A Starlit Christmas Ball
Christmas 2026 will be full of starlight and sparkle at Kingston Lacy.
A Starlit Christmas Ball
The magic of a winter's night sky is the inspiration for Kingston Lacy's 2026 Christmas. 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.
Please note: in order to provide the best experience for all our visitors, we limit the numbers in the house. You may be asked to queue for a short period before entry. Visitor numbers usually peak in the morning and you may find the queues are reduced in the afternoon.
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. From 28 November.
Relaxed sessions
If your child needs a quieter session, book for one of the special relaxed storytelling on 18 December. These sessions will be quieter with nothing too noisy before or during the story and fewer people attending each session.
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.
Pause for refreshments
If the excitement of the Christmas ball has left you in need of sustenance, come back to earth at 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.
The Stables cafe is open every day between 9.30am-4pm.
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!
And you'll not only be helping us with every purchase, but also taking Kingston Lacy with you. This year, the packaging for the National Trust's Christmas food range was based on the pietra dura cabinet in the Spanish Room.
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 around the Woodland Walk
If you'd like a longer walk, the woodland is ready and waiting for you. It's unlit so be sure to start no later than 3pm, but it can be a magical walk as the day slips away.
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 21 November to 3 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.
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.
