Can you imagine spending Christmas in a castle? If it sounds like a pipe dream, you might be surprised to find that you really can make it happen. There are a number of castles found throughout Europe that offer public accommodation along with an especially magical Christmas setting. Some even include holiday packages that make staying in one a relative bargain too. If you can’t make it this year, it’s never too early to plan for next year!
Castle Hotel Thannegg - Gröbming, Austria
Castle Hotel Thannegg truly looks as if it was plucked right from the pages of a fairy-tale book. Ideally located in the Austrian Alps, Castle Hotel Thannegg has an 850-year-old history with four-star elegance in a casual, family-friendly atmosphere. Guests enjoy a tranquil setting and breathtaking scenery along with easy access to some of the finest Alps ski resorts. Winter is truly magical here, with the chance to enjoy snowshoe hikes, romantic carriage rides through the snow and even sledding on a natural toboggan run under the moonlight. Inside the castle, look forward to sipping homemade mulled wine by the fire and enjoying incredible holiday meals featuring fine traditional dishes that include local ingredients from organic farmers – medieval dinners are even served in the authentic hall of arms.
Clontarf Castle Hotel - Dublin, Ireland
One of the best places to stay in Dublin, Clontarf Castle Hotel is a luxurious Irish castle built in 1172 that is just minutes from the heart of the city in a quiet, peaceful setting. Steeped in Irish history, while it’s changed hands a number of times over the years, it’s been owned by everyone from military and political leader Oliver Cromwell to Captain John Blackwell. In 1837, due to sinking foundations, the original building was demolished and rebuilt – today, you’ll enjoy plenty of modern luxuries along with the charms of a true royal experience. The castle offers a special Christmas package that includes a Christmas Eve arrival reception with mulled wine, mince pies and Christmas carols along with a number of other perks, like the champagne Christmas Day breakfast and Christmas Day mass. You can also expect fantastic evening entertainment, music and dancing.
Abbeyglen Castle Hotel - Clifden, Ireland
A popular castle stay in Ireland, Abbeyglen Castle Hotel sits among picturesque gardens in the heart of Connemara’s Twelve Bens. It’s renowned for its luxurious but budget-friendly accommodations that include fireplaces, four-poster beds and beautiful views overlooking the charming town of Clifden. This castle doesn’t have an air of stuffiness – the staff is exceptionally warm and friendly, regaling guests of fascinating tales of its history and the surrounding region. By staying at Christmastime, you can choose from special packages that include a champagne reception and elaborate meals at breakfast and dinner in the award-winning on-site restaurant. Afterward, it’s always fun to enjoy an evening of entertainment around the piano where you’re sure to hear traditional Irish tunes and music for the holidays.
Swinton Park Castle - Mansham, England
Swinton Park, the ancestral home of the Cunliffe-Lister family, has been a family home since the late 19th-century, but the earliest part of the castle dates back two centuries earlier, extended castellated and furnished during both the Georgian and Victorian eras. Transformed into a luxury hotel, it sits among parkland and comes complete with turrets and massive staircases that lead to enormously-sized bedrooms. Christmas typically brings a number of special treats, in addition to gazing out at the (hopefully) snow-covered Yorkshire countryside, guests will be welcomed with traditional afternoon tea and a pianist on Christmas Eve. The evening will start out with canapes and champagne, along with a local choir singing Christmas carols, followed by dinner at Samuel’s Restaurant. During previous Christmas Day events, the hotel has Santa awaiting to wish all a Merry Christmas and hand out gifts from under the tree and includes a Christmas lunch and an evening buffet.
Carberry Tower Mansion House - Musselburgh, Scotland
Located just seven miles from Edinburgh, yet set among 35 acres of peaceful countryside, Carberry Tower Mansion House offers an ideal holiday castle retreat in a home with a rich history and plenty of luxurious comforts. In December, visitors have the chance to escape to this private castle as if it’s their own to experience a traditional Christmas in a glorious winter wonderland setting. In addition to exploring the hotel’s unique “Santa’s Grotto”, you can snuggle up to the roaring log fire after indulging in the spectacular Christmas feast. Join in the fun and festive themed Christmas events as well as toasting marshmallows over the fire pit. If the weather gets a little too chilly, you can always play a game of billiards or head to the beautiful library and kick back with one of the thousands of books.
Lough Eske Castle - Co. Donegal, Ireland
Lough Eske Castle is a gorgeous 5-star luxury castle hotel that sits along the banks of Lough Eske near the fabled Blue Stack Mountains of Donegal. One of the most romantic castle hotels in Europe, the Tudor-baronial castle is surrounded by sprawling grounds and gardens and has a rich history dating back to the 15th century. Beautifully restored by its current owners in 2007, it’s become a frequent award winner. Not only can you leave the turkey basting and tree trimming to someone else, but you can also look forward to plenty of pampering at the decadent spa, which includes a sauna, steam room, and an infinity pool with garden views. While you’ll appreciate the quiet seclusion of a countryside retreat, you can explore the city just a short drive away. The castle offers a full program of events, including dinner on three evenings, a hearty Christmas lunch and a full Irish breakfast each day. After you fill up with mulled wine and mince pies, you can relax and enjoy live entertainment in the Castle Ballroom.
