The joy of Christmas at Treasurer's House

Open daily, 9 November - 21 December 2019, 11am - 4.30pm (last entry 4pm)

 

A visit to the house

Join us as we step back in time to a Christmas of days past. 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 .

An Edwardian inspired Christmas

The Edwardian’s were restrained by comparison to the previous Victorian era. They 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. Spot plenty of Edwardian influences throughout the house, harking back to the Frank Green days

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 tuck into the Christmas treats and enjoy the festive colouring. Activities in the house are free, normal admission charges apply.

A grotto with a difference

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

Meet Father Christmas on weekends from Sunday 1 - Saturday 21 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 £8.50 per child with a free adult place, and normal admission also applies; free entry to National Trust members and under fives or see the house ticket prices. Booking ahead is recommended on 01904 624247.

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

Prepare for Christmas at home on a wreath making workshop

Take inspiration from the house and create your own wreath to take home on Friday 29 and Saturday 30 November, 10am - 1pm. Tickets cost £35 per person including cinnamon coffee, a mince pie and all the materials you would need. Booking essential on 01904 624247.

 

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.