Leeds Castle Christmas | Festive trails & family fun

What to expect at Leeds Castle during Christmas

Leeds Castle with mist over the moat at sunrise, part of the Leeds Castle, Canterbury Cathedral & White Cliffs of Dover Tour.

Neverland Christmas: From 22 Nov 2025 to 4 Jan 2026, explore a Peter Pan-inspired adventure included in admission.
Christmas Lights trail: Between 21 Nov to 31 Dec 2025, wander through illuminated tunnels, colour-changing lilies on the moat and larger-than-life installations (ticketed separately).
Father Christmas workshop: New for 2025, from 22 Nov to 24 Dec children become elf recruits and meet Father Christmas (separate ticket required).
Evening festive events for adults/groups: Casino nights, party dinners and more take place in the castle itself, adding glamour and sparkle for grown-ups.
Festive atmosphere across the estate: Surrounded by the lake, gardens and castle architecture, the estate becomes a magical winter landscape, ideal for family memories or romantic escapes.
Ticketing mix & planning tip: While some experiences are included with regular admission, others require additional booking, so plan ahead to avoid missing key slots.

Leeds Castle Christmas events

Neverland Christmas at Leeds Castle

Dates: 22 Nov – 04 Jan 2026
Timings: See estate opening hours; immersive experience runs during daylight hours.
Location: Inside the Castle and selected estate rooms.
Included with admission: Yes.
Age restrictions: Suitable for all ages.

A family-friendly Peter Pan-themed festive walk where you explore the Lost Boys’ hideout, Mermaid Lagoon, join Peter Pan’s quest, and meet Tinker Bell, all in the Castle’s rooms.

Christmas Lights at Leeds Castle

Dates: 21 Nov – 31 Dec 2025
Timings: 4:30 pm to 9:30 pm
Location: Outdoor grounds and pathways around the Castle estate.
Included with admission: No – separate ticket required.
Age restrictions: Suitable for all ages; quiet session available on 16 Dec

A breathtaking illuminated trail featuring neon trees, a Ribbon Tunnel, lakeside light sculptures, and festive fairground rides, ideal for families, couples, or groups.

Father Christmas at Leeds Castle

Dates: 22 Nov – 24 Dec 2025 (22nd, 23rd, 29th, and 30th November, and 6th, 7th 13th, 14th, 18th, 19th, 20th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 24th December)
Timings: Scheduled 40-minute sessions
Location: “Elves Magical Workshop” on Leeds Castle grounds.
Included with admission: No. Separate ticket required (£22 child / £5 adult)
Age restrictions: Recommended for children aged 3–10 with their families.

A whimsical audience with Father Christmas, where children become elf recruits and craft baubles, at the bustling North Pole Toy Workshop, and receive a gift bag, all in a magical story environment.

Christmas Casino Nights in the Castle

Dates: 5 Dec, 13 Dec, 20 Dec 2025
Timings: Evening only
Location: Inside Leeds Castle
Included with admission: No. Separate ticket required (from £135 per person).
Age restrictions: Adults only (casino environment)

A glamorous festive evening with sparkling wine, a three-course Christmas dinner, casino tables (roulette, poker, blackjack), and live music, ideal for groups or couples wanting a stylish night out.

A Christmas to Remember

Dates: 5 Dec, 13 Dec, 20 Dec 2025
Timings: Evening only
Location: Inside Leeds Castle
Included with admission: No. Separate ticket required (from £135 per person).
Age restrictions: Adults only (casino environment)

This Murder Mystery event is set in the 1920s and takes place during the cast announcement for a movie. The evening includes two glasses of sparkling wine and a three-course dinner in the Castle. To get in the mood, you can also dress up in 1920s Festive finery!

Visitor information

Leeds Castle in Kent with visitors walking along the path.

The Castle: 10:30 am to 3:30 pm (last entry 2:30 pm)
Grounds and gardens: 10:00 am to 3:30 pm (last entry 3 pm)
Christmas dates: 21 Nov–31 Dec 2025
Christmas Lights trail timing: 4:30 pm to 9:30 pm
Closure: The castle is closed on 25 Dec 2025 (Christmas Day).

Best time to visit: Weekday mornings for a relaxed daytime experience; select evening slots for lights trail (booking strongly recommended).

Detailed Leeds Castle timings

Address: Leeds Castle, Broomfield, Maidstone, Kent ME17 1PL | Find on maps

By train: Nearest station Bearsted (taxi from there is about 10 mins)
By bus: 510 Bus Route operated by Stagecoach bus (stops at the castle gates)
By car: Via M20 (Junction 8), then follow brown tourist signs to Leeds Castle.

Parking: On-site parking at Leeds Castle is included in the cost of admission tickets. The main car park is open from 9:45 am to the end of the day.

Getting to Leeds Castle

Leeds Castle with surrounding lush green grounds and a winding path.

Restrooms: Accessible toilets available at the Visitor Centre and along trails.
Wi-Fi: General visitor Wi-Fi available in main visitor areas.
Gift shop: There’s a shop at the Visitor Centre selling souvenirs, Christmas items, and estate gifts.

Leeds Castle accommodation interior with vintage decor and green furnishings.

Lights trail: Booked time slot required; staff will guide you to the holding area before the trail.
Father Christmas experience: Children under 3 may not participate formally; strictly timed sessions, late arrival may mean you forfeit your slot.
General: Outside food & drink may be restricted in event areas; photography allowed, but commercial use requires permission.
Dress code: For evening events (casino nights, and the murder mystery) smart-casual or formal wear is expected.
Weather: Outdoor elements (lights trail) may be weather-sensitive; check for updates on event day.

Person enjoying a crepe at Disneyland Paris during Christmas 2025.

Castle View Restaurant: Indoor dining beneath the castle, open lunch & dinner; festive drinks and cakes during Christmas events.
Cedar Lawn pop-up café/bar (during lights trail): Warm drinks, mulled wine and snacks amid the illuminated setting.

Frequently asked questions about Leeds Castle Christmas events

Can I book tickets just for the Christmas events without a general admission ticket?

No. For events like the Father Christmas experience and the lights trail, you must hold a valid Leeds Castle admission ticket for the date of your visit.

Is there a capacity limit for the events?

Yes, for example, the lights trail holds “quiet session” slots with limited capacity to ensure a more relaxed experience.

Are the Christmas events suitable for children?

Many are. The Neverland Christmas and lights trail are family-friendly, and the Father Christmas workshop is designed for children aged 3-10. Some adult-only events (e.g., casino nights) are not suitable for children.

Will the events continue in poor weather?

For outdoor trails, if the weather becomes unsafe, the organisers will contact ticket-holders with alternatives. For indoor experiences, you should check the event terms, but they will likely continue.

What happens if an event is cancelled and I’ve already booked my ticket?

If a specific event is cancelled, you should be contacted by the organisers with refund or re-booking options—always check the terms and conditions when booking.

Is the lights trail included with annual admission tickets?

No. The Christmas Lights trail is a separately ticketed event, and the standard annual admission pass is not valid for it.

Can I visit the castle grounds during the light trail but outside my slot time?

During weekdays before the trail opening times, you may need to wait in a holding area prior to your slot. Entry time for the trail is controlled for crowd management.

Are there special discounts for groups or coaches for Christmas events?

Yes, the estate offers group booking options for Christmas events — enquiries should be made in advance for group rates and special access.