From Christmas markets to live carol music, creative workshops to a festive family trail inspired by Rob Biddulph's 'I Follow the Fox', plus the beautifully decorated house to explore, there’s something for everyone to enjoy for Christmas 2026 at Chartwell. With so much to celebrate, you’ll want to come back to Chartwell again and again this holiday season.
Create Christmas memories at Chartwell
Join us at Chartwell as we celebrate a Christmas inspired by Sir Winston Churchill’s passion for painting. Discover festive displays that bring to life his artistic journey, from the moment he first picked up a paintbrush to the landscapes, gardens and places that inspired his work.
Feel the Christmas spirit as soon as you arrive at Chartwell with plenty of festive photo opportunities around trees, beneath garlands and beside other welcoming displays. From the Café, Shop and Visitor Centre as well as outside the house and studio, immerse yourself in the Christmas atmosphere as you explore Chartwell.
Christmas shopping
Christmas Market at Chartwell
Thursday 19–Sunday 22 November 2026, 10am–4pm
Get into the holiday spirit at the Chartwell Christmas Market. Let our stallholders inspire you to find the perfect Christmas gift from amongst an exciting selection of handmade crafts and local produce. You can enjoy browsing the stalls under the cover of a marquee.
Don’t forget to visit the shop at Chartwell, it’s one of the largest in the National Trust and is the place to find your favourite Churchill and Chartwell souvenirs, including a wide range of products featuring Jock the cat. Every purchase you make helps us to care for the nature, beauty and history that surrounds us here at Chartwell. Open daily, 10am–4pm.
The market is free to attend, but the usual car parking fees apply to non-members. Please pay for parking or scan your membership card to validate your free parking at the Visitor Centre.
Please note that normal admission charges or National Trust membership applies if you would like to visit to the garden, grounds, exhibition room and studio. Please purchase a ticket for the garden if you'd like to hear the live Christmas carols in the grounds during the weekend. Scroll down to the 'Christmas music at Chartwell' section of this page for more details about upcoming performances.
What's on for Families at Chartwell this Christmas Season?
Rob Biddulph Festive Family Activity Trail at Chartwell: 'I Follow the Fox'
Thursday 19 November 2026–Sunday 3 January 2027 (except Christmas Eve/Christmas Day)
Garden activities are available 10am–4pm (last entry 3.30pm). House opening times are 11am–3.30pm (last entry 3.10pm).
After a sensational Summer, Rob Biddulph is back at Chartwell during the Christmas season for a new family activity trail based on his book, 'I Follow the Fox'. Explore the garden and take part in creative challenges and festive fun inspired by the picture book by award-winning author and illustrator, Rob Biddulph.
This year’s trail runs daily from the first day of the Chartwell Christmas Market, Thursday 19 November to the final day of the Christmas season, Sunday 3 January 2027 (except for Christmas Eve and Christmas date when Chartwell is closed). Normal admission plus £3.50 per trail including a prize.
How to take part in the family activity trail
Purchase a trail sheet from the Visitor Centre. If you would like to go into the house during your visit, please also request a timed-entry House ticket from the Visitor Centre. House tickets are available on a first come, first served basis, and you will be offered the next available timeslot when you purchase your tickets.
Paint your own 'Jock the cat'—Festive Family Painting Workshop at Chartwell
6 December 2026, 11am–1pm
Get creative together in this festive family painting workshop inspired by Jock, Winston Churchill's beloved marmalade cat. Guided by a practising artist, participants of all abilities will learn painting techniques while creating a colourful portrait to take home. This relaxed and welcoming workshop is designed for everyone to enjoy (suitable for ages 7+). All materials are provided, making this the perfect Christmas activity for budding artists, animal lovers and families looking to create special memories together. Accompanying adults are welcome to attend with their child for free or can book an additional painting place to create their own artwork alongside them. Places are limited for this event; pre-booking is essential. Tickets are £30 person. Please note ticket sales are underway for this workshop and will end midnight Sunday 29 November.
Draw With Rob festive family workshops at Chartwell
12 December 2026 10.30–11.30am and 1.30–2:30pm
Best-selling author-illustrator, Rob Biddulph will be coming to Chartwell to lead ‘Draw With Rob’ interactive family workshops. Rob will bring to life his stories and pictures and everyone will learn how to draw one of his illustrations. A selection of Rob Biddulph’s books will be available to purchase at Chartwell, and he will take part in book signing sessions after the workshops.
