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Midwinter Merriment at Lyveden

Published:
28 October 2025
Father and son enjoying the Christmas decorations at Speke Hall, Liverpool
Christmas at Lyveden | © National Trust Images/Arnhel de Serra

Discover an enchanting Christmas at Lyveden, where the Lord of Misrule takes over for a season of merriment and mischief, bringing festive traditions from across the centuries to life among beautiful seasonal decorations and greenery.

Merriment and Mischief- The Lord of misrule takes over

Let the Lord of Misrule be your guide to the lively and chaotic traditions of a Tudor Christmas. Discover the fun, feasts, and perculiar customs that brightened the midwinter in Tudor times. 

Lyveden's halls will be decked in boughs of holly, ivy and mistletoe. Christmas trees will be festooned with decorations inspired by a Tudor Christmas and window sills will tell the story of high days and holidays. 

DIY candle workshop

Wednesday 4 November, 11am - 1:30pm.  £45 per person (ticket includes discount towards a cream tea in the café) with all materials and admission included and no experience expected. Pre-booking essential.

Dive into the world of candle-making with KB Premium Designs' festive candle workshop. You'll learn how to melt, mix and pour wax to create luxury DIY candles from scratch. Choose from festive fragrances or Kylie's own scents.

Christmas in the Manor: Merriment and mischief, the Lord of Misrule takes over

28 November - 24 December (selected dates) and 31 December - 3 January, 10am - 2pm. Normal admission applies. 

Step into the manor where the traditional leader in Tudor Christmas partying, the Lord of Misrule, has highjacked our Tudor Christmas displays. This year, he's taken it one step further and mixed the manor up with displays of Christmases through time. With the manor bedecked in boughs of festive greenery, glimpses of other Christmases past are peeking through the revelry, mixing up the decorations and traditions that made up this joyous time.

Festive bauble workshop

28 November, 11am - 1pm, £40 per person (ticket includes discount towards a mince pie and hot drink in the café). Pre-booking essential. 

Join botanical artist and illustrator Imogen for a nature-inspired, festive bauble workshop. Imogen will gently guide you through painting your own ceramic bauble using seasonal foliage, winter berries and Christmas blooms as inspirations.

Festive afternoon tea

5, 6, 12, 19, 20 December, 12pm - 1:30pm, £25 suitable for a family. Pre-booking essential.

Step into the festive season and enjoy a special Festive Afternoon Tea at Lyveden, available on selected dates throughout December.

Santa Paws at Lyveden

Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 December (various 10 minute time slots starting at 11:10am and finishing at 3pm). Normal admission applies and group with 1 dog- £5 group with 2 dogs - £8 group with 3 dogs £10. Pre-booking essential. 

Enjoy an exclusive audience with Santa, where your dogs will be able to meet and play with Father Christmas in their own dedicated timeslot. Pose for a family Christmas photo and receive a playful present for each dog.

Decorate a Lyveden tree decoration

Saturday 13 December, 11am - 2pm, £4 per person. Normal admission applies. 

Make a keepsake for all your Christmases future with this family craft session

A Christmas Carol | Theatre

Monday 21 Dec, 1:30pm - 2:30pm and 3pm - 4pm, £8 per person. Pre-booking essential

Join us for this classic story from Charles Dickens, reimagined for the stage in this enchanting 45-minute production. Suitable for all ages.

Christmas at Lyveden

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Festive food and drink

If you’re feeling peckish or need to warm-up us after a winter's stroll, we have plenty of festive treats available in the manor café.  Why not treat yourself to a warming hot chocolate next to our log burner or take one with you as you explore Tresham's garden.  And of course, we’ll have all your usual favourites including a mincepie or two.

 

Family by the Christmas tree at Scotney Castle, Kent

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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Things to do at Lyveden manor 

With a manor house to see, plan your visit here, with historical talks, information on the garden design and our temporary exhibition space there's plenty to see and do.

The Lyveden manor in autumnal sunshine

Eating and drinking at Lyveden 

The café in the Grade I-listed manor serves a range of hot and cold drinks, light meals, snacks and cakes to keep you refreshed during your visit. Take a seat indoors or enjoy your cuppa in the outdoor seating area.

Girl serving coffee in a cafe

History of Lyveden 

Discover how religious persecution, treason and debt stopped Tresham’s vision from being fulfilled and why Lyveden stands as a reminder of his act of quiet and creative rebellion.

The Garden Lodge surrounded by long grass in the summer.