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Christmas at Rufford Old Hall

Father Christmas giving a present to a young girl
A lucky youngster meets Father Christmas | © National Trust Images/Rob Stothard

Join Father Christmas as he reads you a magical story and enjoy a hearty Christmas breakfast in Rufford Old Hall's cosy Victorian tearoom. Admire Lancashire’s finest Tudor building as it's transformed by the sights, sounds and scents of a traditional Victorian Christmas.

Christmas Events

Take at look at our exciting festive events taking place this December.

Christmas Concert Performances in the Great Hall
Experience the magic of Rufford at Christmas, accompanied by a programme of choir and musical performances in the Great Hall throughout December.More information
SOLD OUT - Story time with Father Christmas
Meet Father Christmas as you gather round with a drink and a homemade cookie to listen to a magical winter story. You'll also receive a special gift too. After the storytelling, children will have a special moment to share wishes with Father Christmas and take a memorable photo. Dates - 6, 7, 13, 14, 20 & 21 December. Book here
SOLD OUT - Festive Breakfast with Father Christmas
Enjoy a special visit from Father Christmas, as you tuck into a hearty Christmas breakfast in the cosy Victorian tea-room here at Rufford. You'll also receive a special gift too. Dates - 6, 7, 13, 14, 20 & 21 December. Book here
SOLD OUT - Classic Christmas Breakfast 
Join us for a delicious Christmas breakfast in Rufford's cosy Victorian tearoom. Father Christmas won't be joining us for our Classic Breakfast, so enjoy Rufford's Victorian tearoom dressed for Christmas in a relaxed atmosphere. Date - 5 December.Book here
Great Hall at Rufford Old Hall
Great Hall at Rufford Old Hall | © National Trust Images Annapurna Mellor

Christmas in the House

Explore rooms decorated in festive splendour, exactly as it would have been back during Victorian times. Embark on a Christmas themed trail around the house to help you get in the festive mood. Look out for the beautiful Christmas trees throughout the house, many of which have been decorated by local groups and organisations.

Winter Walks

Frosty mornings are the perfect chance to get out and appreciate the glistening topiary which surround the house, including the famous duo of towering squirrels. You may spot Pyracantha, one of the shrubs here that continues to add colour to the garden during the winter months. Look up and you’ll notice the silhouette of the trees in their winter undress, which really is a beautiful site showing up perfectly against the winter sky. The stillness of the canal and the crunching leaves underfoot offer the perfect place for a lovely winter stroll.

Festive food and drink

After stretching your legs outside and around the house, why not enjoy some festive food in our cosy Victorian tearoom. Delight in homemade soups and stews or opt for a scrumptious hot turkey bap. If sweet’s more your thing why not treat yourself to a crumble topped mince pie?

Second-hand bookshop 

Take a look at the selection of books on offer in the second-hand bookshop. A perfect Christmas gift for a loved one or maybe an indulgence for yourself, there’s plenty of ones to choose from. Every book purchased helps us to look after the nature, beauty and history of Rufford Old Hall for everyone, for ever.   

Where next?

If you enjoyed your visit to Lyme, why not extend the festivities and see what else is on nearby? Explore Dunham Massey's gardens after dark, illuminated by colourful Christmas lights, step inside a Tudor house decorated for the season at Speke Hall, or head up the M6 for Winter at Sizergh at the gateway to the Lake District.

Discover more Christmas days out by clicking the link below.

Family enjoying a walk in the grounds at Rufford Old Hall, Lancashire

Discover more at Rufford Old Hall

Find out when Rufford Old Hall is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.

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Family-friendly things to do at Rufford Old Hall 

There’s so much for families to do – you can borrow a balance bike, explore the surrounding gardens and woodland, discover the dedicated area for nature play and set your imagination free inside the house.

Family exploring the woodland at Rufford Old Hall, Lancashire

Explore the gardens at Rufford Old Hall 

The gardens at Rufford Old Hall have lots of variety, from giant squirrel topiary and beehives, to picnic spots in the orchard and peaceful walks by the canal.

Autumnm colour at Rufford Old Hall

Christmas events in Cheshire and Manchester 

From winter illuminations to houses dressed for the season, there's plenty of festive things to do across Cheshire and Greater Manchester. Plan ahead and find a Christmas event near you this year.

Family visitors at Yuletide, A Glittering Winter Garden Adventure at Tatton Park, Cheshire

Christmas days out at Speke Hall 

Step into the magic of Christmas at Speke Hall this festive season. Explore rooms dressed for the season with sparkle and tradition, follow mischievous Merry Mice on their festive adventures, and wander through a Community Christmas Tree Orchard that's been created with the local community.

A family of four looking at Christmas decorations on a tree in a garden.

More days out across Liverpool and Lancashire 

Discover what Liverpool and Lancashire have to offer, from Tudor halls to the childhood homes of the Beatles, plus parks, gardens, moorland and coasts.

Family exploring the wintry garden

Christmas with the National Trust 

Whether you want to make your own Christmas wreath, visit Father Christmas or enjoy winter illuminations at a historic location, we've plenty of festive events and things to do at the places in our care. Plan ahead for a festive day out this year.

Two women admiring the settings on the table in a hall decorated for Christmas at Lanhydrock, Cornwall