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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 2024 has now finished at our places across London and the South East

The below information is for Christmas 2024. We hope you enjoyed all that we had to offer. Please check back here closer to Christmas 2025 when you will see updates of all the exciting plans we have in store for you.

Family days out this Christmas

This information is from Christmas 2024, when we brought festive traditions to life at our country houses, atmospheric gardens and wintry countryside across London and the South East.

Christmas at Nymans: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe 

23 Nov - 5 Jan (closed 24 & 25 Dec). Step through the wardrobe into Narnia at Nymans this Christmas. See the house decorated as the Professor's home, go through the wardrobe into the world of Narnia and peek into the Beaver's burrow and Mr Tumnus' cave. Upstairs see the witch's castle, while out in the garden get together with friends and family and have a go at The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe family trail designed by TIN SHED scenery.

The Garden Hall decorated for Christmas

A Nutcracker Christmas at Mottisfont 

23 Nov - 5 Jan (closed 24 & 25 Dec). Experience the magic of The Nutcracker at Mottisfont; as sparkling trees, music and light effects bring the story to life, with frosty wonderlands, twirling Sugar Plum Fairies, and a family adventure trail.

Baubles on a  Christmas tree

A Christmas Masquerade at Polesden Lacey 

23 Nov - 5 Jan (closed 24 & 25 Dec). Celebrate Christmas in style at Polesden Lacey with family and friends. See the extravagantly decorated house styled as a Christmas masquerade ball, ride on the Christmas carousel and enjoy festive food and shopping.

A mother and father and their young daughter admire a Christmas tree at Polesden Lacey

Shaun the Sheep™ – Find the Flock at Winkworth Arboretum 

23 Nov - 19 Jan (closed 24 & 25 Dec). Get ready for a baa-rilliant winter adventure at Winkworth Arboretum this festive season. We’ve teamed up with Wild In Art, to bring to life Aardman’s mischievous Shaun the Sheep™ with a Christmas trail around the Arboretum. Come and find twelve super-sized Shaun sculptures, each uniquely designed and decorated by talented artists. With fun games, children's carousel, engaging activities and delicious winter treats from the tearoom, a visit to Winkworth Arboretum this Christmas will be an unforgettable day out for all ages (selected dates for some activities).

The Snowman™ at Sheffield Park and Garden 

30 Nov - 12 Jan (closed 24 & 25 Dec). Families are invited on a festive walk, re-living the magic of Raymond Briggs’ heart-warming picture book. Look out for twelve decorated sculptures of The Snowman™, along a winding wintry path, past beautiful lakes and trees. Games and activities add to the festive fun, then warm up with hot chocolate and mince pies in the cafe. On 7, 14 & 21 December 2024 The Snowman™ will be making personal appearances at intervals throughout the day, perfect for family photo snaps.

The Snowman™ at Sheffield Park and Garden this Christmas

Christmas at Hatchlands 

1-31 Dec (closed 24 & 25 Dec). Soak up the magic of Christmas at Hatchlands this winter. Inspired by the carol ‘I Saw Three Ships', look out for nautical touches in the beautifully decorated rooms in the house, and enjoy family activities on the festive parkland trail.

Visitors enjoying the Christmas decoration in the house at Hatchlands Park, Surrey

An enchanted Christmas at Hinton Ampner 

16 Nov - 5 Jan (closed 24 & 25 Dec). Hop on a Christmas journey with us and discover the house brimming with bright Christmas colours, sparkling lights and charming festive scenes. From the world of the Ice Queen to a Woodland Ball and a Gingerbread Village there is surprise and delight around every corner. Don't miss the North Pole Workshop where our mini Santa Express train is delivering the toy parts to the elves! Christmas elves are busy making toys & games – and getting in a muddle!

Toys under the Christmas tree at Hinton Ampner

A Nordic Christmas at Hughenden 

25 Nov - 3 Jan (closed 24 & 25 Dec). Celebrate a Nordic Christmas at Hughenden, drawing inspiration from the time-honoured traditions of Northern Europe, where the enchantment of long winters is celebrated with warm light amongst the beauty of nature. With references to Norse Gods, fairytales, and traditions of the Arctic and Nordic regions in both the manor and garden. Outside, the adventure continues with a Nordic fairy tale, family trail. Set a date to meet family and friends at Hughenden to come together in a cosy Christmas setting and make lasting memories.

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

Christmas houses dressed to impress and festive traditions from times gone by

Get together with friends and family and experience the joys of Christmas at a National Trust place near you. Step inside beautiful historic houses glistening with festive decorations, twinkling lights and Christmas trees. Catch up over hot chocolates, venture outside for frosty walks or head to the cafe to warm up and tuck into delicious seasonal dishes.

A Christmas spectacular at Petworth 

30 Nov - 5 Jan (closed 24 & 25 Dec). Step into a festive wonderland at Petworth House to see showstopping trees, twinkling lights, beautifully adorned garlands and floral displays this Christmas. Explore eight of the historic showrooms dressed for Christmas and look out for some playful mice hiding amongst the display. There will be photo opportunities, and a chance to add your wish to a tree in the Chapel. Free with usual admission. Plus Christmas choirs, festive Maker's Market and lates (selected dates only for some activities).

Brilliant gold and festooned Christmas trees in the Carved Room at Petworth, West Sussex

Churchill’s Champagne Christmas 

23 Nov-23 Dec (dates vary for some activities). From Christmas markets to live carol music, wreath-making workshops to a festive family garden trail, plus the lavishly decorated house to explore, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this Christmas 2024 at Chartwell. With so much to celebrate, you’ll want to come back to Chartwell again and again this holiday season.

