Historic houses decked out for Christmas

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

Step back in time this Christmas by visiting a historic house decorated for the festive season. From the 1500s to the 1990s, enjoy the festivities of the time at the places we care for.

Historic houses in the East

Anglesey Abbey, Cambridgeshire: Step inside the house from 16 November for a festive experience with a travel theme. This year six key rooms will be bedecked in festive finery, inspired by Lord Fairhaven's winter adventures on the family yacht 'The Sapphire'. It was on these voyages that Lord Fairhaven collected many of the international artworks and antiques that are now displayed in the house.Visit Anglesey Abbey
Blickling, Norfolk: This year, a woolly wonder is unfolding in the house. The mice are back and they are unravelling a tangled tale, with mischief and merriment along the way. Wander through beautifully decorated rooms woven with traditional Christmas sparkle and woolly creations, and enjoy a cosy, family-friendly atmosphere.Visit Blickling
Felbrigg Hall, Norfolk: Felbrigg Hall is decked out with Christmas trees, twinkling lights and greenery from the estate. Walk through a series of luxury yet homely downstairs showrooms and find them full of added sparkle. The house's crimson silk-lined walls and ornate plasterwork is complimented by joyful decorations to get you in the mood for the festive season.Visit Felbrigg Hall
Ickworth Estate, Suffolk: Join us in the Servants Quarters as we get ready for the festive season. Step into the 1930s as we stir up nostalgia and Christmas merriment. Sights, sounds, and smells will immerse you in the past. For two weeks at the end of November, Ickworth’s servants’ quarters’ will once again be transformed with a traditional festive 1930s experience.Visit Ickworth

Historic houses in London and the South East

Ham House and Garden, London: This year’s Christmas story, The Robin’s Tale, is inspired by a newly conserved lacquer screen, which will be on display. Join our jolly robin on a Christmas adventure as he flies from room to room to reunite the phoenix with her tail, and spot intricate paper bird sculptures, created especially for us by a local artist.Visit Ham House and Garden
Mottisfont, Hampshire: We invite you on a fun and festive adventure into the much-loved tale of Jack and the Beanstalk. The house is transformed with sparkle and theatrical flair, lights and laughs as you journey from a towering beanstalk to a castle in the clouds and a Giant’s Christmas banquet. But be careful; can you hear the fe-fi-fo-fum?Visit Mottisfont
Petworth, West Sussex: This Christmas, journey through grand state rooms of Petworth House where creativity and nature come together. Marvel beneath the stars, gaze up at the moon, and discover an enchanting festive experience inspired by the natural world. Each room glows with wonder: celestial skies, enchanting fairies, roaming woodland creatures, towering trees, and spaces to pause and reflect.Visit Petworth
Polesden Lacey, Surrey: Celebrate Christmas in style at Polesden Lacey, where the Edwardian house is dressed for an Alice in Wonderland inspired Christmas. Everyone is invited to this festive extravaganza, where you can follow the White Rabbit inside the house then head outdoors for a family trail in the gardens.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. — Visitors exploring a house decked out for Christmas | © National Trust Images/Arnhel de Serra

Historic houses in the Midlands

Attingham Park, Shropshire: Attingham Park is inviting you to step into a world of festive stories, sparkling decorations and seasonal fun with 'A Very Attingham Christmas.' Inside the Georgian mansion, journey through decorated rooms that showcase some of Attingham's most memorable Christmas traditions from years gone by. In the basement, step behind the scenes to see the servants getting ready for the family Christmas.Visit Attingham Park
Belton Estate, Lincolnshire: Belton is celebrating the magic of materials in its collection this festive season. 'Textures and Treasures' highlights hidden gems both in the mansion and across the estate, with sumptuous displays putting special objects in the spotlight. Wander through spectacular rooms decorated with twinkling lights and showstopping trees, while children can spot golden objects, handcrafted by volunteers, on a fun trail.Visit Belton Estate
Croome, Worcestershire: Immerse yourself in a light and sound experience with enchanting projections, evocative sounds and stories of Rapturous Delight in the Long Gallery this Christmas. You'll find decorations inspired by Croome's remarkable landscape and plant collection, bringing the outside indoors.Visit Croome
Hanbury Hall, Worcestershire: Celebrate in retro style this Christmas. The clock has been turned back to the 1970s and 80s at Hanbury Hall and the house is decorated in a riot of colour, bright lights and baubles. Expect tinsel and Slade hits at this festive experience.Visit Hanbury Hall
Hardwick Hall, Derbyshire: At Hardwick Hall the Tudor Wintertide celebrations include a mischievous Lord of Misrule – a traditional figure appointed to rule over the festivities and create havoc wherever he goes. There are decorations and festive displays throughout the house. Look out for special late-night openings on selected dates too.Visit Hardwick Hall

Historic houses in the North

Cragside, Northumberland: You’re invited to the Servants’ Ball at Cragside. This Christmas, tradition is turned on its head and into a world where the servants have taken over the house, throwing a bold and mischievous party. It’s a rebellion of ribbons and over-sized decorations, with a sprinkle of rule-breaking on top.Visit Cragside
Nostell, West Yorkshire: Join in with the festivities at Nostell, which has been transformed into a storybook adventure. Look out for a 1940s railway station, snowy forests and Father Christmas’s woodland camp as you wander through the house. Make sure you visit the Dolls' House, which is also decked out for Christmas, and discover Nostell's gingerbread village.Visit Nostell
Sizergh, Lake District: Wander through a nature-themed light and sound experience around the Knoll, designed by local artists and inspired by Sizergh’s estate. You can see rooms in the house decorated for Christmas too.Visit Sizergh
Speke Hall, Liverpool: Follow mischievous merry mice on their festive adventures, grab a hot chocolate or stretch your legs and wander through the Community Christmas Tree Orchard that's been created with local community groups for a bit of outdoor sparkle.Visit Speke Hall
Treasurer's House, Yorkshire: History and festivities intertwine at Treasurer's House in York. Look out for hand made decorations around themes including the Snow Queen and a typical 17th-century Christmas, plus don't miss the felted servant mice in the Old Kitchen.Visit Treasurer's House
Wallington, Northumberland: Wallington is dressed for Christmas with a 20ft Christmas tree in the Central Hall and live music every weekend in December. Plus you can meet the giant reindeer, Magnificence, all lit up and pulling a sleigh in front of the house. Why not jump on board for a festive selfie?Visit Wallington

