Christmas festivities at Fountains

Girl holding a candle at Carols by Candlelight at Fountains Abbey

It’s starting to look a lot like Christmas! This is such a special time of year, and we have a few treats lined up for you to enjoy on your visit to Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal this December.

Couple enjoying music and lights at Fountains Abbey

Experience Music & Lights 

Here at Fountains we're getting into the Christmas spirit and have just the thing to enjoy on a cold winter's afternoon. Wrap up warm to enjoy the abbey bathed in multi-coloured lights with live festive music ringing throughout the ruins.

Fountains Christmas Post Office

Christmas is coming, so we hope you've all been kind and well-behaved! Visit Fountains Hall to the Christmas post office to make sure your letters are sent off to Father Christmas in time. We'll provide the paper, pens, envelopes and stamps - all that's left is for you to write your wish list, don the postmaster's hat, and send it off to Father Christmas. 

Father Christmas' Grotto

What's that sound? It's the jingle of reindeer bells - Father Christmas is touching down at Fountains Abbey this year and he comes bearing gifts. If you've been a kind and helpful little boy or girl it's time to give Father Christmas a visit in his cosy grotto. He may have a special gift for you!

Meet Father Christmas in our cosy grotto
Children meeting Father Christmas
Meet Father Christmas in our cosy grotto

What else is on this Christmas at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal?

Jack in the Green - festive family storytelling walk

North Country Theatre is back with a fun and interactive family story-telling walk. Hear all about how the mysterious Green Man of Fountains and the Spirit of Spring and Summer, versus the Snow Queen and her accomplice, Jack Frost. This story walk lasts for an hour, costs £2 and we advise booking.

Get creative crafting your own Christmas wreaths, table centres and more
Collecting holly to make seasonal decorations
Get creative crafting your own Christmas wreaths, table centres and more

Christmas lunches

Enjoy a delicious festive lunch with family, friends or colleagues this December. Choose from a two or three course traditional lunch menu and add tea or coffee with a mince pie for an extra treat. Prices range from £18.95 to £23.90.

Walk in the monks footsteps from Ripon to Fountains
Visitors walking from Ripon Cathedral to Fountains Abbey
Walk in the monks footsteps from Ripon to Fountains

Boxing Day pilgrimage

If that’s not enough for you, burn the Christmas excess off by joining us for the Boxing day pilgrimage from St Mary’s Church to Ripon Cathedral.

On the Hoof

Trot along to St Mary's Church to watch the wild deer munching through their winter feed.

The deer park is home to wild red, fallow and sika deer
Couple watching the deer in Studley Royal deer park
The deer park is home to wild red, fallow and sika deer

Retail therapy

Enjoy a relaxed wander around the shop and pick up a few treats for yourself or your loved ones this Christmas. You may find the perfect present!

There are tasty treats galore all ready to be cracked open for an enjoyable evening with friends and family. Decorate your home with a range of festive decorations and seasonal homeware. Make your home a festive joy with a range of decorations and seasonal homeware, or browse our scent range to fill the room with warm and welcoming aromas.

Felt Robin Christmas decoration

Spoilt for choice this Christmas 

Find the perfect gift in our shop! We’re stocked-up with stocking fillers, gifts and irresistible rustic decorations.