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Christmas at Stowe

View towards the Gothic Temple and Palladian Bridge with snow on the ground in December at Stowe, Buckinghamshire
View of the Palladian Bridge at Stowe, Buckinghamshire | © National Trust Images/John Millar

Enjoy the seasonal decorations in New Inn Courtyard and Parlour Rooms. Grab some fresh air in the gardens. Browse the festive gift range in the Stowe shop, check out the second-hand book selection and treat yourself to a speciality takeaway coffee. Don’t miss out on the annual Boxing Day pilgrimage to Stowe Gardens. Dogs welcome.

Christmas decorations

Marvel at the giant Christmas tree that fills the New Inn courtyard, decked with twinkling lights and lovingly decorated by the team at Stowe. Travel back to Christmas past as we decorate the tap room in a truly Victorian style with festive foliage, rich red berries, traditional decorations, and Christmas tree.

Christmas Shopping Event

Visit the Stowe shop and explore the Christmas range, enjoy a selection of food and drink samples and indulge in mulled wine and mince pies. There will also be a gift wrap station, with decorative foliage from the gardens.

Wreath Making Workshop

Join the Stowe team for a wreath making workshop in the Parlour Rooms, where you can create your own festive centrepiece using foliage from Stowe. Tea, coffee, bubbly and nibbles will be included. Spaces are limited. To book your place go to https://tinyurl.com/36yxt57x.

A Winter’s Tail – Seasonal Wildlife Trail at Stowe Gardens

What will you find on this seasonal wildlife trail? Match tails to their owners, spot giant bird sculptures, find clues, solve puzzles and look out for the elusive fox tail. This event runs from 18 November 2023 - 4 January 2024.

Wildlife at Stowe – Photography Exhibition at Stowe

A special exhibition of images featuring Stowe’s fabulous wildlife, by resident photographer, David Humphries. Stunning images of creatures in their natural habitats: hedgerows, wood pasture, watercourses and grassland. David’s stunning images will be on display at New Inn from Boxing Day. Display prints will be sold at the end of the exhibition to raise funds for nature conservation at Stowe. This event runs from 26 December 2023 -18 February 2024.

The South front of Stowe on a sunny day with snow on the ground in winter, Buckinghamshire
The South front of Stowe in winter, Buckinghamshire | © National Trust Images/Rupert Truman

Christmas food and drink

Enjoy festive food and drink in our café from seasonal hot chocolate, spiced beverages, and a range of Christmas sweet treats.

Christmas shopping at Stowe

We have all you need for a cosy night curled up by the fire with our wide variety of blankets, and an extensive collection of gifts and decorations. So whether you’re treating someone to a thoughtful gift, or getting yourself a well-deserved treat, pop into our gift shop on your visit.

Second-hand books

Explore our second-hand bookshop in the Old Dairy. Browse through a treasure trove of second-hand books and find that perfect read for your loved ones. All donations help us look after this special place for everyone, for ever.

Family dressed for winter walking between the columns of The Temple of Concord and Victory at Stowe Landscape Gardens, Buckinghamshire.
Visiting The Temple of Concord and Victory at Stowe, Buckinghamshire | © National Trust Images/Rod Edwards

Winter walks

Blow away the cobwebs on a brisk winter walk as you take a moment to pause and reconnect with nature. Look out for different sights and sounds as you explore the garden undressed for winter.


Free guided walk maps are available to collect from the New Inn porch and Welcome Kiosk.

New Year at Stowe

It won’t be long before you see the gardens bursting with snowdrops or as we fondly like to call them ‘Stowedrops’. Enjoy chilly walks in the New Year to spot the early signs of them peeping through as they develop in the masses throughout the Elysian Fields, Sleeping Wood and Lamport Garden.

We look forward to bright days reflecting rays across the glittering lakes, the chatter of birdsong filling the air and crisp breezes that take your breath away on refreshing walks in the gardens.

Visitors exploring the Christmas decorations inside the house at Killerton, Devon

Get into the festive spirit

From wreath-making workshops and carol concerts to winter illuminations, find Christmas days out near you.

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