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Christmas at Wicken Fen

A family on the Winter Woodland Walk at Wicken Fen, Cambridgeshire
A family on the Winter Woodland Walk at Wicken Fen, Cambridgeshire | © National Trust Images/Justin Minns

Meet Father Christmas at the Fen, follow our family Winter Trailer, browse our gift shop for festive gifts and enjoy a winter warmer in the Docky Hut Cafe

Father Christmas at the Fen 2025

Ho ho ho! Bookings for Christmas at the Fen are now open...

 

Twas the Night Before Christmas

Step into the warmth and wonder of Fen Cottage this Christmas Eve, where one of Santa’s very own Elves will be reading the beloved festive poem “’Twas the Night Before Christmas” beside a crackling open fire.

This group storytelling session is perfect for children aged 3 and up, offering a magical moment to pause, imagine, and soak up the spirit of Christmas. Every child will take home their very own copy of “’Twas the Night Before Christmas” to keep the festive magic alive.

Festive attire is encouraged—think Christmas jumpers, pyjamas, or elf hats! Come along for a heartwarming start to your Christmas celebrations!

Please note: Santa won’t be attending, but his elf will be bringing plenty of festive cheer!

Get your tickets for Christmas Eve here!

 

Winter warmers

Warm up after your fenland adventures by visiting the cosy Docky Hut Café where you can enjoy a festive hot drink and tasty yuletide treat.

 

Christmas shopping

If you're looking for that special Christmas present then pop into our Visitor Centre where you'll find a treasure trove of unique gifts, sustainable decorations and a range inspired by the wildlife found at the Fen. Every purchase helps us to continue looking after Wicken Fen.

 

Meet Father Christmas

Enjoy a traditional festive experience with your little ones in the charming Fen Cottage at Wicken Fen. Join the Elves to make a Christmas craft, then head over to Fen Cottage to meet Father Christmas and receive a present.

NEW for 2025: Drop into our family games-station, where you can play a Christmas board game and transform yourself into an Elf for a fantastic photo opportunity. This event is very popular and always sells out quickly. Tickets are £14.50 per child.

While you are here, why not wrap up warm head outdoors to experience our Winter Trail? Normal admission applies for non-members. Access to the Winter Trail may be suspended if routes are closed due to frosty weather.

Book here

 

Storytelling on Christmas Eve

Step into the warmth and wonder of Fen Cottage this Christmas Eve, where one of Santa’s very own Elves will be reading the beloved festive poem “’Twas the Night Before Christmas” beside a crackling open fire.

This group storytelling session is perfect for children aged 3 and up, offering a magical moment to pause, imagine, and soak up the spirit of Christmas. Every child will take home their very own copy of “’Twas the Night Before Christmas” to keep the festive magic alive.

Festive attire is encouraged—think Christmas jumpers, pyjamas, or elf hats! Come along for a heartwarming start to your Christmas celebrations!

Please note: Santa won’t be attending, but his elf will be bringing plenty of festive cheer!

Book here

Children touching the wooden hedgehogs on the Winter Woodland Walk, Wicken Fen, Cambridgeshire
Children on the Wicken Fen Woodland Walk, Cambridgeshire | © National Trust Images/Justin Minns
Visitors in the kitchen at Christmas, Petworth, West Sussex

Get into the festive spirit

From wreath-making workshops and carol concerts to winter illuminations, find Christmas days out near you.

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Wildlife at Wicken Fen 

Wicken Fen was the first nature reserve to be managed by the National Trust. Today it’s one of Europe's most important wetlands and home to over 9,000 species.

Male reed bunting singing from a perch at Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve, Cambridgeshire

Explore the Nature Reserve at Wicken Fen 

Explore the diverse landscape at Wicken Fen, abundant with wildlife, flora and fauna. Discover the ancient Sedge Fen, grazing herds of Konik ponies and the iconic windpump.

The sun rising behind a windmill stood in a green meadow

Family-friendly things to do at Wicken Fen 

If outdoor activities and learning about nature sound like a good day out for your family, Wicken Fen is the right place for you. Discover everything you need to plan your family day out, from events and activities for kids to hiring bikes.

A girl playing with leaves in the autumn

Eating and shopping at Wicken Fen 

Visit the Docky Hut Café and try our freshly baked sausage rolls and hot snacks or buy a gift in the shop as a souvenir of your visit.

The Docky Hut Cafe at Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve, Cambridgeshire

Outdoor activities at Wicken Fen 

Explore the fens on two wheels or on foot. Enjoy an easy family ride to see Konik ponies or discover the wildlife in the wider reserve.

A group walking in Wicken Fen, Cambridgeshire

Our work at Wicken Fen Nature Reserve 

Learn about some of the work we carry out at Wicken Fen Nature Reserve throughout the year to conserve this important landscape for visitors, plants and animals alike.

Konik ponies grazing at Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve, Cambridgeshire

The history of Wicken Fen 

We’ve cared for Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve for over 125 years. Discover its history and how we continue to look after this very special place.

Sunset over the windpump at Wicken Fen, Cambridgeshire

Visiting Wicken Fen with your dog 

Wicken Fen is a two pawprint rated place. To help us ensure our visitors, dogs and wildlife get along together, there are a few do’s and don’ts to take note of if you’re bringing your dog with you. Find out more here.

A ranger walking is dog on a lead at Wicken Fen in Cambridgeshire