Neverland Christmas at Blenheim Palace

Light trails and Christmas displays don’t do it for my nearly teen nowadays, so I make the most of my flexi days to visit them when it’s quiet during weekdays.  Again I went to make the most of my annual pass for Blenheim Palace to see the Neverland Christmas palace displays for 2024.

Being a pass holder the entry was free apart from the admin fee and a mandatory £1 donation to Great Ormond Street.  Evidently even people booking with their pass on arrival also had to pay the admin fee which I think is really off. 

I’d planned to arrive before 10am because that means free parking as well, so it turned out to be a bargain visit.

It was fairly quiet on arrival apart from all the workers arriving, plus locals going running and walking around the grounds. Only the shop and cafe opens from 9.30, so it only starts getting busier nearer 10 when it all opens.

There was just a little snow left on the ground when I was walking round, and the morning was a bit gloomy. But it was lovely to get out for a walk in the brisk autumn morning.

I was ready to go and queue before 9.45, as they don’t open the courtyard to the public til 10 (time of the first slot).  Last year, the entrance was blocked by a barrier which was better because people realised it wasn’t open yet and queued nicely. This year everyone just ignored that there were people stood waiting, and went up to the staff at the entrance, then when told they couldn’t go through just stood there in front of everyone else who’d arrived before them.  The staff really should have asked people to queue up to make it more efficient.  

Just before 10 they let us through to follow to the front of the palace to show our tickets before going in.

Neverland Christmas at Blenheim Palace

This year’s Christmas displays in the palace are based on Peter Pan and Neverland.  As always the gorgeous decorations hit you when you first walk into the hall with a giant Christmas tree and clock.

I was disappointed at there being a group of people already in the palace who had obviously congregated for some media stuff or local get together. When you book a 10am opening slot you expect to be able to be first in and not have people ahead of you.  But the displays were as gorgeous as ever.

I do think the book entrance should have been at the start (putting it at the end was a little weird, and meant you had to look backwards at it on the way out).

You made your way through the streets of London made festive with hints of Peter Pan’s shadow throughout the displays.  

On towards the Darling’s residence where you meet Nana the dog, and the children, cleverly speaking through picture frames.

On to Kensington Gardens where the children are going with Peter Pan, you need to try and spot Tinkerbell who isn’t really very evident throughout apart from one green spot of light, and a fairy in a window. I’d like to have seen more of her.

I loved the way through the displays, there are the silhouettes of Peter Pan and the children.

Neverland was one of the main areas, with lots of nooks and crannies to look in – look out for the sailing boats, and the Lost Boys.

The water was well done with mermaids statues, the crocodile and water fall.

I have to say some of the end part of the displays made me wonder if I’d ever actually read the book or watched the film, although I’m sure I’ve done both.  Obviously way back and there was plenty I’d forgotten.

It all ended with Captain Hook’s galleon on the library, with himself stalking around chatting to everyone while if you timed it right you could see the sword fight on the bridge of the ship.

Through the giant book before ending up back in the Darling children’s bedroom, complete with books and quotes about Peter Pan.

The story displays were beautiful adorned and surrounded by stunning Christmas trees and lights, and this year it was lovely to get a beautiful view of the organ too. 

There are a few selfie and picture points you can capture photos of. And not forgetting adding a ribbon to the wishing tree.

I stopped in at the chapel before leaving the palace. Subtle Christmas decorations and the Christmas nativity set up.

Blenheim Palace Christmas Market

By the time I was outside again, the Blenheim Palace Christmas Market was just starting to open up. It officially opens at 10.30, so about half the stalls were already trading.  

This year with the Ice Skating tent being nearer the back gates of the courtyard, it means the Christmas market is better set up to go much closer to the building. I think it worked better this year in the set up.

Unfortunately like so many Christmas markets, there was nothing new over last year’s stalls but if you’ve never been you might find some nice gifts. 

I wanted to head into Oxford after visiting Blenheim Palace so didn’t hang around long. When you’ve got an annual pass for places, it’s great to be able to get in and out without having the hustle and bustle of staying for all the activities on offer.

As well as the Neverland displays in the palace, the Big Skate, the market and evening light trail, there’s also this year a big wheel, and the usual fairground rides and street food.  If you want to do it all, then it is expensive, but as a treat for the family it’s worth it for a first visit. 

The displays were as gorgeous as ever and it really put me in the mood for Christmas.

Here’s some of the previous visits to Blenheim Palace Christmas

• Sleeping Beauty at Blenheim
• Cinderella Blenheim displays
• Nutcracker at Blenheim
• Kingdom of the Snow Queen
• Alice in Wonderland at Blenheim

And not forgetting other Christmas light trails in and around Oxfordshire.