Workshops are suitable for children ages 3+ accompanied by a ticketed adult (with a maximum of two adults per booking). Ticket sales are already underway. Places are limited for this event; pre-booking is essential (£12/child, £7/adult). Please note that our summer workshops sold out 3 weeks in advance, so early pre-booking is strongly recommended.
Find out more about family-friendly visiting tips as well as places in the grounds for imaginative adventures in our article about visiting Chartwell with family.
Friday 27 November 2026–Sunday 3 January 2027 (except Christmas Eve/Christmas Day), 11am–3.30pm with last entry at 3.10pm.
Experience the magic and wonder of Christmas at Chartwell. Explore beautifully decorated rooms in the house inspired by Winston Churchill's love of painting. Enjoy festive trees, seasonal music and enchanting displays. This year's seasonal decorations are inspired by Sir Winston Churchill's passion for painting. Discover festive displays that bring to life his artistic journey, from the moment he first picked up a paintbrush to the landscapes, gardens and places that inspired his work.
Throughout your visit, our knowledgeable room guides will share stories of Chartwell Christmases gone by and children will enjoy a family-friendly spotter activity. Note that the rooms on the ground and lower ground floors of the house are open during the Christmas season. The upstairs rooms are closed at this time of year to allow for essential conservation work.
Entry into the house is by timed ticket, available on the day from the Visitor Centre on a first come first served basis. Normal admission applies.
30 November–23 December 2026, selected weekdays 10.30–11.15am
For a more personal experience of the House at Christmastime, join one of our expert volunteer guides on a tour of selected rooms which are decorated for Christmas. As you move through the festively decorated rooms, your guide will share stories of Churchill as a painter, combining the magic of Christmas with the story of a pastime that became one of his greatest passions. There will also be opportunities to ask questions and learn more about Churchill's life at Chartwell.
Spaces are limited to 12 per tour and must be pre-booked (additional fee applies). Upon arrival to the Chartwell Visitor Centre, you will need to buy a Garden and Studio ticket in addition to the tour ticket. This will allow you to visit the gardens and studio after the tour. (Children under 5 do not need a ticket).
Painting and drawing workshops this Christmas Season
Get creative on a Christmas workshop at Chartwell. Paint your own 'Jock the cat'. Get inspired by Churchill's 'Winter Sunshine' to paint a seasonal landscape. Draw With Rob Biddulph. Choose as many workshops as you'd like, but be sure to pre-book early as places are limited.
We are delighted to welcome local singing groups and bands to bring the magic of Christmas music to Chartwell this season. Wrap up warm and head over to the grounds hear Christmas carols with friends and family. Sing along if the festive mood inspires you. (Normal admission applies.) Please note that times listed below may include a short interval to allow the performers to take a break before resuming the rest of their set.
Saturday 21 November, times tbc
The Oxted Band starts off our Christmas season of carols at Chartwell. Performing classic and unique arrangements of brass band favourites. Enjoy the festive tunes before or after browsing the stalls at the Christmas Market.
Sunday 22 November, 1.30–2.30pm
The Oxted and Limpsfield Choral Society return to Chartwell for another joyous Christmas season. Enjoy the festive tunes before or after browsing the stalls at the Christmas Market.
Saturday 5 December, 2–3pm
West Kingsdown Guitar Group are a returning favourite from Christmas seasons past. Enjoy music and singing from this local group which includes Chartwell volunteers.
Saturday 19 December, time tbc
A Capella is a small choir from Edenbridge bringing contemporary, traditional and lesser-known carols to Chartwell.
Christmas Landscape Painting Workshop at Chartwell
Saturday 6 December, 11am–1pm
Enjoy a creative afternoon at Chartwell with an indoor painting workshop inspired by Sir Winston Churchill's passion for art. Suitable for beginners and more experienced painters alike, this guided session will introduce participants to painting with water-mixable oil paints. Taking inspiration from Churchill's famous 'Winter Sunshine' painting and views of Chartwell, participants can create their own seasonal landscape. An experienced tutor will provide step-by-step guidance, helping you build confidence and develop your technique in a relaxed and friendly setting.
