In some places the Christmas fun has already started. In the last days several Christmas fairs or markets and other Christmas events passed on social media. Therefore a post here with some that are being organized at palaces or castles. It seems many have a limited amount of tickets available, so if you plan to go, get yourself a ticket online before it is too late.
Berlin, Germany
More than 250 vendors offer Christmas decorations and foods in front of the Charlottenburg Palace from 21 November to 26 December 2022. In front of the orangery there is space for the children to play with a nostalgic fairground. The Christmas market is being organized since 2007.
Opening times: Monday to Thursday from 2pm-10pm, Friday to Sunday 12pm-10pm. Closed on Christmas Eve. Open on Christmas Day and Boxing Day from 12pm-8pm.
Admission fee: free.
Bückeburg, Germany
For the 19th time Fürst Alexander zu Schaumburg-Lippe opens his palace for a Christmas fair, that will be open from Thursday 24 November to 4 December 2022. The theme of this year’s Weihnachtszauber at Bückeburg Castle is “Royal Christmas”. There is a lot to see and to discover, both in the park and in the palace itself. Christmas decoration, clothing, food, music, Santa … you will find it all in Bückeburg. I visited a few years ago and thought it was marvelous!
Opening times: 10am-7pm during from Sunday to Thursday, 10am-9pm on Friday and Saturday. Until 6pm on Saturday 4 December.
Admission fee: 17 Euro, late night (after 4pm) 13 Euro. Children up to 14 years old can go in for free.
Burg Hohenzollern, Germany
Winterzauber (Royal Winter Magic) this year takes place from 25 November 2022 to 8 Jnauary 2023. No market this year, but enchanting illuminations and festive decorations inside the castle and outside. Including a court jester and Santa Claus.
Opening times: Sunday to Thursday 3pm-8pm, Friday and Saturday 3pm-9pm. Closed on 28 and 29 November, 5,12, 19, 24 and 31 December.
Entrance fee: 22 Euro for adults, children up to 11 years free, children 12-17 years old 10 Euro. Also family tickets available.
East Molesey, United Kingdom
The Festive Fayre 2022 will be held at Hampton Court Palace from 2 to 4 December 2022. The courtyards will be transformed into a food-lover’s Christmas wonderland. Including entertainment and Christmas spirit. On 3 December there will be carol services in the Chapel Royal at noon and 3pm.
Admission fee: adults £26.10, children 0-4 years old free, children 5-15 years £13. There are also family tickets. Discount upon arrival after 3pm.
Opening times: 10am-6pm.
Mainau, Germany
From 22 November 2022 to 8 January 2023 the Island of Mainau once again transforms into a Christmas Garden and brings light into the dark season. For six weeks, it will shine in Christmas splendour and a festive, atmospheric atmosphere. Guests will be taken on a more than two-kilometre-long circular walk through the impressive grounds of the palace and park into a magical Christmas world thanks to numerous glittering illuminations and background music.
Admission fee: There are several kind of tickets available, including and excluding the boat trip, family tickets, flexible tickets and combination tickets.
Opening times: each day from 5.30pm to 10pm, except for 28 November, 24 and 31 December 2022.
Stockholm, Sweden
A Christmas Market is being organized at the Royal Stables from 25 to 27 November 2022. Around 70 crafts people will sell a wide range of Christmas gifts, and there is also food. The stables will also be open.
Opening times: 11am-19pm on 25 November, 9am-6pm on 26 November and 10am-5pm on 27 November.
Entrance fee: 100 SEK, free entry for children under 12.
Vienna, Austria
Belvedere Christmas Market (Weihnachtsdorf) can be found alongside the Belvedere Palace from 18 November to 26 December 2022.
Opening times: Until 23 December Monday to Friday 11am-9pm, Saturday and Sunday 10am-9pm, on 24 December from 11am-4pm, and on both Christmas days from 11am to 7pm.
Admission fee: free.
Schönbrunn Christmas Market takes place from 19 November to 26 December 2022, and until 4 January 2023 as a New Year market. One can find the fair with about 80 vendors with high quality products at the forecourt in front of Schönbrunn Palace. The focus is on arts and crafts. The Christmas tree (Christbaum) in front of the Palace already arrived on 2 November 2022, but will only be illuminated as off 19 November 5pm.
Opening times: until 23 December daily from 10am to 9pm, 24 December 10am-4pm, afterwards from 10am to 6pm.
Entrance fee: free.
Woodstock, United Kingdom
Christmas at Blenheim Palace from 18 November 2022 to 2 January 2023 will offer an after-dark illuminated trail through the gardens, Father Christmas and street food vendors, as well as a Christmas market in the Great Court with designer/maker craft traders, housing in wooden chalets. Inside the palace rooms have been transformed and filled with hidden surprises in the Kingdom of the Snow Queen. At the Orangery is a magical Ice Kingdom themed afternoon tea.
Admission fee: market only is free, otherwise tickets have to be prebooked.
Opening times: check the site.
A selection of other Christmas fairs:
- Austria: Christmas Market at Schloss Hof (19 November-18 December 2022)
- Germany: Historischer Weihnachtsmarkt. Advent auf der Wartburg (26-27 November, 3-4, 10-11, 17-18 December 2022)
- Germany: Märchenweihnacht at Schloss Glücksburg (25-27 November, 2-4, 9-11, 16-18 December 2022)
- Germany: Romantischer Weihnachtsmarkt at Schloss Kronburg (11-13, 18-20 November 2022)
- Germany: Salemer Weihnachtsmarkt (26-27 November 2022)
- Germany: Schlossweihnacht Schloss Dyck (26 November-18 December 2022)
- Germany: Siegener Weihnachtsmarkt am Unteren Schloss (18 November-23 December 2022)
- Germany: Weihnachtsmarkt at Schloss Kaltenberg (25-27 November, 2-4, 9-11, 16-18 December 2022)
- The Netherlands: Spirit of Winter at Palace Het Loo (16-20 November 2022)