Christmas at Wightwick Manor and Gardens

Published:: 21 September 2023

Two visitors look up at the decorated Christmas tree in the Great Parlour at Wightwick Manor — Enjoy a traditional Victorian Christmas at Wightwick Manor and Gardens | © National Trust Images/Trevor Ray Hart

We invite you to get into the festive spirit with a visit to Wightwick Manor and Gardens this Christmas. The Manor will be decorated with traditional Victorian decorations by our talented volunteers on the theme of 'Morris-mas' - an abundance of William and May Morris patterns, and Morris & Co. designs. Festive entertainment includes music in the Great Parlour, a knitted Christmas pudding trail for children and pre-booked visits to see Father Christmas.

Christmas 2023 has now finished at Wightwick Manor and Gardens.

The below is information for Christmas 2023. We hope you enjoyed all that we had on offer. Please check back here closer to Christmas 2024 when you will see updates of all the exciting plans we have in store for you.

Traditional Decorations

Come along to Wightwick Manor this festive season to help us celebrate a traditional Victorian Christmas just like the Mander family would have enjoyed. From Friday 1 December 2023 - Sunday 7 January 2024, (closed 25 and 26 December) see the wonderful handiwork of our talented volunteers as you enjoy the real decorated trees and arrangements lit by candlelight.

Discover our special 'Morris-mas' decorations around the Manor and families can look out for our knitted Christmas Puddings hidden around the rooms. How many can you spot?

No booking required, normal admission costs apply. This event is part of your normal visit to the Manor over the festive season.

Father Christmas in his red suit, is giving a gift to a child. There is a Christmas tree in the background and other children waiting. — Visit Father Christmas at Wightwick Manor | © National Trust Images/Rob Stothard

Seasonal Events

Visit Father Christmas - SOLD OUT

Father Christmas is making his annual appearance in his magical sitting room in the Manor on 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 21 and 22 December, slots available between 10:30am and 4pm (morning slots only 21 and 22 Dec). Demand is always high so make sure to book your tickets early. Pre-booking is essential -tickets will be on sale from late October/early November 2023.

Father Christmas tickets cost £15.00 per child, which includes their entry fee.
Up to 4 children in your group can visit Father Christmas together and up to 6 additional adults can accompany them.
Accompanying adults who are non-members of the National Trust must pay standard admission to the site on the day.
Please make sure you select the right type of ticket for the number of children attending.
Visit includes a gift for all children booked into the grotto.
No charge for babies accompanying an older sibling unless you want them to have a gift too.

£15 per child (max 4 per booking), normal admission costs apply for adults, booking essential. Book you tickets by calling 0344 249 1895, or online by clicking here.

Live Music

Enjoy listening to some festive music here at Wightwick Manor and Gardens this Christmas season.

Anthem Voices Choir - Performing on Monday 4, Wednesday 13 and Tuesday 19 December, at intervals between 11am and 3pm at different locations around the site.

Ann Lombardi, Harpist and Pianist - Ann will be performing on Wednesday 6, Thursday 14 and Wednesday 20 December at intervals throughout the day between 11am and 2pm.

Please note, these are not ticketed or seated events, but rather part of your normal visit to the site. No booking required, normal admission costs apply.

Getting Crafty

We welcome back Natalie from Roly Poly Ponies for two festive Needle Felting workshops suitable for adult beginners:

Christmas Pudding Wreaths - Sunday 19 November, 10:30am - 3pm. £30 per person - SOLD OUT
Festive Gonk or Santa - Wednesday 6 December, 10:30am - 2:30pm. £25 per person - SOLD OUT

Booking is essential via the Roly Poly Ponnies Facebook page, or by emailing Natalie on info@rolypolyponies.co.uk.

Abie from Hive of Craftivity will be running a Christmas Crafting Workshop day for adults on Friday 1 December, 10am - 4pm. During the day you will create four different crafts:

Quilling Decoration
Macramé mini wreath
Dorset Buttons Angel and Christmas Tree
Decoupage tea light lantern

£60 per person, price includes all tuition, materials, use of tools, lots of teas, coffees, biscuits too and admission to the house and gardens.

Booking is essential by emailing Abie on hiveofcraftivity.workshop@gmail.com - you can find out more by clicking here.

Find out more about all of our events by clicking here.

A close up picture of a display table in the shop at Wightwick, with a range of Christmas decorations and food, such as brandy butter and pickles. — The perfect Christmas gifts | © National Trust/Libby Taylor

A bit of Christmas shopping

The Old Manor shop will be open every day in the lead up to Christmas, stocking a range of tempting Christmas gifts.

Decorations, homeware, gorgeous gifts, festive foods, and our special William Morris goods; our range has everything you need for a magical Christmas. What’s more, every penny spent helps Wightwick to continue looking after this special place for everyone, for ever – thank you for putting a sparkle in our Christmas too.

An iced Christmas cake on top of the old stove in the tack room in the stables at Wightwick Manor, surrounded by festive decorations. — Try our festive treats | © National Trust/Georgina Grainger

Tearoom treats

If you’re feeling peckish or are in need of a warm-up, we have plenty of treats available in our tearoom, located in the old stables in the courtyard.

If you’re looking to warm up with a hot drink, or to take one with you on your garden stroll, why not treat yourself to our warming hot chocolate? Of course, we’ll have all your usual favourites available - including a mince pie or two!

On of the ball shaped yew hedges in the garden at Wightwick Manor has been made to look like a Christmas pudding, with white felt and baubles as the berries. It has also been snowing and everything is covered in a layer of white snow. — See if you can find our giant Christmas puddings! | © National Trust Images/Trevor Ray Hart

Winter walks

If you’d rather pull on your winter woollies and get outdoors, then blow away the winter cobwebs with a stroll along the South Terrace, through the Formal Garden or amongst the trees in the woodland.

See if you can spot our festive outdoor displays to give your winter walk a bit of Christmas sparkle.