Christmas at Lacock

Storytime with Mother Christmas 

The Servant's Hall will be transformed into a cosy, magical grotto this Christmas for Mother Christmas to take a break from her busy schedule (she works very hard behind the scenes you know!), to read stories and gift some early presents. 

Saturday - Sunday from 12 -21 December
Toddler sessions on Friday 12 December
Relaxed session (for those with special education needs)  Friday19 December
 

Christmas in the courtyard and gardens

The Botanic Garden bothy will be decorated for the season, with self-led Christmas crafts and colouring every day. You can write letters to Father Christmas here, and then walk down the drive to where the historic Bakehouse has been transformed into a North Pole post room. 

Father Christmas always parks his sleigh in the Courtyard (perhaps he's partial to a pasty from the Courtyard Tearoom?) so you can take a festive snap with the willow reindeer. 

And you won't be able to miss the 20 ft Christmas Tree sparkling in the centre, with more trees and lights in every corner. 

The Great Hall at Christmas 

2025 dates: 22rd November - 31 December (closed Christmas Day and Boxing Day)

Whilst the rest of the house is closed for the annual deep clean, the Great Hall re-opens for the Christmas period, with traditional decorations and an impressive tree which always makes a great backdrop for a festive selfie.

Community Christmas Tree Festival 
 

One of Lacock's best-loved traditions returns for 2025 with a display of Christmas trees decorated by local community groups, charities and schools, all displayed in the Cloister. 

Each year there is a different theme for the trees. The groups taking part usually create decorations from upcyled materials, with 2024s theme of 'the Magic of Nature at Christmas'  interpreted in many different creative and interesting ways. Over 13,000 votes were cast in 2024, with first place going to 'We're Dreaming of Nature's White Christmas' by the Abbey Crafters. Second place went to 'A Countryside Walk' by the Crafty Cafe at Chippenham Museum. We'll be updating this page with 2025's later this autumn. 

 

Pop-up Christmas shopping in the Manger Barn

Lacock provides so many opportunities for gift buying for friends and family. The High Street Shop sells quality, eco-friendly and locally made items all year round. The Manger Barn is not usually open to the public, so each year visitors can take the chance to soak up some festive atmosphere and choose some beautiful gifts for friends and family. Meet the maker and tasting events take place on selected days. Find it in the Manger Barn Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 14 November to 14 December for 2025.

Seasonal food and drink

During a day of sight seeing and gift shopping in the village, the Stables Café has seasonal specials for all the family . The Courtyard Cafe by the abbey will be open weekends and during the school holidays.

Christmas shopping

As well as the National Trust shop in the High Street and the pop-up Christmas shop in the Manger Barn, there are some charming independent shops in the village, so a day at Lacock provides a perfect opportunity to tick gifts off your list every year. 

The second-hand bookshop in the Courtyard is also always a good shout for the bookworms in your life, open every day (except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day) with all kinds of books on offer, from biography to cookery, fiction to sport.