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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.

What’s on: 2025 season 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.

  • Join Maple Flowers for festive wreath making workshops, Sunday 30 November and Tuesday 9 December, 6.00pm-8.30pm 
  • Get Christmas crafty with our Festive Craft evening on Thursday 4 December, 5pm - 8pm
  • Celebrate the year's triumphs in medieval style as you join the Grand Knight's Festive Feast between Sunday 6 December and Sunday 4 January 2026.
  • For an experience your children won’t forget, book them in for Breakfast with the Elves on 7, 14 and 21 - 23 December.
  • More still to be announced, watch this space!

Festive Wreath-Making Workshop

30 November and 9 December 

Family-friendly evening of wreath-making | 6:30pm to 8:30pm | £60 per person | pre-booking required

Join Maples Flowers and get creative with this two hour wreath-making workshop. No experience needed, – just bring your festive spirit! 

Find out more and book

 

Festive Craft Evening

4 December

A night of festive fun, flavour and creativity | 5pm to 8pm | Pre-booking required

As darkness falls on the Downs, join us for a Festive Craft Evening

Looking for a unique gift for a loved one? Get involved in our festive craft activities, discover handmade gifts created by our volunteers and do a bit of late night shopping in our National Trust shop.

Craft activities include: mini wreath making, bauble decorating and watercolour festive cards. £3 per person, per craft.

While you browse and craft, enjoy our cafes selection of hot food and drinks and maybe treat yourself to a mulled wine!

Admission is free but please book your place in advance. Craft activities are charged at £3 per person, per craft.

Book your tickets here

 

December Adventures at Dunstable Downs: A Knights' Festive Feast

6 December - 4 January 2026

Join the grand Knight's Festive Feast and celebrate the year's triumphs in true style|10:30am - 4pm | £3 per trail - no pre-booking required

Journey through the trail, find out who plays a part in bringing a medieval banquet to life. Take on tasks, follow clues, and gather everything needed to complete the festive banquet table. Adventure, laughter, and merriment await—let the feast begin! Join us for this 10 station trail with a congratualtions prize at the end!

The trail takes place between Saturday 6th December and Sunday 4th January, from 10:30am to 4pm, with last entry at 3:30pm.

More Information

 

Breakfast with the Elves

7, 14 and 21 - 23 December

A festive breakfast experience your children won't forget | 9:30am to 11:30am | £13.95 per adult and £6.95 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 heartwarming meal with winter view. Vegetarian option available.

Book in with the elves

 

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 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.

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Explore Dunstable Downs 

Discover slow-worms and mini beasties on the chalk grasslands, look out for red kites or fly your own kite from the wind-swept ridge.

A woman, young girl and young boy walking along a path in the grass and Dunstable Downs with a view across the hills in the distance.

Family activities at Dunstable Downs 

There are loads of different family activities designed to help you explore and discover Dunstable Downs. However you choose to spend your day with us, your adventure starts here.

Picture frame at Dunstable Downs and Whipsnade Estate, Bedfordshire

Visiting Dunstable Downs with your dog 

Dunstable Downs is a two pawprint rated place. Dogs are welcome here (and can collect their Pooch Passport and stamp!) Discover everything you need to know when planning your visit with your four-legged friend.

An image of a pale cream fluffy dog between its two owners being walked along a path in the countryside and surrounded by greenery