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Christmas in London and the South East

A decorated Christmas tree with presents on the floor, between two red sofas against a backdrop of richly decorated red and gold wallpaper
Richly decorated Christmas tree at The Vyne in Hamphire | © National Trust / Virginia Langer

Add a little sparkle to your festive days out in London and the South East this Christmas. Discover houses dressed to impress, enjoy winter illuminations after dark, and find the best places to meet Father Christmas with all the family.

Christmas events, activities and days out near you

This Christmas, discover a range of festive experiences across each county, from enchanting Christmas markets and spectacular Christmas light displays to creative Christmas workshops and indulgent Christmas afternoon teas. For those looking to entertain the whole family, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy family Christmas events and follow magical Christmas trails, offering memorable seasonal days out for visitors of all ages. Whether you're seeking festive traditions, illuminated winter landscapes, hands-on activities or family-friendly adventures, there's something to make your Christmas visit truly special.

Christmas in Kent 

Discover all the festive wonders waiting for you this season in Kent.

Family by the Christmas tree at Scotney Castle, Kent

Christmas in Surrey 

Find out how we're bringing our festive houses and gardens in Surrey to life for Christmas 2026

Alice's Christmas in Wonderland at Polesden Lacey 2025 - a mother holding a young baby smiles at a decorated  Christmas tree

Christmas in Sussex 

Discover the festive traditions we're bringing to life at our country houses, atmospheric gardens and wintry countryside for Christmas in Sussex.

A girl and a boy looking at a Christmas tree, covered in lights at Ickworth in Suffolk.

Christmas in and around Hampshire 

This Christmas, our Hampshire places are filled with colour, fun and sparkle, as they celebrate favourite pantomimes and fairytales. Will Cinderella escape her kitchen for the glamorous ball at Mottisfont? Discover scenes inspired by Aladdin and Snow White at Hinton Ampner. At The Vyne you’ll find the Snow Queen’s glittering realm, plus a Neverland play area for tiny tots.

Man and woman both holding a young girl, standing smiling into the distance in Mottisfont's dining room, with decorated Christmas trees in backgroune

Christmas around Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire 

Enjoy gorgeously decorated houses scented with spices and twinkling with fairy lights, plus glowing gardens. Each property is transformed with its own unique Christmas theme and festive programme.

Net lights covered in parcels and letters attached to the bookcases in the Library at Hughenden

Christmas in London 

Enjoy the sparkle of Christmas across London with family activity trails, frosty walks around historic estates and seasonal treats this Christmas.

Christmas paper robin at Ham House, London

Must see Christmas events

Christmas at Nymans 

Join us for Christmas at Nymans and explore enchanting scenes in the decorated house and The Gruffalo family trail in the garden. 21 Nov 2026 - Tues 4 Jan 2027.

Christmas

A Jack and the Beanstalk Christmas at Mottisfont 

Experience the magic of Jack and the Beanstalk at Mottisfont, with decorated rooms, themed games and activities, and a festive family trail. 21 Nov 2026 - 3 Jan 2027.

Man and woman both holding a young girl, standing smiling into the distance in Mottisfont's dining room, with decorated Christmas trees in backgroune

The Twelve Days of Christmas at Polesden Lacey 

As the house and grounds fill with lavish displays, sparkling Christmas trees and plenty of fun things to see and do. 21 Nov 2026 – 3 Jan2027.

Alice's Christmas in Wonderland at Polesden Lacey 2025 - a mother holding a young baby smiles at a decorated  Christmas tree

Christmas at Hatchlands 

Join us at Hatchlands Park this Christmas season to enjoy festive displays in the house and a fun family trail in the parkland based on scenes from the popular Christmasaurus series by Tom Fletcher. 28 Nov 2026 until 3 Jan 2027.

Girl looking up at decorated Christmas tree in the Drawing Room at Hatchlands Park

Snowdogs™ at Sheffield Park and Garden 

Expect a trail that is filled with active game stops, interactive activities, seasonal surprises, and joyful fun for all the family to enjoy. 28 Nov 2026 - 10 Jan 2027.

Snowdogs™ Discover Sheffield Park and Garden

The Snow Queen at Cliveden 

Join the story of ‘The Snow Queen’ as a journey through memory, emotion, and winter transformation, unfolding across Cliveden and its surrounding gardens. 20 Nov 2026 - 3 Jan 2027.

Visitors in the bauble arches in the picnic area

The Great Christmas Gnome Adventure at Winkworth Arboretum 

Inspired by Scandinavian folklore and winter traditions, giant woodland characters have made their home at Winkworth Arboretum. 14 Nov 2026 - 3 Jan 2027.

A promotional image for The Nutcracker at Winkworth Arboretum comprising a decorated Christmas tree, an old-fashioned clock, large nutcracker figure, a mouse and a ballerina featured in a snowy, stary night scene.

Christmas markets and winter fairs near me 

Step into a world of festive delights with some of the best Christmas markets and winter fairs at the places in our care in 2026. Find inspiration for unique and memorable Christmas gifts.

A visitor admires decorations for sale on a stand in a craft fair

Christmas traditions from history

Christmas traditions from history 

From silver charms in Christmas puddings to early Advent calendars, learn more about the ways our Roman, Victorian and medieval ancestors prepared for the festive season.

Christmas tree in the decorated dining room at Lanhydrock, Cornwall
Visitors in the garden at Buckland Abbey, Devon

Where will you visit next?

Discover gardens, historic houses, days out at the coast and more.

You may also be interested in

The Nutcracker at Winkworth Arboretum: Saturday 29 November to Sunday 4 January 

This Christmas, discover the magic of the Nutcracker at Winkworth Arboretum. Follow Clara’s footsteps through the winter woodlands, uncovering storybook scenes and meeting life-sized nutcracker sculptures. Enjoy festive games along the trail, then warm up with seasonal treats from the tearoom. Don’t miss the vintage carousel for the perfect festive day out.

A promotional image for The Nutcracker at Winkworth Arboretum comprising a decorated Christmas tree, an old-fashioned clock, large nutcracker figure, a mouse and a ballerina featured in a snowy, stary night scene.

A Jack and the Beanstalk Christmas at Mottisfont 

A Jack and the Beanstalk Christmas at Mottisfont 21 November 2026 to 3 January 2027 Magic comes to Mottisfont this Christmas, as we invite you on a fun and festive adventure into the much-loved tale of Jack and the Beanstalk.

Man and woman both holding a young girl, standing smiling into the distance in Mottisfont's dining room, with decorated Christmas trees in backgroune

Christmas at Hughenden: A Victorian Voyage of Discovery 

For Christmas 2026, we are hosting a joyful Christmas at Hughenden, filled with Victorian wonder, curiosity and adventure. Visitors were invited to discover the world through Victorian eyes, with festive rooms inspired by stargazing, far-flung journeys and the excitement of exploring the unknown.

Paper snowflakes falling from the ceiling and large Christmas tree covered in cool white lights

Christmas at Polesden Lacey 2026 

Visit Polesden Lacey this Christmas for a magical experience. Explore the glittering '12 Days of Christmas' displays in the house, join the storybook trail or simply join us for a winter walk. Dates: 3 December – 2 January. Normal admission fees apply.

Alice's Christmas in Wonderland at Polesden Lacey 2025 - a mother holding a young baby smiles at a decorated  Christmas tree

Christmas 

Whether you want to make your own Christmas wreath, visit Father Christmas or enjoy winter illuminations at a historic location, we've plenty of festive events and things to do at the places in our care. Plan ahead for a festive day out this year.

A young family enjoying the Christmas decorations in the house.