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Christmas in London and the South East
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.
Family days out this Christmas
Enjoy a magical Christmas with all the family and make memories to treasure. Discover Christmas events near you below, from a Cinderella themed Christmas at Mottisfont in Hampshire to a Nutcracker Christmas at Cliveden in Buckinghamshire, and much more.
A Fairytale Christmas at Nymans
22 Nov - 4 Jan (closed 24 & 25 Dec). Join us for A Fairytale Christmas at Nymans this winter. In the garden, a Christmas family adventure trail awaits, leading you through classic fairytales. Find Aladdin's cave of treasures, play a game with Red Riding Hood's basket of treats and take a seat in Cinderella's carriage. Created by Tin Shed scenery, the makers of last year's magical Narnia-inspired garden trail. Delve deeper into a land of make-believe inside the house, where rooms are transformed with fairytale scenes and Christmas trees.
A Cinderella Christmas at Mottisfont
22 Nov - 4 Jan (closed 24 & 25 Dec). This Christmas, Mottisfont sets the stage for Cinderella, as the house is transformed with theatrical flair, pantomime pizzazz and plenty of sparkle. Glittering ballgowns, lost slippers and colourful characters bring this story to life, with the help of some fairy godmother magic. Outside, there are Cinders-themed family games and activities, plus a festive spotter trail for little ones.
Alice's Christmas in Wonderland at Polesden Lacey
22 Nov - 4 Jan (closed 24 & 25 Dec). Lewis Carroll's timeless tale, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, comes to Polesden Lacey this Christmas, as the house and grounds turn into a festive Wonderland. Follow the White Rabbit inside the house to see ground floor rooms beautifully dressed for Christmas. Enjoy lavish displays based on scenes from the book, with Christmas decorations and twinkling trees at every turn. Outside, follow the children's trail around the grounds to win a prize and enjoy a range of seasonal activities, amusements and treats.
Snowdogs Discover Hatchlands Park
25 Nov - 4 Jan (closed 24 & 25 Dec). Discover The Snowdogs at Hatchlands Park this winter. Inspired by the animated sequel to Raymond Briggs' timeless picture book The Snowman™, take a festive sculpture trail through the parkland to find Wild in Art's ten uniquely decorated sculptures of The Snowdog and enjoy festive family, activities along the way. Throughout December, 12-3pm, visit the house for a traditional country house Christmas.
The Elf on the Shelf® at Sheffield Park and Garden
29 Nov - 11 Jan (closed 24 & 25 Dec). Visit Sheffield Park and Garden this Christmas for The Elf on the Shelf® Christmas trail! Discover twelve hand-painted sculptures around the garden as you take in the glorious wintry scenes and delight in festive games and activities for all the family. Warm up with a hot chocolate and mince pie at festive food stalls and make magical Christmas memories. The Elf on the Shelf® at Sheffield Park and Garden is presented by National Trust and Wild in Art in collaboration with Lumistella.
A Pantomime Christmas at Hinton Ampner
15 Nov - 4 Jan (closed 24 & 25 Dec). Discover some of our much loved pantomimes behind the doors of Hinton Ampner this Christmas. Each ground floor room reveals a scene from a famous panto, from Jack and the Beanstalk to Aladdin and Snow White, brought to life with professional light effects, sound, and a sprinkle of fairy dust. Outside are panto-themed games for kids, a sleigh for little ones and Hinton's popular pop-up sweet shop.
Stamped and Sealed: Christmas at Hughenden
29 Nov - 4 Jan (closed 24 & 25 Dec). As you wander through the beautifully decorated rooms of Hughenden Manor and explore the festive gardens, you’ll be surrounded by the warmth of handwritten words, vintage designs, and the quiet joy of connection. There’s also lots of Christmas make-and-do magic to fuel the festivity for little imaginations. Embark on an enchanting adventure with your family as you explore the interactive trail throughout the gardens.
Christmas at Cliveden: The Nutcracker
15 Nov - 4 Jan (closed 24 & 25 Dec). Enter an enchanting Christmas adventure at Cliveden as scenes from The Nutcracker come to life across the estate. Stroll beneath sparkling bauble arches with oversized candy canes inspired by the Sugar Plum Fairy’s land of sweets. Wander through the Long Garden where giant Nutcracker soldiers stand guard, and discover a secret surprise in the Sounding Chamber. With towering Christmas trees dressed in sparkling splendour and festive treats to enjoy, this is Cliveden at its most magical.
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 Enchantment at Petworth House
29 Nov - 4 Jan (closed 24 & 25 Dec). Step into a Christmas Enchantment - a midwinter journey through Petworth House. Inspired by the Winter Solstice and the shifting rhythms of nature, the grand state rooms transform into a dreamlike world of overgrown wonder. There will be choirs singing, late openings, wreathmaking, a Christmas makers market, and much more.
Christmas at Chartwell
20 Nov - 4 Jan (closed 24 & 25 Dec). 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 2025 at Chartwell. With so much to celebrate, you’ll want to come back to Chartwell again and again this holiday season (dates vary for some activities).
The Jungle Book Christmas at Bateman's
15 Nov - 4 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.
Christmas at Knole
22 Nov - 23 Dec. Discover sparkling trees and decorations in rich, traditional Christmas colours in the showrooms. Wander through the grand courtyards, decorated with trees and garlands. Then explore the parkland and discover Beatrix Potter's original Christmas Card designs in a charming trail with plenty of activities along the way.
Christmas at Bodiam Castle
29 Nov - 4 Jan (closed 24 & 25 Dec). With twinkling lights in tower rooms and Father Christmas’s sleigh in the castle courtyard, immerse yourself in the festive spirit. Listen to stories in the castle and take part in a Christmas trail.
Cover to cover: a literary Christmas at Scotney
22 Nov - 4 Jan (closed 24 & 25 Dec). Each room of the Victorian Mansion House will be beautifully transformed with decorations inspired by much-loved books from Scotney Castle’s own collection. 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 Santa letter-writing station (Dates vary for some activities).
A Timeless Christmas at Ightham Mote
22 Nov - 4 Jan (closed 24 & 25 Dec). Step into a magical journey through Christmas past at Ightham Mote. Wander through beautifully decorated rooms and gardens as you experience festive traditions from the pagan medieval period to the sparkle and glitz of the 1980s.
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
Christmas 2025 is in coming soon across National Trust places in Kent, with festive trails, joyful activities, and seasonal characters ready to delight the whole family. Get into the festive spirit with early Christmas fairs, craft workshops, carols and shopping events on select dates, alongside magical late-night openings, sparkling light displays, and beautifully decorated houses. Our cafés and tea-rooms are serving up warming treats and traditional Christmas lunches, perfect for a cozy break during your visit. In the New Year join us a last chance to visit our Christmas displays or enjoy winter walks through the gardens and estates. Discover all the festive wonders waiting for you this season in 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.
Christmas in Sussex
Discover the festive traditions we're bringing to life at our country houses, atmospheric gardens and wintry countryside for Christmas 2025 in Sussex.
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 try the Goldilocks porridge bowl challenge!
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.
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 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.
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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 Cinderella Christmas at Mottisfont
22 November 2025—4 January 2026: This Christmas, step into the world of Cinderella, as Mottisfont is transformed with theatrical flair, pantomime pizzazz and plenty of sparkle. Glittering ballgowns, lost slippers and colourful characters bring this story to life, with the help of some fairy godmother magic. Outside, there are Cinders-themed family games and activities, plus a festive spotter trail for little ones.
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.
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.
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.
