Yes!  We have an “affordable session” running each evening from 7.30pm where ticket prices are reduced by over 20%

Please note – the trail closes at 8.45pm each night

You can download your tickets fromg the MY ACCOUNT area. Login using the email you booked your tickets with. If you can’t remember your password click the FORGOT PASSWORD link to reset it

Please rebook your tickets and we will refund you original booking. When you contact us please state both order numbers.

19th – 24th December 2025 from 4.00pm until 7.30pm (last entry 7:30pm) each day. The Illuminated Trail will close at 8:45pm. Santa will be in his Grotto until last entries at 7:30pm.  Christmas Eve, last entry is 6:30pm.

Christmas at The Castle takes place within the grounds of Crathes Castle, near Banchory AB31 5QJ

Yes. All tickets must be bought in advance. Tickets will not be sold at the castle. Tickets are on sale now.

To enjoy the full event will take approximately 60-90 minutes. Please dress for the weather!

Our preferred method of payment is by card or contactless of which we have this facility, but the signal can be a bit patchy so we’d advise you to bring cash for any additional purchases at the event.

There is ample free parking at the event.

Disabled parking bays are on a ‘first-come’ basis. Cars must display blue badges on entry

Absolutely! It is wonderful for all ages. Please ensure children, especially under 5s, are accompanied at all times.

YES! Suitable for all with care

The illuminated trail is through the walled gardens and is a mixture of tarmac and gravel. There are some steeper inclines but wheelchairs, mobility scooters and pushchairs are suitable with due care and attention. However, please remember it is the winter and we are in Scotland (!) so some adverse weather conditions may occasionally impact the route in certain places.

We have created a social story to help with expectations. You can download it here

Yes! There will be the use of lasers and strobe lighting effects

Yes, please do! Photography and video for personal use and sharing via social media is encouraged! It’s going to look amazing!

Assistance dogs are welcomed but no other pets are permitted, sorry.

Please make sure you use the bins on site, or take litter home with you.

Yes! There are opportunities to buy delicious food and drinks both before and during your trail experience. We ask payment is made by card payment or contactless. While we do have card machines on site, the signal can be a bit patchy so we’d advise you to bring cash for any additional purchases at the event.

Bring your home-printed ticket or download a screenshot to your mobile phone. You’ll be asked to show your entry ticket at the entrance. There’s no drop off zone and your ticket allows one entry.

Tickets are only valid for the specific date and entry time stated on the ticket, selected at the time of booking. Please understand, we can’t guarantee entry if you miss your allotted slot.

The event will only be cancelled if extreme weather makes the route unsafe or if there’s a major fault in our electrical supply or equipment. The National Trust for Scotland will close the grounds if there is an amber weather warning. Refunds will be offered only in the event of a full cancellation.

In the event of a full cancellation of any time slot or any day or more days, customers will be issued with booking codes to allow their visit to be re-booked on another date / time. If there are no suitable dates for the 2025 event then the codes will be valid for 2026. In the event that it is still not possible to book, a refund will be issued. A decision to cancel would be taken at 2pm on the day and notice will be posted online. If you’re concerned about the weather conditions on the evening of your visit our Facebook page to confirm event is going ahead.

Yes – choose the Ticket Plan option at the check out and protect your purchase should you not be able to make it due a number of reasons. Please check out the T&C’s at booking stage

Yes, please apply for a carer ticket here