Deck the paws – dogs welcomed to Christmas at Blenheim Palace for the first time

Blenheim Palace has announced that this year it will open its renowned Illuminated Trail to dogs for the first time, giving visitors the chance to experience the magic of Christmas with their four-legged companions in tow. 

Festive walks without leaving four-legged companions at home are on the cards for dog-owners visiting Blenheim Palace on select dates throughout the perennial festive favourite this year. The dog-friendly trail offers a pawsome new way for families to enjoy one of the UK’s most popular Christmas experiences.

Dog-friendly Illuminated Trail dates are: Thursday 12th November, Wednesday 18th November, Tuesday 24th November, Wednesday 25th November, Tuesday 1st December, Wednesday 2nd December, Tuesday 8th December, Wednesday 9th December, Tuesday 15th December, Wednesday 16th December, Tuesday 29th December and Wednesday 30th December.

Christmas at Blenheim Palace returns from 13th November 2026 to 3rd January 2027, featuring the spectacular after-dark trail with more than a million lights and a host of brand-new installations, including a 10-metre Butterfly Tree, 10 interactive illuminated hot air balloons, an immersive Christmas Disco, a new Christmas Snow Globe, Fire and Ice and the 35-metre Choir 360.

During the dog-friendly dates, well-behaved dogs are to be kept under full control on a short lead and will be permitted on the outdoor Illuminated Trail only, not inside Blenheim Palace. 

Tickets are now on sale for the Illuminated Trail at Blenheim Palace. With limited capacity and timed entry, early booking is essential to guarantee your preferred date and time.

Dog owners looking to enjoy the outdoor experience can purchase off-peak Illuminated Trail tickets starting from £25 for adults and £19 for children, with infant tickets at £1 and a family ticket at £84. Parking is £10, and a split payment option, including payment in three instalments, is also available.

*Extendable leads are not permitted, and organisers are pleading with dog owners to be considerate of other visitors and ensure they have enough bags to clear up after their dog. Dog waste is to be discarded in the bins provided and under no circumstances are visitors able to leave dogs in the car whilst attending the experience.

For more information on Christmas at Blenheim Palace, please visit https://www.blenheimpalace.com/whats-on/events/christmas/ and for terms and conditions for Dogs at Christmas, visit www.blenheimpalace.com/terms-and-conditions/dogs-during-christmas-at-blenheim-palace/