The Lalique glass Cockerel statue with the Christmas tree in the background in the Drawing Room at Chartwell, Kent

A Christmas frost at Knole 

23 Nov - 23 Dec (closing early on 4 Dec at 2pm). Discover sparkling trees and decorations in the showrooms, inspired by Knole’s silver collection. Then follow Knole’s wintery trail around the parkland. Lift flaps and open doors to find 12 Christmas poems along with beautiful festive illustrations.

A Christmas tree and decorations in The Great Hall at Knole

A Merry Medieval Christmas at Bodiam Castle 

30 Nov - 5 Jan (closed 24 & 25 Dec). For 2024 at Bodiam Castle, discover Christmas medieval-style. See the castle decorated with natural foliage and greenery, listen to a stories in the castle and take part in a Christmas trail.

Christmas wreaths on the doors to the castle

Cover to cover: Christmas at Scotney 

23 Nov - 5 Jan (closed 24 & 25 Dec). 'Curtain Up: Christmas at Scotney' starts on Saturday 23 November. Other favourites returning this year include bookable Christmas lunches in the Stables tea-room, 'Late Nights & Lights' events, family-friendly seasonal outdoor trail, and our North Pole letter-writing station, popular with older and younger visitors alike. (Dates vary for some activities).

Christmas tree in the hall at Scotney Castle, Kent

The Jungle Book Christmas at Bateman's 

Until 5 Jan (closed 24 & 25 Dec). This Christmas, discover the animals from The Jungle Book swinging, climbing, hiding and jumping around the house. Christmas trees throughout the house will be adorned with lights and hand-crafted decorations.

The Jungle Book themed Christmas Decorations in the  Hall at Bateman's, East Sussex

Find a Christmas day out near you

There's a jam-packed programme of events running at our places across London and the South East, whether you're looking for a fun-filled family day out, or a place to enjoy Christmas decorations and festive traditions with friends. Celebrate the season at a National Trust place near you.

Christmas in Kent 

Check back later to find out about what we'll have on in Kent for Christmas 2025. Have fun on new family trails with games, activities and festive characters. Keep an eye out for visits from Father Christmas himself on select dates and locations too. There are magical late-night openings, lights events and festive fairs. And it goes without saying that our cafés and tea-rooms will be filled with warming treats and Christmas lunches. Discover what's instore at National Trust places this Christmas in Kent.

A family on a winter walk along a path with lights at Chartwell, Kent

Christmas in Surrey 

This Christmas we're bringing festive traditions to life at our country houses, atmospheric gardens and wintry countryside in Surrey. There's festive family fun, themed trails, glittering decorations and twinkling Christmas trees. Get ready for a baa-rilliant winter adventure with Shaun the Sheep at Winkworth Arboretum, celebrate Christmas in style at Polesden Lacey where the Edwardian house will be dressed for a Christmas masquerade ball, and soak up the beautiful decorations at Hatchlands, this year inspired by the Christmas carol: I Saw Three Ships.

Two parents and a young child stroll through a snowy landscape garden, next to snowy partly frozen water

Christmas in Sussex 

Discover the festive traditions we brought to life at our country houses, atmospheric gardens and wintry countryside for Christmas 2024 in Sussex.

Photo opportunity under the colourful archway in the enchanted winter garden in the Marble Hall at Petworth, West Sussex

Christmas in and around Hampshire 

Step into an enchanting, sparkling Christmas at our historic places in Hampshire. You’ll find houses and gardens transformed with magical scenes inspired by favourite stories and fairytales, from the Nutcracker’s twirling sugar plum fairies at Mottisfont to the Snow Queen’s icy hall at Hinton Ampner.

Small child in orange winter coat and yellow and blue woollen hat walks in front of parents on grass path fringed by yew topiary in winter, Hinton Ampner, Hampshire

Christmas around Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire 

Our National Trust places in Buckinghamshire, Berkshire and Oxfordshire have the essence of Christmas all wrapped up in a beautiful package of gorgeously decorated houses studded with Christmas trees and twinkling with fairy lights. It’s the perfect backdrop to festive family memories.

Visitors in the garden in autumn at Stowe, Buckinghamshire

Christmas in London 

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

Children playing on play park at Morden Hall Park, London

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 exploring the sand dunes and the woodland at Formby, Liverpool

Where will you visit next?

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

You may also be interested in

Shaun the Sheep™ – Find the Flock: Saturday 23 November to Sunday 19 January 

Get ready for a baa-rilliant winter adventure at Winkworth Arboretum this festive season. We’ve teamed up with Wild In Art, to bring to life Aardman’s mischievous Shaun the Sheep™ with a Christmas trail around the Arboretum. Come and find twelve super-sized Shaun sculptures, each uniquely designed and decorated by talented artists. With fun games, children's carousel, engaging activities and delicious winter treats from the tearoom, a visit to Winkworth Arboretum this Christmas will be an unforgettable day out for all ages.

A Cinderella Christmas at Mottisfont 

22 November 2025 - 4 January 2025: experience Cinderella with a fun pantomine twist at Mottisfont this Christmas. Wander through scenes straight from the panto - from the warm, bustling kitchen to the dazzling drama of the royal ballroom - all brought to life with a sprinke of fairy godmother magic.

Baubles on a  Christmas tree

Stamped and Sealed: Christmas at Hughenden​ ​ 

A joyful Christmas of twinkling charm, inspired by the joy of festive wishes to loved ones, it’s the perfect backdrop for making treasured Christmas memories with family and friends.

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

Christmas at Polesden Lacey 2025 

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.

A mother and father and their young daughter admire a Christmas tree at Polesden Lacey

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.

Two women admiring the settings on the table in a hall decorated for Christmas at Lanhydrock, Cornwall