Description
Step into the magic of Christmas as The Nutcracker comes to life at Hever Castle in Edenbridge. Begin in Drosselmeyer's workshop, follow the Nutcracker and Clara as they battle the Mouse King, and meet the Sugar Plum Fairy in the colourful Land of Sweets. Explore inside the beautifully decorated Castle for a magical Christmas experience, and wrap up warm to enjoy the daytime Castle attractions, including the play areas, boat trips, Yew Maze, and Military Museum. In addition, little ones can book a visit to Father Christmas in his cosy log cabin, enjoy rides at the fairground and lots more.
As darkness falls, the gardens and lake glow with festive light illuminations for special evening sessions.
Please note: Some attractions and events, such as character visits, are at selected times and on certain dates. There are also additional fees for Father Christmas visits, rides and more.
Prices
Carers - (1:1): Free
Non-members - Castle & Gardens
Daytime
Adult: £20-£27
Child (5-17 years): £15-£18.50
Child - Under 5 years: Free
Twilight
Adult: £26.50-£28.50
Child (5-17 years): £18-£19
Child - Under 5 years: Free
Castle & Gardens plus Father Christmas
Child - 5 to 17 years: £36
Child - under 5 years: £17
Members - Castle and Garden
Daytime
Free
Twilight
Adult: £16.50-£19.50
Child - 5 to 17 years: £9.75-£12.25
Child - under 5 years: Free
Castle and Garden and Father Christmas
Daytime
Child - 5 to 17 years: £17
Child - under 5 years: TBC
Twilight
Child - 5 to 17 years: £29.25
Child - under 5 years: £17.
General Booking Tips
Offers: Early Bird: book by 1st November 2026 and save 15%
Friday Saver - 20th November 2026r: Daytime & Twilight tickets : Adult: £20, Child - 5 to 17 years: £15, Child - under 5 years: Free
Prices vary by date and by Daytime or Twilight entry; online prices shown, walk-in prices are higher
Pre-booking advised - including annual members
Fairground ride tokens: From £2.50
Booking fees will apply
Parking: Free.
Dates & Times
20th November 2026 to 2nd January 2027
Daytime sessions from 11.30am
Evening Sessions from 4pm
20th to 22nd November: 11.30am to 8.30pm
25th & 26th November: 11.30am to 6.30pm
27th to 29th November: 11.30am to 8.30pm
30th November to 3rd December: 11.30am to 6.30pm
4th to 23rd December: 11.30am to 8.30pm
24th December: 10.30am to 4.30pm
27th to 30th December: 11.30am to 6.30pm
31st December: 10.30am to 4.30pm
1st & 2nd January 2027: 11.30am to 6.30pm
Daytime tickets: timed entry every 15 minutes until 2.45pm (later on some quieter dates, 2.15pm on 24th & 31st December)
Twilight tickets: timed entry from 4pm, including the lights and illuminations.
Top Tip
Daytime ticket holders are welcome to stay for the first two hours of the Twilight experience, but the last exit for Daytime visitors is 6pm, except on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve when last exit is 4.30pm, and 25th & 26th Nov, 30th Nov to 3rd Dec, 27th to 20th 30 Dec, 1st & 2nd Jan when last exit is 6.30pm.
Runtime & Schedule
Runtime: Allow at least 2.5 hours for your visit.
Schedule Note: Entry is by timed slot every 15 minutes; please arrive at the grounds at the time you have booked. Our calendar displays the full opening hours for each day.
Accessibility
The ground floor of the Castle is accessible to manual wheelchairs, but there is no access for motorised wheelchairs, prams or buggies. Please note the Christmas light displays contain flashing lights.
Limited Blue Badge parking – speak to a member of the team on arrival.
Father Christmas Details
SEN Father Christmas Sessions
28th November and 5th December, 11.30am and 11.45am – email [email protected] to register interest.
General Father Christmas Visits
Run until 24th December (not on 25th & 26th or 30th Nov to 3rd Dec) and must be pre-booked.
Good to Know
Annual Member Priority Booking: 11am 23rd Sep to 11:59pm 29th Sep 2026
Non-member Booking: From 11am 30th Sep 2026
Much of the experience is outdoors; wrap up warm and pop on wellies.
Dogs
Dogs on leads are welcome in the grounds but not in the Castle, Grotto, cafés, shops or play areas.
📍 Hever Castle Visitor Details
Check out our main listing for Hever Castle in Sevenoaks for more visitor info.
⭐ Ready to book? Click on the Website link above to go directly to Hever Castle's Christmas as The Nutcracker page ⭐
🔗 More Like This
Love a bit of festive magic? Explore our Seasonal category for all our Christmas listings.
Picture Credit: © Hever Castle & Gardens.
See Kent, Know Kent
🌹 Discover this part of West Kent with our guide to Sevenoaks District, under our Area Guides in Kent menu, or browse the sections below to plan your perfect time in the Garden of England.
🏛️ Things to do in Kent: Explore our listings for more attractions and activities.
🎤 What's On In Kent: Check our events menu for the latest updates.
💡 Ideas & Inspiration: Don't miss our features and themed articles.
🏰🦒 Top Guides: Uncover our tips to top attractions in Kent, adventure activities, animal experiences, the best Festivals, and much more in the Garden of England.
❄️ Seasonal Spotlight: From Easter and school holiday adventures to Halloween and more festive family fun.
📧 Sign up for the Free See Kent E-Newsletter.