Step into Christmas at Hillsborough Castle with a whole range of magical events sure to get everyone in the festive spirit! Whether it’s scaring yourselves silly with spine tingling ghost stories, or hitting the high notes with carols, a visit to Hillsborough Castle, Co. Down, should be a must on everyone’s wish-list this year.
A Victorian Christmas at Hillsborough Castle
28 November – 23 December 2018
It’s 1895 and Lord & Lady Arthur Hill are decorating the Castle for their seasonal celebrations. Join the household as they prepare for a festive Bazaar and plan their musical entertainment. The elegant State Rooms will be gorgeously decorated and lit by candlelight. Make a wish and steal a kiss under the mistletoe kissing ball in the Stair Hall and soak up the festive music around the traditional Christmas tree. Each weekend the Castle will come alive with costumed interpreters as the residents prepare for the festivities. Kitchen staff will be serving up delicious historical Christmas treats to the sound of seasonal music from local musicians including Downshire Brass and Sestina.
- Included in Castle admission
“On the Twelfth Day of Christmas” at Hillsborough Castle
27 – 31 December 2018
Between Christmas and New Year, the world turns topsy-turvy at Hillsborough Castle as the old year makes way for the new! Travel back in time as the Hill family gears up for a dazzling Christmas Ball. Listen to stories, play traditional festive games and sample the food, drink and music. On the 29 and 30 December meet the Tower of London’s present day ‘Beefeaters’ as they take part in the celebrations, just like they did in 1895.
- Included in Castle admission
Queen Victoria: Daughter, Wife, Mother, Widow
30 November 2018
Market Room, Hillsborough Courthouse, 19:00
Fresh off the back of her new biography celebrating the 200th anniversary of Queen Victoria’s birth, join Historic Royal Palaces joint Chief Curator Lucy Worsley for an exclusive evening talk. The historian, bestselling author and TV personality will guide you through a compelling and candid insight into the life of Queen Victoria as you’ve never heard it before.
- Tickets £15.00 / £13.50 concessions
Christmas Choral at the Castle
Saturday 1 December 2018
Doors open at 19:15 for a 19:45 start
Cappella Caeciliana, one of the region’s most original choirs, brings the magic of yuletide to Hillsborough Castle, with a specially created programme of festive readings, poetry and choral music! During the interval, guests can enjoy a drink in the Castle’s grand and elegant State Rooms, with expert ‘Explainers’ on hand to share the rich, inspiring and often surprising history of this iconic residence.
Tickets available by advanced booking only £35.00 / £32.50 concession
Paper Cutting Masterclass
Sunday 2 December 2018
Market Room, Hillsborough Courthouse, 10:00 – 13:00
Put your decorative skills to the test with local artist Emma Davison, whose bespoke artworks feature in the Castle. This adult paper cutting masterclass for beginners will lead you through the nimble techniques required for creating your very own masterpiece!
- Tickets £35 / £30 concession
- Suitable for adults only
Pop-up Christmas Cards
Sunday 2 December 2018
Market Room, Hillsborough Courthouse, 14:00 – 16:00
Get all the family creative this Christmas with drop-in Christmas card making classes led by local artist Emma Davison.
- Included in Castle admission
- Suitable for all ages
- Drop-in spaces are limited
Hillsborough Late: The Invention of Christmas
Friday 7 December 2018
First tour 18:45 / Second Tour 19:45
Hillsborough Castle’s team of ‘Christmas Experts’ lead you on a special evening tour of the house. As you move from one elegant room to the next, discover the origins of Christmas traditions popularised by the Victorians and sample some of the authentic food, drink, games and music of the era.
- Tickets £15.00 / £13.50 concessions
- Includes festive drink on arrival
Festive Family Fun – Victorian Cornucopias
Sunday 16 December 2018
Market Room, Hillsborough Courthouse, 10:30 – 16:00
Have a handmade holiday at Hillsborough Castle by making your very own stylish Victorian Cornucopia and silhouette decoration in this drop-in family session with artist Kim Montgomery.
- Included in Castle admission
- Suitable for all ages
- Drop-in spaces are limited
Christmas Ghost Stories with Ian McElhinney
Friday 28 December 2018
For the Victorians, Christmas ghost stories became an essential custom of the season. Scare yourselves silly in the atmospheric, candle-lit Throne Room with a special reading of ghost stories by internationally acclaimed actor Ian McElhinney.
- Tickets £20 / £17.50 concession
- Includes festive drink on arrival
Tickets for tours and events are available online at: https://www.hrp.org.uk/hillsborough-castle/
