Christmas in the East of England

One of the highlights of the year has to be our places decorated for Christmas. The gardeners have been busy gathering evergreen foliage from the gardens and our festive team of volunteers are busy adorning mantlepieces, staircases - and did we mention the show-stopping trees.

If you're looking for something a bit different this year, why not come and see our winter gardens in a new light? Twinkling with sparking lights and illuminated as darkness falls.

Wimpole’s festive season kicks off with our popular Christmas Craft Fair - it’s the perfect experience to get you in the festive mood. It's also a great opportunity to find unique and unusual presents for loved ones, from an exciting selection of new stalls and old favourites.

Step back in time this November as Grange Barn in Coggeshall is taken over by Medieval folk and local craftspeople selling high quality crafts.

Light up your Christmas early by coming along to Lavenham's magical three-day Christmas Fair, set in the lovely old Market Place and historic Guildhall. Enjoy craft and food stalls, rides and entertainment.

From carol singing to the traditions of a pantomime, Christmas music and entertainment are an important part of our festivities in the lead up to Christmas and will help you get into the festive spirit.

We've got a packed programme of performances at the Theatre Royal in Bury St Edmunds in the lead up to Christmas. Join us, jousting knights and mythical beasts for this year's traditional family pantomime, Sleeping Beauty.

Join us this Christmas for an authentic experience celebrating traditions old and new. Our places in Cambridgeshire will be dressed and illuminated with the spirit of winter.

It wouldn't be Christmas without a trip to see the twinkling Christmas trees lining the front drive at Blickling, or the giant tree beautifully decorated in the Great Hall. Why not visit one of our places in Norfolk this festive season?

It wouldn't be Christmas without a trip to meet Father Christmas at Ickworth, or the opportunity to meet up with friends at Sutton Hoo for a walk followed by a festive treat.

Whether you're looking to meet the big man himself or want to get ahead with your Christmas shopping, here's our pick of festive days out in Essex.

Every year the local community and visitors from far and wide help to decorate a very special tree at Dunstable Downs. Enjoy a steaming hot chocolate and help keep the community tree looking magical.