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A woman and little boy looking at decorations and wishes hanging from a Christmas tree
Christmas is coming to Essex, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire | © National Trust Images/Paul Harris

Christmas in Essex, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire

Christmas isn't that far away, which means it's time to get into the festive spirit. Bring the family for breakfast with the elves at Dunstable Downs or a Festive Banquet with the Knights. There will also be Christmas crafts and late-night festivities and a family trail to look out for.

Christmas days out

Christmas at Dunstable Downs 

Get ready to unwrap the magic of the season at Dunstable Downs! This holiday season, we are thrilled to bring you an enchanting array of festive experiences that will make Christmas special for all the family.

Night time shot of the Chiltern's Gateway Centre and Courtyard at Dunstable Downs. The Centre is lit up by fairylights.

Yuletide events at Paycocke's

Tudor Yuletide at Paycocke's 

Let The Companye of Merrie Folke transport you back 500 years to discover how Thomas Paycocke and his household would have spent the festive season: the decorations, the music; the food, drink and revelry!

Members of the Companye of Merrie Folke enjoying Tudor yuletide at Paycocke's House, Essex

A Christmas Carol at Paycocke's 

Hear the timeless tale of Ebenezer Scrooge and the ghosts of Christmas in the beautiful and atmospheric surroundings of Paycocke's Great Hall. With mulled wine, mince pies and a blazing log burner, this show is guaranteed to get you in the Christmas spirit.

A candle flame illuminates open books

The gift of giving

Gift membership 

Stuck for Christmas gift ideas? Give someone special a whole year of adventures with National Trust gift membership. Whether you're searching for a present for mum, dad, your grandparents or a friend who wants to explore more places, a gift membership could make their year.

Visitors in autumn at Lacock Abbey, Wiltshire

Christmas days out further afield

Christmas in Cambridgeshire 

From winter illuminations to festive days out we celebrated the festive season in style in Cambridgeshire.

A view of Wimpole House illuminated as part of the Christmas light trail

Christmas in Cambridgeshire 

From winter illuminations to festive days out we celebrated the festive season in style in Cambridgeshire.

A view of Wimpole House illuminated as part of the Christmas light trail

Christmas around Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire 

Our National Trust places in Buckinghamshire, Berkshire and Oxfordshire have the essence of Christmas all wrapped up in a beautiful package of gorgeously decorated houses studded with Christmas trees and twinkling with fairy lights. It’s the perfect backdrop to festive family memories.

The Dining Room decorated for Christmas at Hughenden

Walks to try this festive season