Get into the festive spirit
From wreath-making workshops and carol concerts to winter illuminations, find Christmas days out near you.
Midwinter Merriment at Lyveden
- Published:
- 28 October 2025
This year Lyveden will be taking inspiration from traditional midwinter festivities. Discover how the Tudors celebrated Christmas and, in the new year, learn more about the tradition of wassailing in the orchards.
Merriment and Misrule: a Tudor Christmas party
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.
Discover quirky traditions like the Boy Bishops who temporarily took over church duties or the lively tradition of mumming, where masked performers went from house to house with mischeif in mind.
The Snow Queen festive family theatre
Gather the family for this classic fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen, reimagined for the stage in this enchanting 45-minute production about friendship and the magic of winter. Suitable for all ages.
The Snow Queen | Festive Family Theatre | National Trust
Father Christmas at Lyveden
Join Tudor Father Christmas for a session of stories, presents and fun!
Father Christmas at Lyveden | National Trust
Santa Paws at Lyveden
New for 2025, join Santa for a special experience dedicated to your four-legged family members!
Santa Paws at Lyveden | National Trust
Christmas Robin needle felt workshop
Join Liddy from Something Less Boring for a relaxing needle felting workshop with a festive theme to get into the spirit of the season.
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.
Wassail
Wassail away those post-Christmas blues and discover the quirky tradition that ensures a healthy apple harvest. The manor will still be decked out in some of it's festive finery and an exhibition in the Common Room will tell you more about this ancient custom.
Guided wassailing experience
Come join our merry volunteers for a guided experience into the world of wassailing. Head into the orchard to take part in the age old tradition, and help wake up the trees! Afterwards there will be a short mummers play taking place in the manor house. This event is free, however standard admission will still apply. Booking essential. Dates to be confirmed shortly!
Wassail trail
Join Robin on this free, fun-filled family trail to discover how an orchard is wassailled.
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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.
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.
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.
