Historic houses decked out for Christmas

Christmas at Powis Castle, Powys | © National Trust Images/Paul Harris

Step back in time this Christmas when you visit houses decorated for the season. From the 1800s to the 1980s, be transported back to the festivities of the time at the places we care for.

Please check back for 2024 events

All of our Christmas 2023 events have now finished. We'll be adding details of our Christmas 2024 events later in the year, so please check back closer to the time.

Anglesey Abbey, Cambridgeshire: Prepare to be spellbound at Anglesey Abbey as the Magic of Books exhibition inspires the festive decorations around the ground floor of the house. Be transported to Baum’s Emerald City from The Wizard of Oz and see The Little Mermaid and other classic novels from Anglesey's collection brought to life.Visit Anglesey Abbey
The Argory, County Armagh: Christmas at The Argory in County Armagh is all about reviving festive traditions. See the house decorated in the style of Christmases gone by and hear how the MacGeough Bond family celebrated the Yuletide season in the 1800s.Visit The Argory
Belton House, Lincolnshire: Step into a winter wonderland with twinkling lights, snowy trees and the Hondecoeter dining room prepared for a Christmas feast. Listen out for piano music being played by our volunteers on selected days during the festive period.Visit Belton House
Castle Ward, County Down: Visit Castle Ward to see the mansion dressed for an evocative 18th-century Christmas. Find halls wreathed in historical garlands before heading below stairs to find preparations for Christmas well under way in the servants’ rooms.Visit Castle Ward
Chirk Castle, Wrexham: See the historic collection at Chirk Castle brought to life with a special themed Christmas. The decorations this year are inspired by one of Chirk’s largest paintings, Orpheus Charming the Animals by Thomas Ffrancis, dating back to the early 1600s. Look out for a range of animals in the decorations, including birds in flight and monkeys causing havoc.Visit Chirk Castle
Cotehele, Cornwall: Plan a visit to see the annual 60ft-long Christmas garland, which is a 65-year-old tradition at Cotehele. It's handmade by staff and volunteers from flowers in the garden, making each garland unique from the last.Visit Cotehele

Visitors taking a photo in front of the Christmas tree at Wallington in Northumberland | © National Trust Images/Paul Harris

Dunster Castle, Somerset: Transformed from a medieval fortress to a 19th-century family home, discover how Christmas was celebrated at Dunster Castle by the Luttrell family, who lived here for more than 600 years. Play games in the Morning Room, dress up in the Hat Room and see if you can spot the knitted robins hiding around the castle.Visit Dunster Castle
Felbrigg Hall, Norfolk: Discover the tale of Norfolk’s last wolf pack on a trail through Felbrigg Hall. See festivities brought to life through illustrations, soundscapes and handmade decorations sourced from the estate. It’s a tale of an unlikely animal alliance and some jubilant celebrations.Visit Felbrigg Hall
Hanbury Hall, Worcestershire: Take a trip down memory lane at Hanbury Hall, with decorations inspired by rumours of wild house parties at the Hall in the 70s and 80s. Expect tinsel, Babycham and Slade hits for this retro celebration.Visit Hanbury Hall
Ickworth, Suffolk: Step back into a period of Georgian 'Staged Splendour' as the Rotunda is set for a lavish experience at the theatre. Immerse yourself in historic traditions, and don’t forget to head outside for the winter family trail in the woodland.Visit Ickworth
Mottisfont, Hampshire: Take a journey to the North Pole on Mottisfont's Christmas Express, arriving in time to join the polar bear’s ball and the twinkling of the Northern Lights. Follow the family activity trail to become an honorary elf for the day and help deliver Christmas wishes.Visit Mottisfont

Room decorated with three Christmas trees and a wooden sleigh, Mottisfont, Hampshire — The dining room decorated for Christmas at Mottisfont, Hampshire | © National Trust Images/Arnhel de Serra

Mount Stewart, County Down: Get into the Christmas spirit with a wander around the extravagant interiors of Mount Stewart in County Down. Grand hallways and elaborate rooms will be given a festive makeover in this 19th-century mansion. Check out the festive children’s trail, seasonal storytelling and gift workshops happening here too.Visit Mount Stewart
Nostell, West Yorkshire: Experience a world of fairy tales and folklore at Nostell, inspired by stories such as Rapunzel, Cinderella and Beauty and the Beast. The grand 300-year-old dolls' house will also be decorated for Christmas and you may even spot Father Christmas wandering around the place.Visit Nostell
Packwood House, Warwickshire: It’s 25 December 1923 and the dining table is set, presents are under the tree and the Ash family party is in full swing. Turn back the clock at Packwood House in Warwickshire with historic decorations, Christmas breakfast tours and winter walks.Visit Packwood House
Penrhyn Castle, Gwynedd: Lavish interiors provide a rich backdrop for both traditional and modern Christmas decorations at Penrhyn Castle. Snap your festive photo in front of the giant tree or revisit some favourite board games in the games room.Visit Penrhyn Castle
Polesden Lacey, Surrey: The house at Polesden Lacey will be sumptuously dressed for the festive season with immersive scenes inspired by Mrs Greville’s classic fairytale books. Help Cinderella go to the ball, tiptoe past Sleeping Beauty and see Peter and Wendy set off to Neverland.Visit Polesden Lacey

A family of two adults and two young children enter a dark wood panelled room with a large Christmas tree lit up. The tree glows golden with the bows and twinkling fairy lights. — A family exploring Scotney Castle in Kent at Christmas | © National Trust Images/Arnhel de Serra

Powis Castle, Powys: Journey through the 13th-century Powis Castle and spot 16ft Christmas trees, festive fireplaces and handmade felt mice as you go. Taking inspiration from the historic treasures that lie within, each state room will transport you to a different era or part of the world.Visit Powis Castle
Scotney Castle, Kent: Head back to the Swinging Sixties at Scotney Castle in Kent this Christmas. As well as seasonal room sets with vintage decorations, see some of Scotney's special collection pieces, including artwork by John Ward RA and John Piper along with original outfits from the 1960s.Visit Scotney Castle
Speke Hall, Liverpool: Make your way through the Great Hall in all its festive Tudor glory, or take part in one of the many events happening at Speke Hall in Liverpool this Christmas. There’s storytelling, Christmas carol evenings and even breakfast with Father Christmas.Visit Speke Hall
Standen, West Sussex: Explore Arts and Crafts-style rooms dressed up for Christmas at Standen in West Sussex. Softly lit trees and decorations are inspired by the Beale family’s Christmas wishes. Spend an evening exploring the house on ‘Twilight Lates’ weekends and don’t miss the Standen Christmas tree in the courtyard.Visit Standen
Stourhead, Wiltshire: Experience the magic of Christmas this winter at Stourhead. Wander through the traditionally-decorated Palladian mansion, take part in one of the wonderful winter activities, and make memories at the spectacular after-dark lights trail.Visit Stourhead
Tyntesfield, Somerset: Immerse yourself in a Victorian Christmas at Somerset’s Tyntesfield. In true Victorian fashion, the outdoors will be brought inside with decorations handmade from materials foraged in the estate. Look out for the family-friendly reindeer trail too.Visit Tyntesfield
Wallington, Northumberland: Head to the Central Hall at Wallington, where a 20ft Christmas tree will welcome you. There’ll even be live music in the Hall at the weekends in December – and keep an eye out for Father Christmas himself wandering around the house.Visit Wallington

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

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