This Christmas Blenheim Palace will be transformed, both inside and out, showcasing the biggest Christmas ever to take place at the Oxfordshire World Heritage Site. With a new indoor Cinderella experience taking over the Palace State Rooms during the day and a bigger and better Christmas light trail illuminating the 'Capability' Brown landscaped Parkland in the evening; visitors can expect an incredible festive experience from November 2018.

Cinderella: The Fairytale Experience

New from 23 November 2018 – 6 January 2019, the State Rooms of Britain's Greatest Palace will be adorned with seasonal decorations as it transforms into a Cinderella experience. Wander beneath garlands into rooms filled with Christmas trees glistening with ornaments, ribbons, baubles, holly and swags of mistletoe...

The story begins as visitors are welcomed into The Great Hall, from where they walk along colonnades and through historic rooms filled with hidden surprises. The Stepmother's drawing room is set for Afternoon Tea, the Ugly Sister's room is bright and bold, scattered with clothes, books and shoes, whilst Cinderella's room is home to her delicate hand-made gown.

Walk through a larger-than-life storybook into the crystal world of The Fairy Godmother, then along to the Prince's charmingly grand room.

The Long Library is transformed into a glass-inspired Ballroom, filled with laughter and dance. Midnight strikes, the clocks all chime..... as the story ends. Visitors can hang their own wish upon the Wishing Tree in the romantically candlelit chapel.

Don't forget to visit the Stables to rummage through the dressing up box. Become a King, Queen, Prince or Princess for the day. Once in your finery, pose by carriages and pumpkins to recreate your very own fairy tale Cinderella moment.

New Christmas Market in the Great Court*

Christmas at Blenheim Palace will also be hosting a brand new extended Christmas market.

Escape the bustle of the high street and soak up the festive atmosphere of the Christmas market set against the magnificent backdrop of the Great Court. Filled with a variety of hand- picked, irresistible gifts, unique works by a range of designers and tempting treats for foodies, it's the perfect addition to a Christmas day out at Blenheim Palace.

With ceramics, textiles, homewares, leather goods, jewellery, toys, stationery, bags, hats and so much more, it is the perfect place for visitors to begin their Christmas shopping!

The Illuminated Trail

Christmas at Blenheim Palace returns from 23 November, 2018 – 1 January 2019, illuminating England's finest view with a bigger, brighter and more spectacular evening trail than ever before.

New for 2018, visitors can expect over a million pea-lights, lasers and projections. Wander beneath unique tree canopies drenched in seasonal colour and dripping with silvery shards of light, frosty snowflakes, stars and baubles.

From the delicate and twinkling to the grand and spectacular, follow the lakeside path past the Gingerbread House and under hundreds of larger-than-life glowing flowers suspended in the branches. Sparkling hedgerows and tunnels lead visitors to a brand new Field of Light and on towards a garden filled with jewel-like, colour changing globes. There are hidden surprises too – watch out for Bubble Path before pausing at the flickering scented flames of the Fire Garden for a moment of tranquil reflection.

As visitors walk through a Canopy of Light festooned with over 100,000 pea-lights, the mesmerising voices of Singing Trees can be heard in the distance. Don't forget to glimpse Father Christmas and his elves along the way before you pause at the Water Terrace Finale to enjoy the jumping water jets, projections and criss-crossing beams of light as they dance in time to much-loved Christmas classics.

Visitors can complete their stroll under the stars with spiced cider, mulled wine or hot chocolate whilst the aroma of roasting chestnuts fills the air. Gather to toast your own marshmallows at one of the fire pits, ride the vintage Carousel and enjoy other traditional fare before browsing Blenheim Palace's well stocked gift shop.

What: Christmas at Blenheim Palace
When: 23 November 2018 – 6 January 2019*
Why Visit: New for 2018, enjoy a magical festive Cinderella experience in the magnificent State Rooms, a traditional Christmas market with up to 100 stalls, and discover a bigger, brighter and more spectacular festive trail around the 'Capability' Brown parkland of Blenheim Palace.
Website: blenheimpalace.com/christmas

Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, Oxfordshire, OX20 1PP #christmasatblenheimpalace

ENDS

For more information please contact:
Melodie Manners |melodie@flamingo-marketing.co.uk | 01637 873379 or 07815 709548

NOTES TO EDITORS

Ticket Pricing

Concession, child and family tickets are available. Combination tickets for both indoor and outdoor events are also available, visitors can save up to 20% on the full ticket price with a combination ticket. For full pricing and ticket information visit blenheimpalace.com/christmas

Indoors

The Cinderella experience is an indoor adventure only, tickets do not include the evening trail unless a joint ticket is purchased.

• Palace open 10am - 8pm. Last entry at 7pm.

• Except 25 - 29 Nov; 3, 4, 10, 11, 31 Dec; 1 – 6 Jan, where the Palace closes at 5pm.

  Closed 8 & 25 Dec

  Christmas Market

• *Christmas Market open 23 Nov-16 Dec, from 10.30am to 8.30pm Except 26, 27, 28 Nov and 3, 4 Dec when it will close at 6.30pm.

Outdoors

• Open from 23 November 2018 – 1 January 2019*

• Trail opens 4.40pm - 10pm. Last entry at 8pm.

• Exclusive VIP slot available at 4.20pm

• *Except 25, 29 Nov; 10, 11, 31 Dec; 1 Jan, where the last entry is at 7pm.

• Closedon26–28Nov,3,4,25,Dec.

  About Blenheim Palace

  Blenheim Palace is the home of the 12th Duke and Duchess of Marlborough and the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. This masterpiece of 18th-century Baroque architecture boasts over 300 years of history and is a World Heritage Site, surrounded by more than 2000 acres of 'Capability Brown' landscaped Parkland and Formal Gardens.

  Not only an iconic part of history, Blenheim Palace is a living and changing experience with a wealth of events, themed tours and exhibitions throughout the year. blenheimpalace.com

  About Raymond Gubbay Ltd

  Founded in 1966 by Raymond Gubbay, Raymond Gubbay Ltd is recognised as being at the forefront of promoting and producing popular classical music, opera, ballet and events in the United Kingdom. The company now regularly presents over 500 performances each year in London, around the UK and abroad. raymondgubbay.co.uk

  About Culture Creative

  The design team behind this festive event, is Culture Creative. Culture Creative are also responsible for the Christmas at Blenheim Christmas Light Trail, and have previously worked with English Heritage, the National Trust, the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Forestry Commission and the National Trust for Scotland. For more information about Culture Creative please see their website culturecreative.co.uk