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Celebrate Christmas together at Kingston Lacy

Christmas decorations on a tree, with a family in the background
Come together this Christmas | © NTI/Paul Harris

For Christmas 2023 we invited you to join us for festive fun at Kingston Lacy, where the fabulously decorated house told traditional Christmas tales from around the world. There was a special Storytelling with Santa, to create the memories that will last a lifetime. From 25 November to 1 January (excluding Christmas Day and Boxing Day)

Christmas 2023 has now finished at Kingston Lacy

The information below is for Christmas 2023. We hope you enjoyed all that was on offer and look forward to welcoming you back in 2024. Please check again nearer the time to find updated plans; we're already working on it!

Once Upon a Time...

Each room in the house has been transformed with beautiful decorations to highlight a different magical story, bringing the world to our doorstep as we celebrate tales that have been told for centuries.

You'll find trees twinkling with lights, tables ready for glorious Christmas feasts, and a stunning installation by papercraft artist Yasemin Wigglesworth.

Entry to the house is by free timed ticket, which can be picked up at Visitor Reception (subject to availability).

Please note: The four bedrooms on the top two floors of the house will not be viewable during our Christmas opening.

Storytelling with Santa

This festive season, join us on an adventure to find Santa in his hidden storybook nook for a cosy Christmas tale, an early gift and a photo with the man himself. Bring your child on a fantastical journey before snuggling up for an extra special storytime that will live in their imaginations forever. And for one special session on Saturday 2 December, Santa will be joined by British Sign Language interpreter, making the stories accessible to all.

Tickets cost £15 per child (up to age 12) with one accompanying adult and normal admission applies. Check availability here.

Children sitting on cushions listening to Father Christmas
Book in for Storytelling with Santa | © National Trust Images/Rob Stotherd

Christmas outdoors

Gather friends and family in the Laundry Courtyard, festooned in foliage and twinkling lights for a taste of the festive spirit.

Our Stables Café is getting festive with warming mulled wine and delicious feasts available through the day.

In the shop you can get your present shopping all wrapped up, with a wonderful collection of gifts for everyone. There is also a very special selection of storybooks chosen for Once Upon A Christmas at Kingston Lacy.

Don't forget to share the love by tagging us on your social media pics (@NTKingstonLacy, #kingstonlacy).

And if you want a moment of natural peace and quiet, there are acres of garden and woodlands to explore; take a wander through the gardens to see what's flowering at this time of year.

A vintage carousel in front of Kingston Lacy
Take a ride on a vintage carousel | © National Trust/Steve Haywood

Children can join in the fun with a ride on a vintage carousel - pick up a ticket (£3 a ride) at reception. The rides run weekends (25 & 26 November, 2 & 3 December, 9 & 10 December) and then 16-24 December and 27 December-1 January between 11am and 5pm.

Bring everyone together to create the most wonderful memories whether you meet for a warming hot chocolate with friends or just admire the seasonal sparkle throughout the property.

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