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Buckland Abbey Christmas

Two people decorate a Christmas tree with blue and white decorations and fairy lights. The edge of a model ship and blue fabric are visible on the right, and wooden panelling behind.
Christmas at Buckland Abbey | © Steve Haywood

In 2023, we invited you to get into the festive spirit with seasonal shopping, treats, music and a beautiful historical display in the Great Barn and Abbey.

Christmas 2023

Please note that this article relates to Christmas 2023, which is now complete. Check back later in the year for details of the 2024 Christmas events at Buckland Abbey.

A Tudor 'Frost Fair' display

2 - 31 December, 10-4

You are invited to step back in time to the Tudor era and immerse yourself in our 'Frost Fair' display. Find out about the history of these events, and wander through the frosty trees and icy décor used to recreate this magical time. The barn will be filled with trees and twinkling lights to create a beautiful display.

Choirs will perform in the Great Barn throughout December, please see below for dates.

The Abbey will also be dressed for a very frosty Christmas for all to see.

Please note that this is a historical and Christmas tree display, all stalls will be displays and not have goods for sale.

Normal admission applies.

Father Christmas

Father Christmas is unable to join us at Buckland Abbey this year as he's very busy up at the North Pole. Why not join us for festive storytelling with his elves instead?

Mince pie and a cup of tea with a sprig of holly and background of fairy lights
Tasty festive treats are available in the cafe | © National Trust/John Parker

Choirs in the Great Barn

Come and hear local choirs sing among the trees and the festive displays in the Great Barn.

Saturday 16th December, Buckland Scouts, 11:30am and 12:30pm and Great Sea Choir & Wheelhouse Folk Choir, 1:15pm and 2:15pm

Sunday 17th December, Tavistock Tapestry Choir, 1:00pm and 2:00pm

Monday 18th December, Moorland Mandolins, 12:00pm and 1.15pm

Wednesday 20th December, Plymouth Area Police Choir, 12:30pm and 1:30pm

Christmas storytelling

19 and 21 December, 12 - 3pm

Join Father Christmas' elves for some festive storytelling in the Abbey.

Normal admission applies - please check at Visitor Welcome for exact times. There is no need to book this event.

Christmas crafts with Naturemake

Sunday 17 and Thursday 21 December, 11-3

Join Naturemake to create your own magical festive elf houses or animals from natural materials.

No need to book.

Normal admission plus a fee for your choice of craft - please note that Naturemake can only accept cash.

Wassail

Sunday 7 January, 1-4

Join Dartmoor Border Morris to scare away evil spirits in the orchard and ensure a good harvest this year at our Wassail - remember your pots and pans to make lots of noise. The event starts with a Mummer's play in the Great Barn, and will then process to the orchard for the Wassail itself.

Normal admission applies

To check opening times, please click here and scroll down to admissions.

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