The joy of Christmas at Treasurer's House

Three people talking in the background with a sparkly Christmas tree — Christmas is a special time to visit

Christmas at Treasurer's House is a magical thing; see the house in all its glory as Christmas trees, wreaths and garlands fill every room with twinkling lights, glittering decorations and festive cheer. This is the perfect place to escape the winter bustle of York city centre and soak up the atmosphere and wonder of a Christmas past.

Treasurer's House, York North Yorkshire

Just so you know...

We're working hard to reopen many of our places where it is safe to do so. However, Treasurer's House is currently closed. Check our homepage for the most up to date information about visiting. The closest place to visit is Beningbrough Hall, Gallery and Gardens.

Plan a visit to Beningbrough

A step back in time

Join us as we journey to a Christmas past. Start off your visit in the house, beautifully decorated for Christmas. The period rooms of the house are transformed with decorations throughout, from gifts and garlands, twinkling trees and fruit and floral displays filling the rooms with delicious smells.

" We visited when the house was decorated for Christmas and thought it was all done beautifully, especially the fireplace displays"

For little treasures

There is lots to do for all the family including adding your Christmas wish to the tree in the exhibition space. Search the nooks and crannies of the house for the naughty gnomes before they finish the last Christmas pudding scone and get creative with the festive colouring.

Little girl face to face with a decoration reindeer — Get excited for Christmas

A grotto with a difference

*** It looks like Father Christmas received a new map for Christmas, and our roof is intact for winter 2020. We’ll keep the attic warm for next year, he never stays away for too long.***

Weekends in December

Father Christmas needs to fix his GPS, he's crashed into the roof again! Don't worry, we've set him up in a special grotto in the attic. Grab a hard hat and head to the rooftops to listen to his stories and receive a gift from the elves workshop. He's happy to welcome visitors in this most unusual of places and share his amazing adventures.

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.

Tickets are £10 per child with one free adult place per ticket. Normal admission to the house will apply on the day as well: free entry to National Trust members and under fives or see the house ticket prices.

Don't just take our word for it, read about the Little Vikings' visit to Father Christmas on a previous year.

Prepare for Christmas at home on a wreath making workshop

***We hope to offer this event once more in November 2021***

Take inspiration from the festive decorations throughout the property, with a private group tour before the house opens. After cinnamon coffee and a mince piece, create your own wreath to take home and celebrate this special period.

Tickets are £45 per person and include refreshments and all wreath making materials. Please advise us of any dietary requirements at the time of booking.

A chandelier hanging over a staircase decorated with foliage and red bows — Garlands adorn the impressive staircase

Festive food

Round off your visit with a trip to the Below Stairs Café, serving delicious warming seasonal dishes but remember to 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.

" I have travelled 200 miles for a scone. That scone looks amazing and smells amazing. Surely it can't be as nice as I am anticipating? Readers, it was off the scale delicious. That first bite of Christmas pudding scone with brandy butter will remain with me for a very long time."

If you're inspired, pick up the National Trust cookbook from the shop around the corner as a gift or for yourself with this and many more recipes inspired by and created by the talented National Trust cooks and chefs.

Several scones on a board with a spring of holly

Treasurer's House Christmas pudding scones recipe

A seasonal take on the classic scone - best served warm with brandy butter and perfect for any left over pudding.

Shopping in the city

Every penny you spend in our retail spaces helps to support the care of National Trust places in York.

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