Info

FAQs

+ I CAN'T FIND MY TICKETS

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

+ I WANT TO CHANGE THE DATE/TIME OF MY BOOKING

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

+ WHEN IS IT ON?

18th – 24th December 2022 from 4.00pm until 9.00pm (last entry 7:30pm) each day. The Illuminated Trail will close at 9:00pm. Santa will be in his Grotto until last entries at 8:45pm.  Christmas Eve, last entry is 6.30pm

+ WHERE IS IT?

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

+ DO I HAVE TO PRE-BOOK?

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

+ HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?

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

+ HOW DO I PAY FOR ITEMS AT THE EVENT?

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.

+ CAR PARKING INFORMATION

There is ample free parking at the event.

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

+ IS IT SUITABLE FOR CHILDREN & ADULTS?

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

+ CAN I TAKE BUGGIES OR PRAMS?

YES! Suitable for all with care

+ IS THE ROUTE ACCESSIBLE FOR DISABLED USERS?

The illuminated trail is through the walled garden and is a mixture of tarmac and gravel. There are some steeper inclines but wheelchairs, 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.

+ IS IT SUITABLE FOR ASN & ASD?

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

+ WILL THERE BE STROBE LIGHTING?

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

+ CAN I TAKE PHOTOGRAPHS AND VIDEOS?

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

+ ARE DOGS ALLOWED

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

+ RUBBISH & SMOKING

Please make sure you use the bins on site, or take litter home with you. There is a strict NO SMOKING policy.

+ CAN I BUY FOOD AND DRINK ON SITE?

Yes! There are opportunities to buy delicious food and drink both before and during your light 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.

+ WHAT DO I NEED ON THE DAY FOR ENTRY?

Bring your home-printed Ticket or download to your mobile phone. You’ll be asked to show your Entry Ticket on arrival at car park – there’s no drop off zone and your ticket allows one entry and exit. 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.

+ CANCELLATION POLICY

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. It is an outdoor event and won’t be cancelled due to rain or temperature. Refunds will be offered only in the event of a full cancellation. We have a team who monitor weather conditions. 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 2024 event then the codes will be valid for 2025. 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 would be posted online. If you’re concerned about the weather conditions on the evening of your visit, please check the EVENT STATUS bar on this website homepage, and our Facebook page, to confirm event is going ahead.

+ CAN I PROTEXT MY TICKETS

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