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A Timeless Christmas: 700 years of festive cheer

Christmas-time in the Billiards Room, Ightham Mote
Christmas-time in the Billiards Room, Ightham Mote | © Arnhel de Serra

Journey through time as you step into seven centuries of Christmas magic at Ightham Mote. From pagan yuletide customs and Tudor festivities to a traditional Victorian Christmas and the cosy familiarity of 20th century celebrations, each space brings to life the sights, sounds and traditions of Christmas past.

A Timeless Christmas: 700 years of festive cheer

Saturday 22 November—Sunday 4 January 

11am—4pm (last entry to the site 3.30pm)

(Closed 24 and 25 December)

Journey through time as you step into seven centuries of Christmas magic at Ightham Mote. From pagan yuletide customs and Tudor festivities to a traditional Victorian Christmas and the cosy familiarity of 20th century celebrations, each space brings to life the sights, sounds and traditions of Christmas past.

Explore beautifully-decorated rooms that capture the spirit of the season across key moments in the property's history.

Inspired by the rich history of this moated manor house, discover the timelessness of this season of festive cheer and goodwill and how it has evolved over 700 years: from the folklore of the Green Man to the more modern American traditions of the last owner of Ightham Mote, Charles Henry Robinson.

As you wander through rooms set with twinkling lights, evocative soundscapes and seasonal scents, you'll experience how yuletide and Christmas have been celebrated through the ages - from the stunning hand-painted Tudor Chapel adorned for a festive mass, to Victorian and Edwardian splendour, 1950s American cheer and a nostalgic tribute to 1985, the year Ightham Mote entered National Trust care.

In the courtyard, little ones can meet Dido the dog beside her grand Grade I listed kennel and her very own decorated Christmas tree – the perfect backdrop for a festive family selfie. Then set off on a playful spotter trail through the house and gardens to discover where Dido has hidden her Christmas bones.

Timeless Nights: Ightham after Dark

Experience the magic of Ightham after dark with our special late for our special 'Timeless Nights' late night opening.

Wander the house dressed for the season and soak up the festive atmosphere. Make the most of Christmas shopping at our beautifully-stocked shop, brimming with delights for yourself, thoughtful gifts for others, and all the last-minute foods, decorations and presents you need. Round off your evening with a deliciously festive treat or warming drink in the café.

Pop the dates in your calendar now and check back for the exact timings.

  • Thursday 27 November
  • Thursday 4 December
  • Friday 5 December
  • Thursday 11 December
  • Thursday 18 December
  • Friday 19 December

Christmas Shopping Weekend

29-30 November

Join us for our special Christmas shopping weekend on 29–30 November, where you can ‘Meet the Maker’ and discover exquisite, one-of-a-kind gifts from local artisans and producers. More details coming soon.

Seasonal music and workshops

The full programme of our ever-popular seasonal music events and craft workshops will be announced shortly so keep an eye on our Upcoming Events page.

Ightham in the snow
Ightham Mote in the snow | © Rob Stothard

Ightham Mote Estate and Gardens this festive season

Take a moment to escape the busy-ness of advent and Christmas for a peaceful walk in nature around the Ightham Mote estate.

It doesn’t matter if it’s a family adventure or just you and your favourite four-legged friends, this winter is the perfect time to put your hats, scarfs and wellies to good use and explore over 500 acres of Ightham Mote’s estate. 

The Ightham Mote estate has always been a place where dogs stretch their legs and enjoy themselves and now, between November and February, we welcome dogs on leads to explore our winter gardens with you. 

Hiking group on a guided hike led by rangers at Marsden Moor, West Yorkshire
Enjoy a bracing winter walk on the Ightham estate | © Annapurna Mellor
Visitors on a garden tour at Ightham Mote, Kent, walking beside a hedge beside the house, with an orange-leaved tree in the foreground and yellow-leaved trees and evergreen trees in the background

Plan your next visit today

You can find more information about the family-friendly events we have coming up at Ightham Mote here

The garden at Ightham Mote 

Make the most of the garden at Ightham Mote as we move from summer into autumn. There’s still plenty of colour and interesting things to be seen as the flowers continue to bloom.

The west front of Ightham Mote as seen over a landscaped garden

The estate at Ightham Mote 

As the weather becomes warmer, wildlife, trees and wildflowers come alive across the Ightham Mote estate, while and birdsong fills the air.

The Ightham Mote Estate Emily Pyle