Festive Fun at Raby Castle

You’re guaranteed to be filled with festive cheer with a visit to Raby Castle this winter, from a whole host of seasonal events and activities the whole family can enjoy.  

Fireside Stories with Father Christmas: Saturday 1 – 23 December, various times

Raby Castle is one of Father Christmas’s favourite stopping points during the run up to Christmas, he’ll be returning to his fireside chair in Raby Castle’s grand entrance hall to entertain children with his fun stories, songs and personalised present for every child. Gather round the fire for a magical experience and soak up the festive atmosphere in this remarkable setting, which will be beautifully decorated for Christmas.

High Tea with Father Christmas: Saturday 1 – 23 December, various times

Father Christmas will be bringing Mrs Claus along with him to make her favourite gingerbread muffins for a special children’s high tea. Children can enjoy a delicious afternoon tea of sandwiches and Mrs Claus’ homemade treats including gingerbread muffins, chocolate brownies and candyfloss ice cream.

After High Tea, take a winter stroll to the Castle where Father Christmas will be waiting in the specially decorated Grand Entrance Hall beside the roaring fire and impressive Raby Christmas tree to share stories, sing songs and give each child a personalised gift. 

Breakfast with Father Christmas: Saturday 1 – 23 December, various times

Enjoy a delicious breakfast made by Mrs Claus of warm fluffy pancakes and a selection of tasty toppings, with a hot chocolate or a fresh apple or orange juice. After breakfast, take a winter walk to the Castle where Father Christmas will be waiting in the beautifully decorated Grand Entrance Hall. Gather round the fire to listen to his stories and sing along with him before he hands out a personalised gift to each child. 

Christmas Craft Workshops: Monday 3 – Thursday 13 December, various times

Raby’s classic Christmas craft workshops return with a busy programme of festive craft workshops to choose from including – 

•    Festive Door Garlands
•    Festive Mantle Piece Garlands
•    Fresh Holly Wreath Making
•    Make Your Own Willow Reindeer 
•    Willow Christmas Crafts

All workshops include tea or coffee refreshments and mince pies.

Festive Food and Gift Market: Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 December, 9am – 5pm 

Browse dozens of stalls packed with unique gift ideas and inspiration, seasonal produce and presents for all the family at the castle’s Festive Market. This perfect opportunity to buy stocking fillers, delicious food and drink for your festive guests and to find gifts for those hard to buy for friends and family members.  Even some of Father Christmas' reindeer will be making a special visit to Raby during the Festive Market and Elvis the cheeky Shetland pony will be joining in the fun too! 

Festive Afternoon Tea inside Raby Castle: Monday 3 – Friday 21 December, 1 – 2.30pm

Celebrate the festive season in style in the castle’s Grand Entrance with friends, family or colleagues. A delicious afternoon tea, fit for a king will be laid out by the roaring fire and Raby’s huge Christmas tree. 

Guests will be served a delicious selection of sandwiches, homemade cakes, scones and cream with freshly brewed tea in the castle’s magnificent Grand Entrance setting. After tea, there will be an opportunity to glimpse into rooms decorated as they would have been in days gone by ready for family and friends to gather for Christmas.

And if that wasn’t enough throughout December visitors can - 

• Buy a Raby Estate grown Christmas trees, on sale daily from 1 December at Raby Castle, and for the first time at High Force Waterfall this year too.  
• The Christmas Gift Shop and Tearooms are open daily from 10am. Free entry.  
• Enjoy a brisk winter’s walk through the Castle’s Deer Park and Castle Terrace. Open until 23 December, 10.30am - 3.30pm, Tuesday to Sunday. Ticket prices are Adults £4.50, Children £2.50. Annual pass holders and under 5’s can visit for free. 

All events must be pre-booked.