For over 20 years, we have dressed the house for Christmas to welcome gatherings of families and friends for a festive day out. Every year, the theme is different. This year it is 'The Enchanted Garden', and continues our year-long celebration of the natural world.
The Christmas experience continues into the garden, where illuminations and music light the paths for a post-dusk walk that culminates in an animation projected onto the south façade of the house.
Please be aware that a pre-booked ticket is required for all visits to Chatsworth over the festive period (8 Nov - 4 Jan).
Planning your visit
You can arrive at Chatsworth at any time after 9am on the day of your visit to take a walk in our woodland or parkland; however, our house, garden, farmyard, shops and restaurants open at 10am. View opening times
If you are visiting between 8 November and 14 December, you can also visit the Christmas market. This is located on Lodge Hill, between the house entrance and the Stables. The market also opens at 10am.
Car Parking over the Christmas period
Christmas is the busiest time of year at Chatsworth, and during the Christmas market (8 Nov - 14 Dec) our parking arrangements are different to what you may be used to.
We strongly recommend you read our important information so you know how to prepare and what to expect when you arrive.
Discover the magic in the house
Allow 1-1.5 hours for the house. More about the house
When you book, you will need to select an entry time for visiting the house.
Please arrive at the house entrance at least 5 minutes before this entry time. If you're late, we may not be able to accommodate you due to capacity restrictions, and you won't be entitled to a refund.
The Christmas route flows through 20 spaces in the house, including the Painted Hall, Chapel, Great Dining Room, and the Sculpture Gallery.
If you can, look beyond the Christmas decorations to also take in the architecture, ceilings, paintings, and other treasures from the Devonshire Collections as you pass by. Our guides will be happy to answer your questions about individual pieces or the history of the house and the Devonshire family.
Please be aware that some of the rooms on the main season visitor route (March to October) are not open over Christmas, such as the State Apartments.
Explore the garden
After the Sculpture Gallery, you'll exit the house through the Orangery Gift Shop. Just outside the shop is Flora's Temple Teas - a great opportunity to grab a snack and a hot drink.
There are also toilet facilities nearby. View site map.
If you had a morning visit to the house, you're welcome to explore our 105-acre garden in the daylight. More about the garden
Alternatively, you might want to use this time to visit the Christmas market (until 14 December), the farmyard and adventure playground, or our gift shops and restaurants at the Stables.
Christmas garden trail
Allow at least 45 - 60 minutes to explore the Christmas light trail.
Our Christmas light trail in the garden takes in some of Chatsworth's best-loved landmarks, and includes music, lights, and interactive experiences.
Follow the trail from Flora's Temple up the hill, past Paxton's Glasshouses, the Cascade, and through the Rock Garden and Maze. View a map of the light trail route here.
The trail culminates in a light and sound show projected on the house. You'll also find further drink and snack stalls at the bottom of the Broad Walk.
Important: if you choose a house entry time of 4.30pm or later, we recommend that you visit the garden before you enter the house so you have enough time to enjoy the full experience. The projection on the house may finish up to 15 minutes before the garden closes. The Orangery Gift Shop and Flora's Temple Teas will close when the garden closes.
Last entry is 1.5 hours before the garden closes. View opening times.
Our farmyard and playground
Allow at least 2 hours for the farmyard and playground.
Last entry is 1 hour before close. View opening times
You can visit the farmyard and adventure playground anytime between 10am and the last entry time to feed our friendly farmyard animals, join in a guinea pig cuddling session, or enjoy Christmas craft activities.
You can also take the secret tunnel from the upper yard to our woodland adventure playground, where you'll find tall towers to climb, racing slides, swings, a zip wire, sand pit and waterplay. We recommend warm clothes and wellies!
There is a gift shop and takeaway café on the lower yard serving snacks and hot drinks. Make sure to wash your hands.
Storytime with Father Christmas
Join Father Christmas and his elves for a Christmas-themed story, photo opportunity and gift.
Separate ticket required.
Woodland Playground
Follow the secret tunnel for woodland playground adventures.
Make new friends
Meet all of our farmyard animals and have a cuddle with the guinea pigs in the animal pen.
Seasonal dining
No day out is complete without a seasonal lunch, or a hot drink and a slice of handmade cake.
You'll find hot and cold takeaway food options at our Christmas market (until 14 December), and at our Park Shop, Flora's Temple Teas in the garden, and at outlets in the Stables Courtyard.
The Carriage House Café at the Stables serves a range of hot meals, soup, sandwiches, drinks and cakes all freshly prepared in our kitchen using locally sourced ingredients.
Afternoon teas can be pre-booked in the Cavendish Restaurant or, if you visit on a Friday or weekend, you could book a table for a festive lunch or dinner (pre-booking essential). Learn more.
Seasonal shopping
You can stock up on seasonal decorations, gifts, cards and food and drink in our shops at Chatsworth, at Chatsworth Farm Shop down the road in Pilsley, or at Chatsworth Kitchen at Peak Shopping Village in Rowsley.
Visiting with young children
Learn more about visiting with young children, including baby change facilities, feeding and more.
Accessibility
Learn more about how we can help you on your visit. Accessibility.
