Christmas Reflections at Nostell

Christmas tree decorated at Nostell — Look out for the variety of handmade decorations in Nostell's festive galore.

In 2019 we're shining a light on the ornate pier glass that Thomas Chippendale created for one of the finest treasure houses in Yorkshire. As a final Christmas celebration, our staff and volunteers have crafted decorations inspired by the golden swirls and mythical Ho Ho birds of this special mirror.

Discover magical displays and the splendour of a Yorkshire country house Christmas, taking time to reflect on your own festive traditions and family memories.

Fun for all the family

Explore the house

Enjoy the historic rooms trimmed up in their festive finery, have a giggle with the Ho Ho (Ho!) birds on the family trail and follow your nose to find the gingerbread village. Don't miss the pier glass itself to see the inspiration for this year's theme. Open selected days during the festive season, including Christmas Eve - see our what's on page for all dates. Off peak ticket prices apply (National Trust members free).

Family walking through a woodland at a National Trust site

Follow the garden trail

The mythical Ho Ho birds have burst through the mirror and escaped into the gardens. Find the clues they've left along the way to discover how wildlife inspired their favourite Christmas traditions and enjoy your yummy prize, handmade by Nostell's baker. Pick up a trail sheet from the gardens entrance any day you visit, Saturday 7 December - Tuesday 31 December (except Christmas day). You'll need an off peak admission ticket (National Trust members free) plus £2 per child.

Visit Father Christmas (SOLD OUT)

Our special guest will be journeying all the way from the North Pole to help make magical memories on weekends 7- 22 December plus Monday 23 and Tuesday 24 December. £10 per child, booking is essential and spaces are going fast so don't leave it too late!

Don't miss

Listen out for local choirs performing every Christmas weekend (see programme below) and take a wander through our forest of 'communitrees' in the Courtyard, decorated by Nostell's friends and partners. Stop by the Courtyard Cafe to fuel up with festive treats from mince pies and mulled wine to hot lunches and light bites. Don't miss the gift shop to choose handcrafted gifts from local artisans as well as a wide range of books, toys and special pieces for the home and garden.

Nostell Christmas Menu 2019

This year our festive menu has been inspired by recipes found in the 18th century cookbook in Nostell's collection. From cook's Christmas pie to festive yule log, enjoy Christmas traditions from times gone by.

Soak up the festive sounds of local choirs

Friday 6 December, 6 - 9pm: The Clueless Chorus (Nostell Nights, for adults only)

Saturday 7 December, 11am and 1pm: Cantabile Choir

Sunday 8 December, 11am: Outwood Academy Choir

12noon: Castleford Choral Society

2pm: Dearne Valley Singers

Saturday 14 December, 1pm: Yvonne Woffenden

Sunday 15 December, 11am and 1pm: Sandal Singers

Saturday 21 December, 12noon and 2pm: Wakefield Gospel Community Choir

Sunday 22 December, 1pm and 2pm: Wakefield Chorus

Monday 23 December, 11.30am: Carole Pickett

1pm: Yvonne Woffenden

Tuesday 24 December: Nostell Nightingales (Nostell's staff and volunteers :-))

Just for grown ups

Visitor taking part in an embroidery workshop at Nostell

Winter Workshops at Nostell

We're welcoming some of Yorkshire's finest artist to Nostell's cosy Workshop this winter. From mosaic making and lino printing to willowcraft and photography, handcraft your own Christmas presents or treat someone special to a creative crafting experience this year.

Nostell Nights

Be the first to see the house trimmed up for Christmas at this special 'All That Glitters' evening opening, for adults only on Friday 6 December, 6 - 9pm. Wind down with a craft gin or local ale, enjoy a live DJ set from Long Division and enjoy creative activities with local artists. Off peak admission applies (National Trust members free). No pre-booking needed except for special behind-the-scenes tours.