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Christmas at Canons Ashby

Christmas decorations including candles, potions, witches hat and Christmas lights on table in room at Canons Ashby Northamptonshire
Enjoy Arthurian themed decorations | © Helena Avery Clarke/ National Trust

For Christmas 2023, we invited you to experience a magical Christmas visit with festive decorations inspired by Arthurian wizards, knights and dragons. Little ones could explore like an Arthurian knight on the Christmas Quest trail and grown-ups could join in with a Christmas wreath making workshop. There were after-dark candlelit tours round the house to enjoy and traditional baroque Christmas music outside in the courtyard. The festive decorations were drawn from the pages of Arthurian legend, which sparked the imaginations of Dryden family writers hundreds of years ago.

Christmas 2023 has now finished at Canons Ashby

The below is information for Christmas 2024. We hope that you enjoyed all that we had on offer. Please check back here closer to Christmas 2024 when you will see updates of all the exciting plans we have in store for you.

Complete your vist by enjoying some warming treats in the Coach House tea-room and take inspiration from the seasonal gifts and decorations in our gift shop with some festive shopping.

Merlin’s Enchanted Tree Trail

11 November - 24 December, and 30 December – 1 Jan. Please check our opening hours carefully. Normal asmission applies & £3 per trail.

Bring your little elves and enjoy the enchanted trail through out outdoor spaces, enjoying some decorations and finding out all about the magical trees all around us.

Christmas Wreath Workshop

£35 per person including all materials, prebooking essential. Find out more here.

Nothing says ‘Christmas is here’ quite like a wreath on your front door. Spend a few hours with our talented flower team who will help you craft your own festive wreath using greenery from the grounds of Canons Ashby. Includes a hot drink to keep you going whilst you’re perfecting your creation.

Festive Handbell Ringing in the church

Saturday 2 September, 11.30am - 12.15pm, no pre-booking needed and normal admission applies.

Enjoy the festive sounds of the Launton Handbell ringers in the beautiful acoustics of Priory Church. Wrap up warm and take a pew to enjoy their beautiful music.

The Knight Before Christmas – candlelit tour

Friday 8 December, 6pm - 7.10pm & 7.30pm - 8.40pm, £16 per person, booking in advance essential. Find out more here.

Join us for a special after-hours tour around the festive house as a fascinating Christmas treat. The Arthurian decorations, full of knights, wizards and dragons, are sure to be even more atmospheric in the evening. Our experienced guide will show you around some of the main show rooms, tell you some fascinating facts, and we’ll finish with mulled cider or hot chocolate and a mince pie by the light of the Christmas Trees. (The candles will be artificial for the safety of our historic house.)

Red toy dragon with sparkly gold horns with green Christmas tree branches in background
Little dragon hiding in the Christmas tree | © Helena Avery Clarke/National Trust Images
Visitors exploring the Christmas decorations inside the house at Killerton, Devon

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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