Historic houses decked out for Christmas

Visitors admiring the Christmas tree at Dyrham Park, Gloucestershire | © National Trust Images/Steve Haywood

Step back in time this Christmas by visiting a historic house decorated for the festive season. From the 1500s to the 1990s, enjoy the festivities of the time at the places we care for.

Historic houses in the East

Anglesey Abbey, Cambridgeshire: Step inside the house from 16 November for a festive experience with a travel theme. This year six key rooms will be bedecked in festive finery, inspired by Lord Fairhaven's winter adventures on the family yacht 'The Sapphire'. It was on these voyages that Lord Fairhaven collected many of the international artworks and antiques that are now displayed in the house.Visit Anglesey Abbey
Blickling, Norfolk: This year, a woolly wonder is unfolding in the house. The mice are back and they are unravelling a tangled tale, with mischief and merriment along the way. Wander through beautifully decorated rooms woven with traditional Christmas sparkle and woolly creations, and enjoy a cosy, family-friendly atmosphere.Visit Blickling
Felbrigg, Norfolk: Step into the wonder of winter at Felbrigg Hall this Christmas. From twinkling decorations to festive displays, discover the Hall transformed for the season and experience the magic of Christmas in one of Norfolk's most beautiful historic homes.Christmas at Felbrigg
Ickworth Estate, Suffolk: Join us in the Servants Quarters as we get ready for the festive season. Step into the 1930s as we stir up nostalgia and Christmas merriment. Sights, sounds, and smells will immerse you in the past. For two weeks at the end of November, Ickworth’s servants’ quarters’ will once again be transformed with a traditional festive 1930s experience.Visit Ickworth

Historic houses in London and the South East

Ham House and Garden, London: This year’s Christmas story, The Robin’s Tale, is inspired by a newly conserved lacquer screen, which will be on display. Join our jolly robin on a Christmas adventure as he flies from room to room to reunite the phoenix with her tail, and spot intricate paper bird sculptures, created especially for us by a local artist.Visit Ham House and Garden
Mottisfont, Hampshire: We invite you on a fun and festive adventure into the much-loved tale of Jack and the Beanstalk. The house is transformed with sparkle and theatrical flair, lights and laughs as you journey from a towering beanstalk to a castle in the clouds and a Giant’s Christmas banquet. But be careful; can you hear the fe-fi-fo-fum?Visit Mottisfont
Petworth, West Sussex: This Christmas, journey through grand state rooms of Petworth House where creativity and nature come together. Marvel beneath the stars, gaze up at the moon, and discover an enchanting festive experience inspired by the natural world. Each room glows with wonder: celestial skies, enchanting fairies, roaming woodland creatures, towering trees, and spaces to pause and reflect.Visit Petworth
Polesden Lacey, Surrey: Enter a world of wonder and delight this festive season. Come inside the house to see the ground-floor rooms dressed for The Twelve Days of Christmas. Enjoy lavish displays inspired by the 12 verses of this popular Christmas carol, with sparkling decorations and twinkling trees at every turn.Visit Polesden Lacey

The Great Hall decorated for A Mouse's Christmas at Blickling Hall, with two Christmas trees and felt mice on the stairs Norfolk — The Great Hall decorated for A Mouse's Christmas at Blickling Hall, Norfolk | © Paul Bailey

Historic houses in the Midlands

Attingham Park, Shropshire: Attingham's Regency Mansion and surrounding parkland will be transformed into a spectacular festive wonderland in the heart of the Shropshire countryside. Discover more than 50 beautifully decorated Christmas trees throughout the Mansion and grounds, each helping to bring the spirit of Attingham to life for Christmas.Visit Attingham Park
Belton Estate, Lincolnshire: Celebrate Christmas with the Brownlows this festive season, with glittering displays upstairs in the house. Children can help set the table for party guests, searching for missing red crackers in each room. Head downstairs to see how the festivities were prepared. For the first time in more than ten years, the kitchen and scullery will be open to explore and special tours of the butler's pantry will be available.Visit Belton Estate
Hanbury Hall, Worcestershire: Celebrate in retro style this Christmas. The clock has been turned back to the 1970s and 80s at Hanbury Hall and the house is decorated in a riot of colour, bright lights and baubles. Expect tinsel and Slade hits at this festive experience.Visit Hanbury Hall
Hardwick Hall, Derbyshire: Shape memories at Hardwick this Wintertide and join our annual Elizabethan celebrations. Begin your journey in the busy Elizabethan kitchens as the household prepares for days of revelry and feasting and explore the hall full of 16th-century cheer. Wander through rooms filled with handcrafted decorations and winter greenery and join the trail to hunt down the family's lost pearls.Visit Hardwick Hall

