Christmas at Greenway

Decorated Christmas trees with lights in two rooms — Celebrate a traditional Christmas at Greenway | © National Trust / Lauren Hutchinson

We're singing loud for all to hear this Christmas at Greenway. Take part in a festive wreath trail inspired by songs around the garden and admire the house decked for the holidays.

Thank you

This event has now finished, and details in this article relate to the 2024 Christmas offer at Greenway. Thank you to those who visited and we look forward to welcoming you back soon. This page will be updated for Christmas 2025 nearer the time, so why not check back later in the year?

Christmas at Greenway

This winter fill your lungs with cheer as we 'Rock around the Christmas wreath', a fun festive trail around the garden at Greenway, while inside see the house trimmed in traditional decorations.

Christmas opening dates

To help plan your day out, Christmas at Greenway will be open from 11am to 4pm on:

Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 November
Saturday 30 and Sunday 1 December
Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 December
Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 December
Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 December
Daily from 27 - 31 December 2024

Rock around the Christmas wreath

Sing loud for all to hear as you head off around the garden on the Christmas wreath trail.

Each wreath is inspired by our favourite Christmas songs, from number ones and top tens to traditional radio classics. As you explore the garden and discover each wreath, guess the song and sing the answer outloud at the top of your voice.

And while you wander through the winter garden, why not pose for a family Christmas photo at one of two twinkly stations?

Working together

The wreaths this year have been hand created and decorated by our teams of staff, volunteers and supporters, including the local Primary School and the South Hams Centre Supporter Group.

South Hams Centre

This supporter group covers the southernmost part of Devon, reaching almost to Plymouth in the west and Brixham in the east and going as far north as the edge of Dartmoor. They support the National Trust’s three places in the area – Overbeck's Garden, Coleton Fishacre and Greenway – and our rangers’ work to manage local coastline, woodland and farmland.

Centres likes this promote our work and raise money for conservation and development projects through all kinds of events, from expert talks, behind-the-scenes tours to relaxing holidays.

For more information or to discuss joining the centre, you can email the Membership Secretary here.

Close up of a knitted octopus and miniature front door on green foliage wreath — Voted the favourite wreath by visitors in 2023 | © National Trust / Lauren Hutchinson

Christmas decorations

Greenway House was the holiday home of Agatha Christie, and all the family would gather here to celebrate the season.

Rooms would be dressed with traditional decorations, collected over the years by Agatha and her family, and they would spend the holidays enjoying Greenway and its secluded garden. From playing family Christmas games, to Christmas feasts at the dining table and reading books by the fire, it was an idylic family holiday.

It was also the time of year when Agatha would release a new novel, and devoted fans would purchase one (either for themselves or a loved one) as a gift - prompting the phrase 'a Christie for Christmas'.

This Christmas soak up the seasonal cheer as the ground floor of the house twinkles and sparkles with traditional decorations. Volunteer pianists will fill the house with cheer, so come along and sing your favourite carol or thave a go at fun wreath crafts in the House Kitchen.

A wooden piano and stool in a room, with a lamp behind, framed by out of focus Christmas tree branches and fairy lights — Gather round and sing Christmas carols by Agatha's piano | © National Trust / Lauren Hutchinson

Festive food and drink

Heading off round the garden on the Christmas trail, or coming back from a winter stroll? From takeaway options or sit down and relax, don't forget to stop by the Barn Cafe at Greenway,

We've got decadent hot chocolates, spiced lattes and warming cups of tea to keep those mittens toasty, or treat yourself to festive mince pies and gingerbread biscuits. There’s something for every appetite.

Christmas shopping at Greenway

Why not leave the busy high street behind and let us help with the Christmas shopping this year? Whether you're looking for stocking-fillers or something special to put under the tree, you'll find the perfect gift at the National Trust shop.

There's plenty for food lovers too, from tasty biscuits to handmade jams, indulgent chocolates and quaffable wines. Pick up a treat or two, or choose a combination of things to go in a festive hamper. You can also transform your home into a winter wonderland with a range of decorations available, from festive garlands to handmade ornaments.

Travelling to Greenway

If you're planning to visit by car, you'll need to book your parking space in advance. Parking spaces are available two weeks in advance, and you can book them online here.

Book your parking

Visitors in the kitchen at Christmas, Petworth, West Sussex

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

Visitors on a boat ride on the River Dart at Greenway, Devon

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Planning your visit to Greenway

You don't need to book your visit in advance to Greenway, but if you're coming by car, you will need to book a parking space ahead of your visit. To help plan a visit to Greenway, find out in this article how to book your car parking space, travel by ferry and everything else you need to know to arrange your visit.