Celebrate Christmas together at Kingston Lacy
For Christmas 2023 we invite you to join us for festive fun at Kingston Lacy, where the fabulously decorated house will tell traditional Christmas tales from around the world. Book for a special Storytelling with Santa, and create the memories that will last a lifetime. From 25 November to 1 January (excluding Christmas Day and Boxing Day)
Once Upon a Time...
Each room in the house has been transformed with beautiful decorations to highlight a different magical story, bringing the world to our doorstep as we celebrate tales that have been told for centuries.
You'll find trees twinkling with lights, tables ready for glorious Christmas feasts, and a stunning installation by papercraft artist Yasemin Wigglesworth.
Entry to the house is by free timed ticket, which can be picked up at Visitor Reception (subject to availability). Last entry to the house is at 4pm.
Please note: The four bedrooms on the top two floors of the house will not be viewable during our Christmas opening.
Storytelling with Santa
This festive season, join us on an adventure to find Santa in his hidden storybook nook for a cosy Christmas tale, an early gift and a photo with the man himself. Bring your child on a fantastical journey before snuggling up for an extra special storytime that will live in their imaginations forever. And for one special session on Saturday 2 December, Santa will be joined by British Sign Language interpreter, making the stories accessible to all.
Tickets cost £15 per child (up to age 12) with one accompanying adult and normal admission applies. Check availability here.
Christmas outdoors
Gather friends and family in the Laundry Courtyard, festooned in foliage and twinkling lights for a taste of the festive spirit. There'll be performances by local choirs and musical groups throughout December (dates will be shared as we get closer to Christmas). And there are surprises for families to discover in the Laundry or as you peep in through the courtyard windows.
Our Stables Café is getting festive with warming mulled wine and delicious feasts available through the day.
In the shop you can get your present shopping all wrapped up, with a wonderful collection of gifts for everyone. There is also be a very special selection of storybooks chosen for Once Upon A Christmas at Kingston Lacy.
Don't forget to share the love by tagging us on your social media pics (@NTKingstonLacy, #kingstonlacy).
And if you want a moment of natural peace and quiet, there are acres of garden and woodlands to explore; take a wander through the gardens to see what's flowering at this time of year.
Ride a vintage carousel
Children can join in the fun with a ride on a vintage carousel - pick up a ticket (£3 a ride) at reception. The rides run weekends (25 & 26 November, 2 & 3 December, 9 & 10 December) and then 16-24 December and 27 December-1 January between 11am and 5pm.
Bring everyone together to create the most wonderful memories whether you meet for a warming hot chocolate with friends or just admire the seasonal sparkle throughout the property.
Property opens at 9.30am. First entry to house 10.30am; last entry 4pm. Property closes at 5pm (garden at 4pm).
You might also be interested in
Eating and shopping at Kingston Lacy
Sample the delicious menu at the Stables Café or visit the National Trust shop to browse a wide range of gifts, souvenirs and local produce. There's also a second-hand book store stocking a huge selection of titles, old and new.
Discover the garden at Kingston Lacy
Relax and wander the gardens to enjoy seasonal interest at any time of year, with plenty of space for children to run, skip and play, and spaces to stop along the way.
Things to see inside the house at Kingston Lacy
Find out more about the Bankes family home. Discover art treasures and look at how a large home was used by the family and their visitors who came to stay.