Experience a special Christmas as a National Trust member

A family admires a Christmas tree in the Orangery at Knole, Kent, with orange and silver baubles and a dried orange slice decoration — A family admires a Christmas tree at Knole, Kent | © National Trust Images/James Dobson

What does Christmas mean to you? Is it hanging up decorations, hearing festive music or smelling chestnuts roasting on an open fire? If you're keen to make Christmas even more magical this year, here's how National Trust membership could bring you a truly festive Christmas experience.

Christmas fun as a National Trust member

Whether you’re a history enthusiast, food lover or crafting expert, if you’re seeking a unique Christmas experience then joining the National Trust is a great place to start. As a member, you'll have access to over 500 places and can use your Handbook for visit inspiration. Not only will you get to enjoy historical Christmas celebrations and more at many National Trust places, you’ll also be helping us to continue our vital conservation work for many more festive seasons to come.

Tuck in to some tasty treats

Discover the true taste of the festive season with our mouth-watering recipes. You can serve up lots of delicious winter treats, including moreish Christmas cake, sweet yule logs and fresh-from-the-oven warm mince pies.

As a member you’ll be able to try out new recipes from your members’ magazine and online members' area year-round. Plus, you can also indulge in a Christmas treat or two in many of the cafés at the places in our care this winter. 

Fun for children

Try a winter trail

At many National Trust places this season, you'll be able to step out on winter trails created with mini explorers in mind.

As a member, you'll enjoy free admission and by taking part in the winter trail, you'll also be helping to care for these historic, beautiful and natural places.

Meet Father Christmas

Every year, Father Christmas makes time to stop off at many of the places we care for, to bring some festive cheer and for the chance to meet children. Take a special family trip this December to see him in one of our special places near you.

Find the perfect present

You can find lots of locally handmade gifts, regional speciality foods and festive drinks at Christmas markets and fairs at National Trust places. Seek out ornaments, crafts, jewellery and much more for that special someone.

Plus, our online shop is bursting with festive cheer, and every purchase supports the work we do to care for hundreds of places. Our member e-newsletter often highlights online offers, so you'll be one step ahead when it comes to Christmas shopping.

If you're looking for a gift for adventure-seekers, National Trust gift membership could be perfect for them. As well as caring for nature and history, gift membership gives free access to hundreds of places.

Three people dressed in warm jackets and woolly hats walk in the parkland on a wintry day at Croome, Worcestershire, along a snowy path flanked by evergreen trees — Visitors walking in the parkland on a wintry day at Croome, Worcestershire | © National Trust Images/Chris Lacey

Explore the members' area

Be the first to try new winter recipes, discover seasonal gardening tips and prepare for the ultimate Christmas with our online members' area. As a member you'll be invited behind the scenes at many National Trust places in captivating videos and podcasts, as well as being the first to find out about the new events and experiences that we're planning.

Make your own Christmas decorations

We don't hold back when it comes to festive decorations at the places we care for, and if you fancy making your own decorations this year we've got plenty of Christmas craft events to choose from.

If you can't make it to a Christmas craft workshop, you can follow one of our online how-to guides instead. Create a festive natural wreath, make some pine cone decorations with your younger family members or even repurpose pieces of scrap paper into a colourful paper chain.

The rear view of a child wearing a padded jacket and a woolly hat looking at the colourfully illuminated hall during the festive lights event at Blickling Estate, Norfolk — Admiring the festive lights event at Blickling Estate, Norfolk | © National Trust Images/Rob Coleman

Be dazzled by colourful winter illuminations

Add some sparkle to your winter festivities when you visit a Christmas light show near you. At Kingston Lacy in Dorset, you can experience sparkling tunnels of light, giant baubles and trees drenched in colours. You might even spot Father Christmas along the way.

At Belton House in Lincolnshire, you can visit the sculptural fire garden for a mesmerising evening out. As well as strolling through the illuminated trail, you can warm up beside the flickering flames for a festive time with loved ones. As a member, you'll get free parking at most of the places in our care, which means you can carry on the Christmas celebrations as long as you want.

Relish the Boxing Day walk

When you become a member, winter walks are made even better because you know you’re helping us to care for these beautiful places. The trees are speckled with winter berries, and frost gives the grass, shrubs and foliage a slight twinkle in the morning sunrise. The stillness of winter can bring peace and quiet to a woodland walk and a breath of fresh air to your favourite place.

With hundreds of places to enjoy and free car parking for members at most places, why not try a different Boxing Day stroll this year?