Historic houses in the North

Cragside, Northumberland: Lulled to sleep by the steady chug of a train, William Armstrong awakens in Fairyland, a curious world of towering mountains, sparkling caves and magical discoveries. Inspired by a tale written by Armstrong himself, A Journey Through Fairyland follows his extraordinary adventure as he searches for a way home. Will he make it back in time for Christmas?Visit Cragside
Dunham Massey, Greater Manchester: This Christmas, the circus has come to Dunham Massey, but the animals have escaped and are running wild through the house. The tree has been disturbed, presents have disappeared, and there are mysterious clues to uncover. Follow the footprints, search the rooms and track down all the missing gifts to save Christmas on this adventure for the whole family.Christmas at Dunham Massey
Hill Top, Cumbria: Step inside to discover a cosy, storybook Christmas at Hill Top, as scenes from Beatrix Potter’s delightful festive illustrations are brought to life. There’ll be stockings at the end of the bed, twinkling decorations, soft music and the warm scent of gingerbread in the air.Visit Hill Top
Nostell, West Yorkshire: This Christmas, discover a festive celebration inspired by the beauty of trees at Nostell. From beautifully decorated themed trees throughout the house to a spectacular outdoor tree illuminated for the season, festive touches can be found around every corner.Visit Nostell
Sizergh, Lake District: Inspired by a remarkable painting in Sizergh's collection, the house has been transformed for an extravagant winter celebration. Candlelight flickers, music fills the air and theatrical displays intertwine with winter greenery. As you move through each room you'll uncover whispered gossip and other scandalous clues. Piece together the stories as you become part of the unfolding drama.Visit Sizergh
Treasurer's House, York: This Christmas you’re invited to take your place at the most anticipated social event of the season and become a guest at Nancy Lycett-Green's dazzling 1906 debutante ball. Discover a glittering Edwardian celebration inspired by a real event as you explore beautifully dressed rooms filled with festive splendour and theatrical touches.Christmas at Treasurer's House
Wallington, Northumberland: Wallington welcomes you for a cosy Crafted Christmas. The House is decked out in unique decorations handmade by visitors, from pompoms to ceramics. Festive favourites are back, with a 20ft Christmas tree in the Central Hall and Magnificence the reindeer pulling a giant sleigh in front of the house.Visit Wallington

Two women adjusting a Christmas tree in a 1990s lounge setting at Dyrham Park, South Gloucestershire — A 1990s Christmas lounge scene, Dyrham Park, South Gloucestershire | © NT/Steve Haywood

Historic houses in Northern Ireland

The Argory, County Armagh: Unwrap a classic Christmas with festive experiences as you step back in time to a Yuletide of yesteryear. The house is adorned with trees, garlands, and a Christmas-ready dining table.Visit The Argory
Mount Stewart, County Down: Get into the Christmas spirit with a visit to Mount Stewart. Come to one of the late-night openings, sip hot chocolate under the stars or head inside to see the house decorated for the season. There's a children's trail and seasonal storytelling too.Visit Mount Stewart

Historic houses in the South West

Coleton Fishacre: It's December 1926 and the D'Oyle Carte family are spending their first Christmas at Coleton Fishare. Join us as we create our own interpretation of what a festive party in the Roaring Twenties might've looked like, with glitz, glamour and a dash of gin as we end the year with a bang.Visit Coleton Fishacre
Dunster Castle, Somerset: Experience a traditional country Christmas inspired by Luttrell family memories. The estate will be dressed for a cosy celebration with a few delightful surprises. Explore the Servants’ Hall, added to the route for Christmas, and discover the Reindeer Service Station, where Father Christmas and his reindeer make a magical pit stop on their journey.Visit Dunster Castle
Dyrham Park, South Gloucestershire: Creative festive displays celebrate collection highlights, with crafted paper flowers inspired by still life paintings and blue-and-white decorations influenced by Dyrham's Delftware. Look out for mini animals wearing cute Christmas hats through the house.Visit Dyrham Park
Kingston Lacy, Dorset: Christmas 2026 will be full of starlight and sparkle at Kingston Lacy, inspired by the drama of a winter's night sky. The house and gardens will be decorated for a spectacular Christmas ball, with plenty of festive stardust. On the State floor, you'll follow a magical story, brought to life with glorious costumes and twinkling decorations. Outside, the Fernery will be lit with festive lights and lanterns that highlight the natural beauty of the frosty winter gardens.Visit Kingston Lacy
Stourhead, Wiltshire: Elegant rooms are transformed into a magical retelling of The Nutcracker. Each decorated room brings to life a different chapter of the beloved tale. Join Clara for her journey from a Christmas Eve party, through the magical Lands of Snow and Sweets to the Sugar Plum Fairy’s Ball – all set to the backdrop of Tchaikovsky's music.Visit Stourhead
Tyntesfield, Somerset: See Tyntesfield dressed for Christmas in all its festive finery or make a wooden reindeer using kits that are designed for families to use together.Visit Tyntesfield

Historic houses in Wales

Chirk Castle and Garden, Wrexham: Celebrate Christmas inside Chirk Castle, where centuries of history provide the backdrop for decorated rooms and festive family activities. Explore the medieval fortress turned family home, then warm up with seasonal treats in the tearoom.Visit Chirk Castle
Dinefwr, Carmarthenshire: Enjoy Christmas at Newton House, where festive decorations bring the historic family home to life for the season. Look out for the much-loved Creatures of Dinefwr Christmas tree, inspired by the wildlife of the estate, and enjoy the warmth of the house before exploring Dinefwr’sVisit Dinefwr
Erddig Hall and Garden, Wrexham: Step inside Erddig at Christmas to see the historic house transformed with festive decorations, twinkling trees and seasonal displays. Explore the servants’ rooms and family interiors before heading outside to enjoy the garden and estate in winter.Visit Erddig Hall
Penrhyn Castle and Garden, Gwynedd: See Penrhyn Castle dressed for the festive season, when its dramatic Victorian interiors provide a spectacular setting for Christmas. Wander through grand rooms filled with trees and decorations and discover how Christmas traditions were celebrated in the house.Visit Penrhyn Castle
Tredegar House, Newport: Discover centuries of Christmas traditions at Tredegar House. Festive decorations fill the historic rooms as you explore how generations of people who lived here celebrated the season, from Tudor festivities through to more recent Christmases.Visit Tredegar House

Family by the Christmas tree at Scotney Castle, Kent

Get into the festive spirit

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

Plan your Christmas visit

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