Visitors exploring festive decorations at Belton House, Lincolnshire with Christmas trees and lights in the foreground and a painting in the background — Visitors admiring Christmas decorations at Belton House, Lincolnshire | © National Trust Images/James Dobson

Historic houses in Northern Ireland

The Argory, County Armagh: Unwrap a classic Christmas with festive experiences as you step back in time to a Yuletide of yesteryear. The house is adorned with trees, garlands, and a Christmas-ready dining table.Visit The Argory
Castle Ward, County Down: Join us to celebrate a Georgian Christmastide at Castle Ward when luxury items and feasting were the order of the day. Find out about their festive excesses and explore a mansion house decorated for the season. There's a dining table laid for a feast and you can visit the kitchens busy preparing for 12 days of Georgian-style partying.Visit Castle Ward
Mount Stewart, County Down: Get into the Christmas spirit with a visit to Mount Stewart. Come to one of the late-night openings, sip hot chocolate under the stars or head inside to see the house decorated for the season. There's a children's trail and seasonal storytelling too.Visit Mount Stewart

Historic houses in the South West

Coleton Fishacre: Coleton Fishacre turned 100 years old in 2025, so what better way to celebrate than with a Christmas party from the Roaring Twenties? Immerse yourself in the glitz and glamour of the era with pop-up dance lessons and live pianists in the elegant and theatrical saloon. Vintage reels come to life in a cosy cinema and you can sample cocktails inspired by the Savoy Cocktail book in a secret speakeasy bar hidden at the back of the house.Visit Coleton Fishacre
Dunster Castle, Somerset: Dunster Castle is putting on a country Christmas inspired by family memories of the festive season. Wander through the house decorated with trees and natural garlands created from plants from the gardens, play games in the Morning Room, or see how many hidden knitted robins you can spot.Visit Dunster Castle
Dyrham Park, South Gloucestershire: Experience Christmas through different centuries at Dyrham this winter. The house is dressed with festive decorations from five eras, between Tudor times and the 21st century. New this year is a 1999 room filled with retro colour, fun and authentic items from the turn of the new millenium.Visit Dyrham Park
Kingston Lacy, Dorset: There's a Christmas Ball at Kingston Lacy and it's not just the grand guests who are on show. You can also discover the views of a kitchen servant busy helping with preparations. If you head outside to the Fernery, a winter's night is quietly unfolding under the trees and there's one final festive secret waiting to be discovered amid the swooping owls and stars. What will you find among the ferns?Visit Kingston Lacy
Stourhead, Wiltshire: The grand rooms are decorated with lights, floral arrangements and Christmas trees inspired by the history and landscape of Stourhead. Don't miss this year's illuminated trail which is alive with millions of lights and sounds, including a Star Show and a shimmering Sea of Light.Visit Stourhead
Tyntesfield, Somerset: It's Once Upon a Christmas Time at Tyntesfield with enchanting decorations and a magical fairy tale trail. Wander through the Rose Garden and step into Cinderella's world. In the house, you'll find a tale of wild swans, the Hatter's tea party in the Library, and a chance to uncover the fairy tale of Weston in the Dining Room. Look out for a towering beanstalk in the hall before venturing into a winter wonderland in the Drawing Room.Visit Tyntesfield

Visitors looking at the Christmas tree decorations at Upton House and Gardens, Warwickshire — Christmas decorations at Upton House Warwickshire | © National Trust Images/John Millar

Historic houses in Wales

Chirk Castle, Wrexham: From its origins as a medieval fortress to its transformation into a grand family home for the Myddeltons, the castle is brought to life with playful shadow puppet theatres, classic board games and decorated rooms inspired by Chirk Castle's history this Christmas. If you’re feeling peckish, step inside the cosy tearoom where a selection of festive awaits.Visit Chirk Castle
Erddig, Wrexham: Embark on a Nutcracker adventure at Erddig as you journey through enchanting realms of snow, candy and flowers before arriving at a dazzling ball. Twirl your way into the Grade-I listed walled garden to practise your ballet moves in the garden trail – can you pirouette, plié or perform an arabesque like a ballerina?Visit Erddig
Penrhyn Castle, Gwynedd: Christmas will be on display in Victorian splendour at Penrhyn Castle. A winter wonderland with trees, twinkling lights and music awaits in the Grand Hall. As you explore the Library, Drawing Room and Ebony room you’ll find these already lavish rooms have been decorated to reflect the traditions that once took place in these rooms.Visit Penrhyn Castle
Powis Castle, Powys: Feel the icy grip of a sparkling spectacle as the grand state rooms are transformed into another world, guiding you along a wintery tale. Keep your eyes peeled for charming little mice, dressed for their frosty adventure.Visit Powis Castle
Tredegar House, Newport: Unwrap 500 years of Christmas at Tredegar House, filled with shimmering lights and more than 80 Christmas trees. Explore changing Christmas traditions and find out how the festive season has been celebrated from Tudor times to the 1950s.Visit Tredegar House

Family by the Christmas tree at Scotney Castle, Kent

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