by enchanting visual worlds that shift and unfold as you move. There is no set route or fixed timetable — instead, you are free to roam, pause, watch, and take part as curiosity leads you.
Created for audiences of all ages, Winter Palace: The Christmas Beast Ball invites you to step inside a magical Christmas world — a place to explore together, spark the imagination, and experience Hampton Court Palace in a wholly new and festive way.
Winter Palace: The Christmas Beast Ball is an experience designed to be enjoyed by the whole family. From young children to grandparents, there is something for everyone. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
The experience takes place within the palace, including Henry VIII’s Apartments and Henry VIII’s Kitchens, in grand rooms and outdoor courtyards. It does not extend into the Palace Gardens.
Winter Palace: The Christmas Beast Ball runs from the 28 November through to the 03 January.
The Event is closed on 30 November, 01, 07, 08, 14, 15, 24-26 December.
We recommend you allow approximately 2 hours, with further time to explore the rest of the palace and gardens. You are able to explore the experience at your own pace—wandering, watching, and soaking up the atmosphere.
Winter Palace: The Christmas Beast Ball is a self-guided experience that you can explore at your own pace. Performers can be found throughout the palace. A Winter Palace: The Christmas Beast Ball guide is available to collect on arrival which can help you explore.
Tickets
Winter Palace: The Christmas Beast Ball is included with palace entry.
Members visit free of charge, but pre‑booking is required. Book through the Member login and show your member ticket and valid membership card on arrival at the palace.
Tickets are timed, with entry to the palace available every 30 minutes. We kindly ask that you arrive within your allocated timeslot so we can ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for all visitors.
If you arrive late, we will do our best to accommodate you in the next available timeslot. However, admission cannot be guaranteed if the event is fully booked. Entry times are carefully managed to support visitor safety and to help preserve the magical atmosphere of the experience, so we recommend planning your journey with plenty of time to spare.
Winter Palace: The Christmas Beast Ball is included in Palace admission. Tickets cost £35.00 for adults (16 years +) and £17.50 for children (5-15 years) for peak and £32.00 for adults and £16.00 for children for off peak. Children under 5 go free. Concessions and carer tickets are also available.
Members visit free of charge, but pre‑booking is required. Book through the Member login and show your member ticket and valid membership card on arrival at the palace.
Winter Palace: The Christmas Beast Ball is open from 10:00 to 16:30 daily with extended opening on selected dates. On those dates the palace will remain open until 19:30. Please note that the gardens, William III apartments, Tudor World exhibition and Cumberland Art Gallery will close at 16:30 on these days.
Yes if you are visiting on the 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13 December your ticket will include access to the Festive Fayre. Please be aware that the Fayre closes at 17:00.
No. Tickets for the ice rink must be purchased separately. Tickets will be available to purchase soon.
Facilities
Yes, you will be able to purchase food and drink at our palace cafes and seasonal pop-up chalets.
You are welcome to bring a picnic to enjoy in the iconic gardens or one of our designated indoor picnic spaces. Please be aware food is strictly prohibited inside the palace.
Full information on travel and parking is available on our Getting here page.
Accessibility
We are working closely with our creative partners to create an experience that considers mobility, sensory and other access needs from the outset. All areas of the experience are accessible via step free routes. Further information can be found on our dedicated Accessibility page.
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