A Christmas ball at Kingston Lacy
A glistening Christmas deserves an equally elegant ball that will sweep you off your feet. Follow the story of a wondrous woodland winter ball in the house and garden, alive with sparkling festive magic.
A Christmas ball at Kingston Lacy
Discover a magical Christmas ball this festive season...with a twist at the end that might surprise you!
A house transformed for the season
Christmas is a time for parties, and Kingston Lacy is no exception. This year, join us on the night of a glistening festive ball. The whole house is full of hustle and bustle as the woodland-themed ball gets under way. From the moment you step into the Entrance Hall, you'll be welcomed into the warmth of a magnificent house dressed to best advantage.
But it's not just the grand guests who are on show. You'll be hearing from the newest kitchen servant at Kingston Lacy, discovering her view of the preparations, the ball and the guests. You'll eavesdrop on secret conversations, admire the party food and even dress up to join the ball yourself.
Christmas outdoors
The festive mood extends outside, with the Laundry Courtyard filled with twinkling lights and decorated with Christmas trees to bring the party into the garden. There's also a chance to write and post your letter to Santa, and join in Christmas craft activities.
But look past the bright lights and seasonal decorations. Head to the Fernery, where a winter's night is quietly unfolding under the trees. There's one final festive secret waiting to be discovered amid the swooping owls and stars...what will you find among the ferns other than (perhaps) the earliest snowdrops?
Christmas bubbles, anyone?
On selected dates (22, 23, 29 and 30 Nov) join us between midday and 1pm for bubble magic with Squidge and Pop. Chase and dance through the swirling bubbles, watch tricks and catch the bubbles that drift like snow around the Christmas tree in the courtyard.
Pause for refreshments
If the excitement of the Christmas ball has left you in need of sustenance, head for the Stables cafe, where a warming hot chocolate or seasonal mulled wine will refresh you for the pleasures ahead. There'll be piping hot baked potatoes, tempting mince pies and all manner of deliciousness to savour.
A spot of shopping
Once revived, head for the shop where you'll find a wonderful collection of gifts for everyone in the family, from oldest to youngest and including beloved pets. Don't forget to point out some of your favourites to anyone you're with!
We are also planning some Meet the Maker days – watch this space!
Take in the winter garden
For 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. Depending on the weather, there could be the very last colours of autumn or the earliest camellias, hellebores and snowdrops.
Head further out into the woodland
If you'd like a longer walk, throughout December and January you'll find a nature-themed trail along the Woodland Walk. It's unlit so be sure to start no later than 3pm, but there's plenty to discover about the animals that live here and how they survive through the darkest months.
The trail is around 1.5 miles along level, clearly marked paths. But be careful – you might find yourself jumping, hopping or otherwise behaving just as the woodland creatures do...
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.
Tickets cost £15.50 per child (up to age 12) with one accompanying adult and normal admission applies.
What are the details?
Kingston Lacy is open every day excluding Christmas Day, 9.30am-4pm.
The house is open every day excluding 25 and 26 December, 10.30am to 3pm (last entry). The Christmas ball runs from 22 November to 4 January.
The Christmas ball is a free event (normal admission applies). No booking is needed, but visitor numbers in the house are limited for conservation reasons; entry may be by timed tickets at peak times. Please be aware tickets are issued on a first come, first served basis.
Please note: The four bedrooms on the top two floors of the house will not be viewable during our Christmas opening.
The Woodland Walk trail runs from 30 November-25 January, excluding Christmas Day, 10am-3pm. No booking needed, free event (normal admission applies).
Storytelling with Santa is a ticketed event, and booking is essential. Click the link above to book.
Share the love by tagging us on your social media pics (@NTKingstonLacy, #kingstonlacy).
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.
