Winter at Treasurer's House

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city in winter and come in from the cold to experience the magic of an Edwardian Christmas at Treasurer's House. With a Christmas pudding scone to finish your visit, you'll be leaving full of festive spirit.

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 will be transformed with wonderful decorations throughout, including a tree in the Great Hall and fireplace full of gifts.

YorkMix have asked the question if Treasurer's House is the most Christmassy venue in York - what do you think?

Christmas stories and crafting

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. 

Meet Father Christmas on weekends until 17 December, between 11am - 4.00pm. Suitable for age 5 years and over - you'll need to wear one of the hard hats provided and adventure through small doors raised ledges. It's £6 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. Booking ahead is recommended on 01904 685563 or drop in and grab a space.

Don’t forget our craft activities too – we’ll be making Christmas tree decorations, so join us downstairs in the cafe to make one to take home. The crafting is suitable for all ages.

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. The festive doors open for our version of an Edwardian Christmas from Thursday 16 November, then open Thursday - Sunday, 11am - 4.30pm until 17 December.

Festive Food

Why not 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 hideaway from the busy streets.

Take a look at the recipe for the scones to make at home or better still, 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 cooks and chefs. Berrington Hall has been inspired to add it to their Christmas menu...

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.