Hampton Court Palace transforms into an enchanted winter world this Christmas, as mythical beasts, magical characters and festive celebrations take over the historic palace for Winter Palace: The Christmas Beast Ball.
From 28 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, visitors of all ages are invited to step inside a world of myth, magic and Yuletide merriment as Hampton Court Palace becomes the setting for an extraordinary Christmas adventure.
At the centre of the experience is The Christmas Beast Ball, where fantastical creatures gather in the Cartoon Gallery for an immersive celebration featuring live performances, playful characters and stories from a mysterious magical realm.
What Is Winter Palace: The Christmas Beast Ball?
Winter Palace: The Christmas Beast Ball invites visitors to explore Hampton Court Palace as preparations take place for a spectacular festive gathering.
Armed with a bespoke map, guests can roam through the Palace and discover richly dressed historic rooms transformed for Christmas, complete with frosted trees, glittering garlands and enchanting installations.
The festivities are set in motion by Seymour Panther, the cunning Lord of Revels, as the Winter Palace slowly reveals its secrets and introduces visitors to a colourful cast of mythical beasts and magical characters.
Discover The Christmas Beast Ball At Hampton Court Palace
The adventure begins in Clock Court, where the Guardian Dragon lies in a mysterious slumber.
From there, visitors continue into the Great Hall, where four spectacular feast tables provide clues and stories about the creatures gathering for the Ball.
The experience encourages guests to explore the Palace and uncover the connections between the characters, beasts and magical world surrounding the Christmas celebration.
Meet The Mythical Beasts Of The Winter Palace
Among the characters visitors can encounter is Yale, the devoted caretaker of Princess Unicorn, who is preparing for her very first Ball.
The ancient Green Man, meanwhile, acts as storyteller of the Masked Court, carrying tales of the beasts and their gatherings through the Winter Palace.
Elsewhere, mischievous mice and woodland creatures bring another layer of magic to the experience as they scurry through the Wine Cellar below.
Follow The Winter Palace Map Through Hampton Court
The bespoke visitor map provides a guide through the Palace, encouraging families and guests to explore at their own pace while discovering the different stories, characters and installations hidden throughout the experience.
At the heart of the story is the sleeping Dragon, whose presence anchors the magic of the Winter Palace.
What Can Visitors Expect At Hampton Court Palace This Christmas?
Winter Palace combines historic surroundings with a theatrical Christmas experience, bringing together costumed performers, puppets, live performances and immersive installations.
The Palace’s historic rooms provide the backdrop for the fantastical world, with festive decorations transforming the spaces into an atmospheric winter wonderland.
The result is a Christmas experience built around storytelling and discovery, with surprises waiting throughout the Palace.
Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink Returns For Christmas 2026
Beyond the Winter Palace, visitors can continue their festive day at the Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink, which returns from 20 November 2026 to 3 January 2027.
Set outdoors beneath a canopy of twinkling lights, the rink provides another seasonal highlight alongside the Christmas experience inside the Palace.
Hampton Court Palace Festive Fayre Returns
The annual Hampton Court Palace Festive Fayre also returns this Christmas for its 11th year.
Taking place on 4 to 6 December and 11 to 13 December 2026, the Festive Fayre will bring artisan food and drink, carefully curated gifts, boutique businesses and independent retailers to the Palace gardens.
For visitors planning a full festive day out, the Winter Palace, Ice Rink and Festive Fayre offer several different ways to experience Hampton Court during the Christmas season.
A Relaxed Christmas Experience At Hampton Court Palace
A neuro-inclusive Relaxed Event will take place on 8 December 2026, providing a gentler version of the Christmas experience for disabled, learning-disabled and neurodivergent visitors of all ages.
The event forms part of Hampton Court Palace’s wider Christmas programme, offering visitors the opportunity to enjoy Winter Palace in a more relaxed environment.
Plan Your Visit To Winter Palace 2026
Winter Palace: The Christmas Beast Ball runs from 28 November 2026 to 3 January 2027 at Hampton Court Palace.
With mythical beasts, theatrical performances, festive decorations and stories unfolding throughout the historic rooms, the Christmas experience promises a very different way to explore Hampton Court Palace during the festive season.
Add in the outdoor Ice Rink and returning Festive Fayre, and Hampton Court becomes a destination for a full day of Christmas entertainment, food, shopping and seasonal discovery.
This Christmas, the Palace becomes the Winter Palace, and the invitation is open to discover what happens when the beasts gather for their Ball.
Ready to enter the Winter Palace? Discover what awaits at Hampton Court Palace this Christmas, from the Christmas Beast Ball and mythical creatures to the Ice Rink and Festive Fayre, and start planning your festive visit for 2026.
