A Georgian Christmas at Quebec House

A girl wearing a red winter coat looks at a large gingerbread house covered in snow icing — Winter is a magical time in the house at Charlecote Park | © National Trust Images/James Dobson

Step back in time for a traditional Georgian Christmas at Quebec House in Kent. Experience the magic of Christmas through the eyes of the Wolfe children with a shadow puppet theatre, whimsical boats and a spectacular gingerbread house. Enjoy spiced hot chocolate and write a Christmas card with a wax seal.

Christmas in the house

Weekends from 25 November–17 December, 11am–2pm. Normal admission applies.

Quebec House will be beautifully decorated for Christmas in true Georgian style. This year, the decorations are inspired by General James Wolfe as a boy. Come and see how James and his brother Ned would have experienced Christmastime as children growing up at Quebec House.

A roaring fire will greet you upon entering the house, the hearth lined with ivy. In the Schoolroom there will be a mini shadow puppet theatre with velvet curtains. Through this ancient form of storytelling, watch performances the Greek myths. Children can dress up and make their own shadow puppet to take home.

As you climb the stairs, the bannisters will be strewn with greenery with paper boats sailing atop the feathery waves. Imagine the boys dreaming of being out at sea as they head up to bed. The boys’ bedroom will be set for a cosy night’s sleep with their classic Georgian nightclothes, nightcaps and slippers all laid out. Hot chocolate waits in little teacups with books ready for bedtime stories.

A wooden sailing boat decorated with fairylights, sitting on a blue glass table surrounded by blue baubles and white shells. — Immerse yourself in a Christmas by the sea | © National Trust / Lauren Hutchinson

A Georgian feast

Discover a sumptuous Christmas banquet, as would have been hosted by the Wolfe family in Georgian times. Step into the Parlour where the family’s feast will be laid out including a soup course, oysters, venison pies and twelfth cake amongst ivy towers of decorations and biscuits.

Back by popular demand, the spectacular gingerbread model of Quebec House will be on display in the Drawing Room next to a streetlamp made of sugar paste.

Scrumptious treats

In the kitchen, our volunteer cooks will be preparing delicious bakes from the cookbook of James and Ned's mother, Henrietta Wolfe.

Taste these 18^thcentury treats for yourself next door in the Coach House. Made to traditional Georgian recipes, we'll be brewing both spiced hot chocolate and port hot chocolate. Which one will take your fancy?

A Georgian banquet at Quebec House, Kent | © National Trust Images/Rob Stothard

Christmas cards

Visit the Coach House to write a Georgian Christmas card using a quill pen. Close the envelope with a wax seal and take it away to post to your loved ones.

Late-night opening

Thursday 30 November, 4–7pm. Free community event.

Get into the festive mood and join us for a special late-night opening at Quebec House this Christmas. See the house beautifully decorated and enjoy special Georgian treats.

The children of Churchill School in Westerham will be singing carols in the garden from 5pm. Keep warm with a cup of hot chocolate while you listen.

Father Christmas will be switching on the Christmas lights in Westerham at 6pm.