From 8th November -14th December Christmas celebrations commence at Blenheim Palace. Visitors can expect a warm welcome with plenty of seasonal experiences, things to see and do.

Blenheim Palace will be transformed by sparkle and splendour, as the theme for this year's decor will be 'Glitter and Gold'. The Great Hall, Saloon and Long Library will be decked with festive decorations throughout the Christmas period, and in the Great Courtyard Blenheim Palace's own trees will feature covered in lights.

Visitors can learn more about Blenheim Palace's Christmas traditions with an exclusive talk and tour. 'Christmas – Past and Present at Blenheim Palace' is a journey from the Victorian era to the present. Guides will describe how current staff transform the Palace each November into a Christmas feast for the eyes.

Families can enjoy the living statues in the Palace on the 15th - 16th of November appearing throughout the day; as well as Bletchingdon Silver band playing winter carols in the afternoon of the 6th and 7th of December. School choirs will also be singing in either the Library or Great Hall on the 7th, 13th - 14th of December. Christmas stilt walkers will welcome families into the Palace on 8th and 9th November and 29th and 30th November.

Once again the courtyards of Blenheim Palace will be transformed for the 'Living Crafts for Christmas', 20th – 23rd November, a highlight of the festive season at Blenheim Palace. For the first time this year the much-loved event is extended to four days. Over 150 British designer-makers will be showcasing high quality, contemporary craft, where visitors can choose perfect presents for all the family, from individual gifts and special commissions to simple stocking fillers.

Children will love travelling on the train through the Christmas Tunnel to Blenheim Palace's Pleasure Gardens where they can discover the 'Twelve days of Christmas trail' finding clues and competing to win a Christmas hamper full of festive treats. Christmas time would not be complete without Santa's Grotto. Father and Mother Christmas will be in residence on the 7th, 8th, 13th and 14th of November from 10am until 5pm.

Blenheim Palace's contemporary exhibition by celebrated Chinese artist Ai Weiwei continues throughout the Palace and Formal Gardens until 14th December. Amongst the 50 artworks will be 'Soft Ground', a site-specific carpet measuring 4510cm by 200cm displayed in the Great Hall; alongside hand-painted porcelain plates with 'freedom flower' details in the China Ante Room and 'Sunflower Seed Stools', also crafted in porcelain, amongst Ai Weiwei's other works. These sit amongst the traditional splendour in Blenheim Palace and Formal Gardens at Christmas time.

www.blenheimpalace.com/whats-on/events

WHAT: Christmas at Blenheim Palace

WHEN: 8th November – 14th December

WHY VISIT: Enjoy all the festivities of the season with something for all the family to enjoy.

ADMISSION: Palace, Park & Gardens ticket required: Adult £22.50 / Child £12.30 (Age 5-16) /

Concession £18.00

WEBSITE: www.blenheimpalace.com for more information

INFO LINE: 0800 849 6500

ENDS

Notes to editors:

Palace Opening Times: From 5 Nov - 14 Dec, the Palace will be open from Wednesday to Sunday inclusive. The Palace and Formal Gardens will close from the 14th December 2014, and will re-open on 14th February 2015.

Blenheim Palace is a member of the Green Tourism Business Scheme.

Blenheim Palace is a member of the Treasure Houses of England, 10 of the most magnificent palaces, stately homes and castles in England www.treasurehouses.co.uk

Annual Pass

BUY ONE DAY, GET 12 MONTHS FREE*

Blenheim Palace offers an amazing annual pass ticket deal. When you buy a single day ticket to the Palace, Park and Gardens, you can convert it into an annual pass for free and gain unlimited entry for 12 months.                     

Annual Pass Privilege Card - 15% discount on dining and shopping*

Blenheim Palace is offering a special Privilege Card upgrade option with the Annual Pass. For an extra £5 you can receive a 15% discount in all Blenheim Palace Shops and Cafés!

*Terms and conditions apply.