Get into the festive spirit
From wreath-making workshops and carol concerts to winter illuminations, find Christmas days out near you.
Christmas at The Vyne
For Christmas 2024, we invited you to lose yourself in Lewis Carroll's Wonderland. On the ground floor of the house glittering trees illuminated whimsical scenes from Alice Through the Looking-Glass. Inspired by Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, quirky displays such as the Queen of Hearts’ army dotted the gardens. Families enjoyed a fun, festive trail and activities.
All ages hunted for 12 much-loved Wonderland characters depicted in playful, life-size cut-outs designed by Rachel Hudson Illustration.Christmas 2024 has now finished at The Vyne
The below information is about Christmas 2024. We hope you enjoyed all that we had on offer. Please check back here closer to Christmas 2025 when you'll see updates of all the exciting plans we have in store for you.
Festive family fun
Wonderland Christmas family activities
Ended 5 Jan | House 11am-3pm | Gardens 10am-4pm
All ages can explore The Vyne's gardens and the ground floor of the house lavishly decorated to depict Lewis Carroll's much-loved Wonderland. Collect your trail sheet from Visitor Reception and join Alice on a quest through the gardens dotted with light-hearted displays before entering the house. Enjoy nonsensical fun challenges and activities. £2 per trail sheet.
Christmas decorations
Ended 5 Jan | House 11am-3pm | Gardens 10am-4pm
On the ground floor of the house, sparkling trees laden with baubles illuminate whimsical and nonsensical displays inspired by ‘Looking-Glass’ such as a quirky ‘illogical’ room where glittering upside-down Christmas trees point disconcertingly to the floor. In the Stone Gallery, you’ll see a giant chess board where, in the story, Alice must play boldly to become a queen.
At key focal points in the gardens, you’ll encounter depictions of much-loved characters and famous scenes from ‘Alice’s Adventures’ including the Queen of Heart’s army of cards on the north lawn.
Alice illustrated
Christmas visitors to The Vyne kept their eyes peeled for 12 much-loved Wonderland characters.
A playful reimagining of Lewis Carroll’s work
All ages looked out for 12 whimsically wonderful life-size cut-outs of their favourite Wonderland characters. The Mad Hatter, the March Hare, the White Rabbit and the infamously ill-tempered Queen of Hearts were just some of the characters hidden in The Vyne’s house and gardens. Artwork by Rachel Hudson Illustration. Rachel Hudson is a Hampshire based illustrator working with many of the UK’s leading nature conservation organisations.
Festive food and drink
Warm your cockles with hearty one-pots and soups in the Brewhouse tea-room. Or why not pick up an indulgent hot drink such as hot chocolate or spice-infused mulled wine with a mince pie to help take the chill off a winter’s day?
Christmas shopping at The Vyne
Discover a selection of festive bites and beverages, nature-inspired Christmas decorations and Christmas cards and calendars in The Vyne's gift shop, as well as quality books and kitchen and homeware.
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