Raby’s Christmas Market adds an extra day due to popular demand

Raby Castle, Park and Gardens’ eagerly anticipated Christmas Market is returning this month, with an extra day of trading for 2025 following its popularity last year.

Situated across two of Raby’s stunning historic venues, the Riding School and Dutch Barn, and taking place over three days, the festive market will provide visitors with a magical experience.

From Friday 28 to Sunday 30 November, there will be over 50 stalls to peruse featuring a selection of artisan crafts, gifts, seasonal produce and treats from local suppliers. Christmas trees of all sizes, which have been grown on the Raby Estate, are also available to purchase and Raby’s helpful team will be on hand to advise about the best tree to suit different requirements.

Festive music and twinkling lights will provide a warm and joyful atmosphere, and visitors can also experience live seasonal performances from brass bands and soulful acoustic sets to get everyone in the Christmas mood.

Sophie Brown, Sales and Events Manager at Raby Estate, said: “Our Christmas market is growing in popularity each year, so we’re really pleased we’ve been able to add an extra chance for our visitors to kickstart their festive celebrations and continue their Christmas shopping as we near December.

“We have a fantastic selection of stalls confirmed for the market and we’re really looking forward to seeing all the beautiful gifts, produce and artisan crafts that will be available this year.

“With the smells of mulled wine in the air, Christmas music playing all around and a wonderful festive atmosphere, it’s going to be a great three days at Raby Castle.”

Alongside the market, Raby’s retail experience in The Coach House Shop, which has been beautifully styled for the season, will also be open, providing visitors with even more opportunities to discover a thoughtfully curated selection of elegant decorations, handpicked homeware and unique stocking fillers.

The Food Emporium, featuring exquisite brands including Daylesford, has also launched at the Coach House with bespoke Raby tote bags ready to be filled to the brim with edible goodies for foodies, coffee lovers, wine connoisseurs or those with a sweet tooth.

A selection of delicious food and drink will be available throughout the castle grounds, from pulled pork rolls and mac and cheese at The Vinery and Longhorn burgers and German sausages in the pop-up kitchen in the Dutch Barn, to sweet treats at The Garage and mulled wine and Bailey’s hot chocolate from the Bullhouse Bar.

After enjoying the market, visitors can extend their Christmas celebrations with Raby’s festive events calendar, including a new seasonal installation called Raby Castle at Christmas, which has been designed by custodian and creative director, Lady Barnard.

Step back in time to experience a traditional family Christmas at Raby Castle, where the rooms will be beautifully dressed, with evergreens, gifts and of course, sumptuous Christmas trees. The journey will take visitors through eight rooms, telling the story of Christmas Day at the castle, from the daybreak thrill of opening a Christmas stocking to an evening of elegant dining and Christmas games.

For families, there’s also the Enchanted Christmas trail in the Plotters’ Forest adventure playground to discover. On Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 November, youngsters can embark on an expedition through the play area, aptly woven amongst Christmas trees, as they race through the twinkling lights, joyful music, and magical touches in the woodland and experience a world of festive wonder.

Tickets to the market as well as access to Raby Castle at Christmas, Deer Park and the Walled Gardens are £22 for adults and £7 for children. Alternatively, a Deer Park, Gardens ticket with complimentary Market access can be purchased.

Market only tickets are also available, which are £2 in advance for adults or £5 on the day, with children under 15 going free. Raby’s Christmas market will be open between 9am and 3pm on Friday 28, Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 November.

A Christmas Family Explorer ticket is available for two adults and two children which includes access to The Plotters’ Forest and its Enchanted Christmas Trail, Raby Castle at Christmas, the Deer Park and Walled Gardens, and is £70 when booked in advance or £75 when purchased on the day.

To find out more about the Raby’s Christmas market and to book tickets, visit: www.raby.co.uk/events/christmas-market-2025/