All materials are provided, and you'll leave with your own artwork to take home. With a maximum of 16 participants, this two-hour workshop offers plenty of individual support and an enjoyable opportunity to immerse yourself in Churchill's artistic world. Tickets £45/person. Pre-booking essential. Please note sales for this workshop end midnight Sunday 29 November.
If you’re looking to blow the cobwebs away, head out on a crisp winter walk around the frost-covered gardens or wider estate and enjoy misty views over the weald. The grounds are open daily 10am–4pm excluding Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Stop by the Landemare Café during your visit to Chartwell for tasty treats, hot lunches, light bites and snacks as well as hot and cold drinks. Bring a reusable cup to take away a winter warmer for a garden stroll or Christmas carol performance.
The café is in the main car park across from the Visitor Centre. Dogs are welcome in Lady Soames Room which adjoins the main café and is accessed via a side door.
Check the menu on the day of your visit for festive flavours and seasonal specials.
Please remember to pay for parking or scan your membership card to validate free parking in the Visitor Centre.
Please consider car-sharing or parking in nearby towns such as Westerham to enable us to welcome more visitors at busy times such as the Christmas Market.
Find out more about bus services, alternative parking as well as nearby National Trust places to help make the most of your day.
When to visit
The Christmas Season starts at Chartwell with the Christmas Market (Thursday 19–Sunday 22 November 2026, 10am–4pm) and Christmas carols performed in the grounds at the weekend. Enjoy live festive tunes before or after browsing the market stalls. The Market is free to attend but normal admission applies if you would like to enter the gardens and grounds.
Then it's not long before selected rooms of the house will be open and specially decorated for Christmas. Explore the house on self-led visits from Friday 27 November 2026 to Sunday 3 January 2027 (except Christmas Eve/Christmas Day), 11am–3.30pm with last entry at 3.10pm. House tickets for self-led visits will be available on a first-come, first-served basis from the Visitor Centre on the day. Normal admission applies.
Guided tours run on selected dates, Monday–Friday, 30 November–23 December at 10.30–11.15am. There is an additional fee (£9.50) for guided tours. Pre-book tickets online. Normal admission also applies.
Chartwell is closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Making the most of your day
If you’re coming to Chartwell on a Friday or weekend, why not make the most of your day by combining your trip to Chartwell with a visit to nearby Quebec House? Step into 'A Woodland Realm' to celebrate Christmas in the childhood home of General James Wolfe. Wander through the house and discover an enchanting story of friendship and adventure, brought to life with imaginative festive decorations inspired by a woodland setting.
Quebec House is open Friday to Sunday 20 November–20 December 2026, 11am–3pm with last entry at 2.30pm. Normal admission applies. No pre-booking. Find out more on the Quebec House website.
Discover more at Chartwell
Find out when Chartwell is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.
From tasty treats and hot and cold dishes, to souvenirs, gifts and Churchill memorabilia, you'll be spoiled for choice in the Chartwell café and shop. Why not treat yourself?
Chartwell is a three pawprint rated place. Bring your four-legged friend along on a short lead for a stroll around the garden or go for a roam in the woods. Find out more about where you can and can't take your dog.
Chartwell’s estate and surrounding countryside offers far-reaching views across the Weald. Walk in the footsteps of one of our founders Octavia Hill when you explore Mariners Hill.
For Christmas 2026, step into the world of childhood dreams as Quebec House in Kent is transformed into a magical woodland realm. Wander through the former family home of General James Wolfe and discover an enchanting story of friendship and adventure, brought to life with imaginative festive decorations inspired by a woodland setting. From towering trees to hidden woodland creatures, each room invites visitors to explore a charming winter tale. Head to the Coach House for a taste of 18th century treats prepared by our volunteer cooks. Open Friday to Sunday 20 November-20 December 2026, 11am to 3pm with last entry at 2.30pm.
Whether you want to make your own Christmas wreath, visit Father Christmas or enjoy winter illuminations at a historic location, we've plenty of festive events and things to do at the places in our care. Plan ahead for a festive day out this year.
Enjoy festive days out in London and the South East this Christmas, and discover houses dressed to impress, winter illuminations after dark, and plenty of family fun.
With carol services and choirs performing at many of the places we look after for Christmas 2026, you’ll find lots of ways to get in the festive spirit. Find a merry event near you.
