Christmas at Polesden Lacey 2026

The Twelve Days of Christmas

Enter a world of wonder and delight this festive season. Come inside the house to see the ground-floor rooms dressed for Christmas. Enjoy lavish displays inspired by the 12 verses of this popular Christmas carol, with sparkling decorations and twinkling trees at every turn.

Follow the magic around the grounds

While we don't have Father Christmas visiting us this year, we warmly invite children and families to enjoy our Christmas trail in the grounds. Enjoy fun activities, complete your trail sheet and collect a special gift at the end. There will be a small cost for the trail - no need to book in advance.

 

Eat, drink and be merry

Pop by the café to refuel during your visit. As well as our usual selection of hot and cold drinks, why not enjoy a cup of hot chocolate and warm up after strolling around the grounds, exploring the estate, following the family trail or enjoying the Christmas scenes inside the house?

If you’re feeling peckish, there are several options available for light lunches and snacks. Or, choose from a range of sweet treats to help you soak up the festive mood.

Our shop will be fully stocked with artisan gifts, seasonal accessories and Christmas food offerings throughout the festive period. Plenty of opportunities to choose special gifts for friends and family. Don't miss the pop-up Christmas second-hand bookshop in the stable block opposite the gift shop.

National Trust membership is the gift that keeps on giving. Enquire at Visitor Reception about buying membership for yourself or someone else this Christmas, creating future memories throughout the year to remember forever.

A few practicalities

We cordially ask all National Trust members to bring their own, individually named memberships cards to show at Visitor Reception. This will help speed up your entry into the house and garden.

The house opens at 10.30am with last entry at 3pm – the rest of the property remains open until 4pm. As we can get very busy at peak times, please be prepared to queue to get into the house and dress appropriately for the weather. Ask at Visitor Reception about borrowing ear defenders or hiring a wheelchair. To pre-book one of our mobility scooters, call in advance on 01372 452048.

Portaloo cabins will be available in the grounds during the festive season, as well as the usual toilet facilities (including disabled facilities and baby changing areas) opposite the coffee shop and next to the café.

Parking

We are expecting to be very busy over the festive season. Please leave plenty of time to get to the car park - we are grateful for your patience and understanding while our teams work to park everyone safely. At very busy times, you may need to wait on the driveway for a short period. Follow the signs and talk to our staff, who will direct you where to park and answer any questions you may have. Parking is £5 or free for National Trust members – don’t forget to scan your card at the parking machine or give your vehicle details to the Visitor Reception team on arrival.

A little note of thanks

The team wishes you all a wonderful festive season and a magical time exploring The Twelve Days of Christmas at Polesden Lacey. While you have fun and enjoy the festivities here, you are also helping us continue fund projects at Polesden Lacey for future generations to enjoy. Thank you.