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Christmas at Dunstable Downs

Night time shot of the Chiltern's Gateway Centre and Courtyard at Dunstable Downs. The Centre is lit up by fairylights.
Festive Evening at Chiltern's Gateway Centre | © National Trust/Lisa Hopkins

Get ready to unwrap the magic of Christmas at Dunstable Downs! With rolling hills and breath-taking views, our landscape is the perfect winter escape from the pressures and stress of the season. Whether you’re a keen walker, a festive foodie, or simply need some sparkle, we are thrilled to bring you an enchanting array of festive experiences that will make this holiday special for all the family.

Christmas at Dunstable Downs has finished for 2023

Thank you to everyone who visited Dunstable Downs during Christmas 2023. We will announce our 2024 plans later this year on our social media channels.

What’s on: at a glance

Dunstable Downs is open every day in December. Our Visitor Centre and Café will be closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

  • Our courtyard lights up for Festive Evenings, Friday 15, and 22 December 5.00pm - 7.00pm.
  • Enjoy comforting festive fayre with a view! Festive Lunch available on select weekdays between 4 and 22 December, Festive Afternoon Tea available on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday 6 - 22 December.
  • For an experience your children won’t forget, book them in for Breakfast with the Elves on select weekdays between 2 and 23 December.
  • Multiply the magic with our family trail, ‘Mystery Mail with the Elves’, every day 15 - 23 December 10.30am - 3.00pm.
  • Brush off the cobwebs and embrace the great outdoors with our pre- and post-Christmas gentle strolls.

Keep scrolling for more information.

Festive Evenings

15 & 22 December

Late night entertainment and shopping | 5.00pm to 7.00pm | £6 per person (children under 3 go free), pre-booking required

As darkness descends on the Downs, see us light up the courtyard for a cosy evening of music, wreath making, late night shopping and fairy-light enhanced version of our family trail (all included in ticket price).

Warm up with a complimentary mince pie and glass of mulled wine or spiced apple drink.

Other food and drink will be available to purchase.

Book your tickets here

Festive Family Fun

Family Trail: Mystery Mail with the Elves

15 - 23 December | 10.30am - 3.00pm | £3 per trail - no pre-booking required

Santa’s lost a letter, and he needs you to help! Wrap up warm and get ready for a jolly December adventure as we embark on a quest to assist Santa’s elves find and recover the missing pieces! Solve enchanting clues and riddles and successfully deliver the whole of the missing letter to the Elves sorting office, where a festive surprise will await!

Why not enhance the visit and book in with the Elves for a festive breakfast first – you might even get given some bonus tips (see below for details).

Trail will be available 15 - 23 December between 10.30am and 3.00pm. No pre-booking required, simply pay £3 per child and pick up your trail sheet at our Visitor Centre.

More Information

Breakfast with the Elves

Select dates between 2 - 23 December | 9.00am to 11.00am | £9.50 per adult and £5.95 per child - pre-booking required

Another magical Christmas season awaits as the elves return for breakfast at the View Café! Join in the festive fun, meet the elves and complete your Christmas activity sheet whilst enjoying your meal with winter view.

Book your breakast here

Festive Gentle Stroll with Santa Paws Competition

19 December | 10.30am to 1.00pm | £2 per dog, no pre-booking required

Join us with your dogs for a Festive Walk on Dunstable Downs and win a special prize for the most festively dressed pooch!

More information

‘Twixmas’ - Post Christmas Gentle Stroll

29 December | 10.30am to 1.00pm | £3 per adult and £1.50 per child (under 5s go free), no pre-booking required.

Join us for a gentle stroll across Dunstable Downs before the start of 2024!

More information

Festive Lunch

4 - 22 December, weekdays only | 12.00pm to 2.30pm | from £15.95 for adults and £8.95 for children - pre-booking required

On selected weekdays during December join us for a festive lunch with the perfect winter view.

Book your Christmas lunch here

Festive Afternoon Tea

6 - 22 December, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday only | 12.00pm to 3.00pm | £19.95 - pre-booking required

Get cosy and enjoy the views as you treat yourself to a festive afternoon tea!

Book here

Don't miss | Festive Shopping and Tasty Treats at Dunstable Downs

A selection of Christmas decorations
A selection of Christmas decorations | © National Trust Images/James Dobson

Christmas shopping at Dunstable Downs

It's that perfect time to grab those all important Christmas cards, buy a few stocking fillers or purchase gifts. Whether you're buying something for a book lover, a gardening fanatic or budding chef, there's something to suit all tastes and ages.

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Visitors exploring the Christmas decorations inside the house at Killerton, Devon

Get into the festive spirit

From wreath-making workshops and carol concerts to winter illuminations, find Christmas days out near you.

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