Inverlochy Castle - Fort William, Scotland
Inverlochy Castle goes all out for the holidays. Located just outside the Highland town of Fort William in an especially lovely, romantic spot, the former baronial mansion features elegant rooms, all of which feature picturesque views of the surrounding mountains and grounds. During the wintertime, with Nevis skiing range right out the door, you’ll have easy access to snowboarding and skiing. A wealth of Christmas activities are planned too, starting with a champagne reception on Christmas Eve followed by a music-filled dinner in the Great Hall. On Christmas morning, Father Christmas comes around to rooms with a glass of champagne and gifts for every guest. Of course, Christmas dinner awaits as well, also accompanied by live music.
Bovey Castle - Devon, England
If you’re looking for a family-friendly country house to spend Christmas, Bovey Castle is ideal. It’s transformed into a festive hideaway throughout December, with its rooms illuminated by beautiful Christmas trees and sparkling decorations. Kids will love getting to see Dartmoor Hawking, a falconry school, which visits the castle each day sharing an exceptional collection of birds that range from tiny owls to magnificent eagles. Parents can enjoy relaxing in the luxurious spa or soaking in the soothing waters of the Jacuzzi. Arrive on Christmas Eve for festive activities including afternoon tea, cider & sloe gin making and Bovey Ranger activities. In the evening, you’ll be treated to welcome drinks, a gourmet buffet and the opportunity to attend Midnight Mass at the local church. Enjoy a fabulous Christmas Day lunch in the Great Western Restaurant and a buffet in the Great Western Restaurant that evening. On Boxing Day, they have a five-course black-tie dinner in the Great Western followed by dancing to a live band.
Ashford Castle - Cong, Ireland
Ashford Castle is legendary for its holiday celebrations. This five-star luxury hotel sits upon a sprawling, 350-acre estate looking out onto the glistening blue waters of Lough Corrib. Originally built in 1228, the estate has had a number of owners, including the Guinness family, along with several transformations. In 1939, Ernest Guinness sold the estate to the Irish government, and not long after the castle was doubled in size and transformed into a luxurious hotel, noted for its upscale accommodations. The castle’s typical Christmas package includes a welcome reception with mulled wine and mince pies, a Christmas Eve cocktail reception followed by dinner in the George V Dining Room and even a visit by Santa Claus, who will pass out gifts to all of the guests. Caroling with seasonal songs and music cap off Christmas Eve, while Christmas Day boasts highlights such as traditional music. Previous years have included festive buffet lunches and a Gala Black Tie dinner. Afterward, you can dance the night away to live music before falling into your cozy bed.
Fonab Castle - Perthshire, Scotland
Located on the banks of Loch Faskally in the heart of Perthshire, Scotland, Fonab Castle was transformed by the Clark family into a luxury hotel. Guests can choose from original “Classic Castle” rooms or modern “Woodland Rooms” which offer amazing views of the beautiful Scottish landscape of lochs, rivers, mountains and woodlands. During the holidays, Fonab Castle typically boasts a resident piper with a welcome malt and shortbread. A four-course dinner is served on Christmas Eve, while mulled wines and mince pies are available for enjoying after the watch night service at one of the local churches. Christmas Day features champagne and festive cocktails in addition to a fabulous Christmas Day lunch.
Langley Castle - Northumberland, England
Langley Castle is a 14th-century castle that sits amid a 12-acre woodland estate and features elegant guest rooms with private facilities, some of which include saunas, spa baths, and four-poster beds. In previous years, the castle has offered two-day packages that include sumptuous menus with traditional recipes and include accommodation and a full Northumbrian breakfast on both mornings of your stay. Christmas Eve features cocktails and dinner, while a hearty lunch is served on Christmas Day, along with a hot and cold buffet in the evening.
Ruthin Castle Hotel - Ruthin, Wales
Ruthin Castle Hotel is a beautifully romantic hotel that was originally built by Edward I in 1282. Steeped in history, it’s nestled within acres of parkland adjacent to the Clwydian Range in North Wales and is renowned for its exquisite dining and a distinctive spa. A Christmas Escape here typically includes warm Welsh winter afternoon tea served in the fire-lit lounge, followed by mulled wine and roasted chestnuts and accompanied with the holiday songs of carolers. A medieval feast and live entertainment has been offered in previous years for Christmas Eve dinner. At the end night, you can warm up near the fireplace with complimentary mulled wine or hot chocolate with marshmallows. Christmas Day is filled with delights too, from breakfast with warm mince pies to a traditional Christmas lunch as well as Christmas tea and cakes in the afternoon.
Château Hermitage de Combas - Servian, France
Chateau Hermitage de Combas sits among more than 123 acres of vineyards in Southern France and has been the home of a number of famous figures, including playwright/actor Molière, who is believed to have performed in the castle as well. While it sounds like this castle would be way beyond the budgets of most, it’s actually rather reasonable. The castle offers week or weekend stays in one of its spacious apartments with full kitchens, and during the holidays, each one, along with the main entrance hall and stairway, is lavishly decorated. Some include rustic wood beams and cozy fireplaces too. Guests can also enjoy swimming in the heated pool and playing a match on the tennis court.
