Enjoy heart-warming memories of Christmas for the festive season at Blenheim Palace with “Christmas Nostalgia – Toys, Treats and Treasures” taking place from 14th November to 13th December, Wednesday to Sunday inclusive. The magnificent Palace will be decorated with elegant displays bringing to life childhood memories of Christmas including magnificent Christmas trees and treasured yuletide gifts of antique toys, teddy bears, and train sets. In the Great Court Christmas trees will sparkle in the colonnades, offering visitors a simply magical experience.
[UKPRwire, Tue Nov 17 2009] Enjoy heart-warming memories of Christmas for the festive season at Blenheim Palace with “Christmas Nostalgia – Toys, Treats and Treasures” taking place from 14th November to 13th December, Wednesday to Sunday inclusive. The magnificent Palace will be decorated with elegant displays bringing to life childhood memories of Christmas including magnificent Christmas trees and treasured yuletide gifts of antique toys, teddy bears, and train sets. In the Great Court Christmas trees will sparkle in the colonnades, offering visitors a simply magical experience.
Inside the Palace glowing fires in the State Rooms will provide a warm welcome to this unique Baroque Palace. Twinkling Christmas trees in the Great Hall and the Long Library will be adorned with treats and treasures of ‘Christmas nostalgia’, and in the Saloon the Marlborough family’s spectacular Christmas table decorated for a delightful ‘teddy bears feast’ with all the fruits and spices associated with Christmas time. Carol singers, organists and brass bands will bring the music of Christmas to life on Sundays until 13th December.
Additional activities for the festive season:
20 – 22nd November
Living Crafts for Christmas
This festive craft show is one of the highlights of the year at Blenheim Palace, turning the courtyards into a veritable winter wonderland with 90 stalls showcasing the best of British produce. The quality crafts on offer include jewellery, ceramics, clothing, works of art and festive food including homemade chocolates, flavoured cheddars, seasonal pies and chutneys – making it the perfect place to beat the Christmas crowds and pick up some beautiful and distinctive presents. Visit www.livingcrafts.co.uk
6 December in the Long Library
Blenheim Singers perform excerpts from Handel’s Messiah
Two performances of 1 ½ hours at 12noon and at 4pm
The Blenheim Singers have performed special excerpts of Handel's Messiah in the Palace Chapel as
part of the Palace's festive seasonal activity for the past three years. Back by popular demand to take place once again in the Long Library, this year's performance will be accompanied by a small chamber orchestra. The performance will include Part I, and excerpts from Parts II and III.
This is a seated concert – all bookings online www.blenheimpalace.com or call 01993 811091
Special Festive music to celebrate the end of the season
12th - 13th December
To celebrate Christmas at Blenheim Palace, enjoy carol singing and a silver band performing in the Long Library. Admission included within a Palace, Park & Gardens ticket. For more information call 08700 602080 or visit www.blenheimpalace.com
Stir Up Sunday
15th December
As part of festive season at Blenheim Palace a wonderful tradition called 'Stir-Up Sunday' will take place in the Water Terrace Marquee - in front of the Indian Room on 15th November. Traditionally held on the Sunday before advent when families gather to make and stir a Christmas pudding, whilst making a wish, this event tells the story of the Christmas pudding, from it’s origination on the journey of the Magi, to the 13 ingredients in the pudding.
Meet Blenheim Palace’s own Victorian cook who will give live demonstrations on how to make a traditional pudding while children are invited to help add each tasty ingredient. Families can take their turn to stir the big pudding and make a special wish.
Hot drinks, delicious festive menus and cakes also available in the Water Terrace Cafe.
Demonstrations will run at 11am, 2pm and 3.30pm in the Water Terraces Marquee - in front of the Indian Room
Christmas Shopping
Come and explore Blenheim Palace’s wonderful gift shops, which offer a range of unique and elegant products reflecting the timeless sophistication and inspirational history of Britain’s Greatest Palace. Choose from a selection of nostalgia books, faux antique trinkets, British textiles and locally produced toiletries, honey and preserves. Find classic British brands such as Barbour and Penhaligons of London, as well as many lines produced exclusively for Blenheim Palace.
To complement the theme of ‘Christmas Nostalgia’ inside the Palace, special ranges this Christmas include toys of the past; from traditional dolls house furniture and tin models to retro spaceships and robots!
Late night shopping and free mulled wine
Don’t miss the late night Christmas Shopping Evening on Sunday 6th December from 5pm - 8pm. Enjoy browsing for all those last-minute gifts and festive treats with a free drink on arrival.
For our mail order service please call 01993 810553, or email shop@blenheimpalace.com. You can also shop online at shop/blenheimpalace.com
Christmas trees on sale
Freshly-harvested Christmas trees will be on sale at Flagstaff Gate at the Palace from the 1st December. To pre-order call 01993 813196 or email christmastrees@blenheimpalace.com
Festive Sunday Lunches and Festive Afternoon Teas
Seasonal menus will be available daily in the Water Terraces Cafe, and traditional Sunday lunches can be booked in the Indian Room or Orangery until 13th December. A three-course lunch with a glass of wine and coffee is available at £21.95/ person. Lunches are available from midday to 2.30pm. New festive afternoon teas are available to book during the Christmas season at £42/ couple to include festive cakes such as Cocoa & Chestnut Meringues, Chocolate Truffle Logs and Cherry Macaroons, festive sandwiches and a glass of champagne or Winter Pimm's. To book call 01993 813 874 or email sales@blenheimhospitality.com
Winter Walks in the Park at Blenheim Palace
Blenheim Palace is set in over 2000 acres of 'Capability' Brown landscaped Parkland and during the winter closed season, the stunning Park remains open for winter walks. There are breathtaking views from Vanbrugh's Grand Bridge across the magnificent lake and rolling parkland and the Pleasure Gardens Cafe is open from 10.30am - 3.30pm serving hot food and drinks and mince pies. The Park is open daily from 9am (last admission 4.45 or dusk) except Christmas Day.
From 14th December the Palace and Formal Gardens are closed for the winter.
The Park remains open daily all year round (except Christmas Day) for winter walks, and there are plenty of Christmas shopping opportunities as the main Gift Shop is open daily until 23rd December from 10-5.30pm.
Enjoy heart-warming memories of Christmas this year at Britain’s Greatest Palace.
For more information visit www.blenheimpalace.com or call 0800 849 6500
To purchase tickets in advance visit www.blenheimpalace.com/tickets
