The joy of Christmas at Treasurer's House

Thursday - Sunday 11am - 4.30pm, 15 November - 16 December 2018

A visit to the house

Join us as we step back in time to a turn of the century Christmas; start off your visit in the house, beautifully decorated for Christmas in the opulent style of Frank Green, the last owner of Treasurer’s House - he was a man of impeccable style and taste. The period rooms of the house are transformed with decorations throughout, including a tree in the Great Hall and fireplace full of gifts and garlands adorning the William and Mary staircase. Complete your visit with a festive treat in the Below Stairs Café .

A typical Edwardian Christmas

It was restrained by comparison to the previous Victorian era. The Edwardians decorated their homes with ivy, yew and laurel from the garden. Holly, then as now, was prized for its bright berries and mistletoe, an ancient symbol of renewal and fertility, hung from above. They enjoyed making their own decorations with garlands hanging from picture rails and gold ribbon adorning the tree. However, the tree wouldn’t be put up until Christmas Eve. Fortunately the team at Treasurer's House is getting prepared earlier.

For little treasures

Fun for all the family including making a wish and hanging it on the tree. Search the nooks and crannies of the house for the naughty gnomes before they eat the Christmas treats and create your own decorations to take home. For activities in the house, normal admission charges apply but the crafts activities are free.

A grotto with a difference

***Sorry - all spaces are fully booked for 2018***

If you’re bringing little ones with you, then take a trip up to the attic grotto to visit Father Christmas, listen to storytime and receive a gift. He's had to make an emergency landing on the rooftops so as he gets his repairs done ahead of his busy night on Christmas Eve, he's happy to welcome visitors in this most unique of places. 

Meet Father Christmas on weekends from 24 November until 16 December. Suitable for age 5 years and over - you'll need to wear one of the hard hats provided and adventure through small doors and raised ledges. It's £7.50 per child with a free adult place. If you want to explore the house, this would need normal admission charges or free entry to National Trust members and under fives. Booking ahead is recommended on 01904 624247 or drop in and grab a space.

Don't just take our word for it, read about the Little Vikings' visit to Father Christmas last weekend.

Prepare for Christmas at home on a new workshop

Take inspiration from the house and create your own wreath to take home on Friday 30 November, 11am - 1pm. £25 per person with coffee and the materials you would need. 

 

Festive food

Round off your visit with a trip to the Below Stairs Café, serving delicious warming seasonal dishes; leave some room to sample the famous Christmas pudding scone. The café is the perfect escape from the busy streets and free to enter on open days.

If you're inspired, pick up the National Trust Cookbook as a gift or for yourself with this and many more recipes inspired by and created by the talented National Trust cooks and chefs, like our popular Christmas pudding scone.

Shopping in the city

We're spoiling you with choices when it comes to shopping and every penny helps to support the care of National Trust places near York. When you're at the café, visiting the house or passing by, head downstairs - no entry fee required to browse the small selection on offer below stairs at Treasurer's House.

For a full range, just around the corner from Treasurer's House is the large high street shop on Goodramgate. It's open daily (except Boxing Day and New Year's Day) and the friendly team will help you solve even the most difficult of gifting challenges.