Gift a year of laughter and memories, with a National Trust membership
Choose from an individual, joint or family membership.
A magical Christmas with Gibside
Experience the timeless magic of Christmas with festive traditions that bring loved ones together. Step into a wintry landscape where twinkling lights, woodland magic and playful encounters with Father Christmas await, from November 2025 through January 2026.
Visit Father Christmas at Gibside Stables
Create a magical memory for your child with an interactive storytelling experience this Christmas.
Father Christmas and his elf friend, Happy Holly Berry are putting the ho ho ho into the festive season, getting ready for Christmas with their woodland friends; polishing the mistletoe, putting sparkle into the cobwebs, and frosting the moss. Gather close and listen to Father Christmas share a heart-warming tale filled with merry cheer and North Pole magic.
As part of the magical experience, Father Christmas welcomes children to share in the storytelling fun and before he returns to his workshop in the North Pole, he presents each child with a small keepsake gift. There will also be time for families to capture a heartwarming photo together.
Select dates in December, tickets limited. Book tickets here, and book here for relaxed sessions.
More family festivities
This season, discover a dazzling selection of Christmas thoughtfully curated to charm and captivate every visitor. Find out more event details here.
Follow the path of enchanted woodland animals
Discover a gathering of willow creatures along the Avenue and towards the Stables, enchanted in nature by virtue of their grand stature. Meet the regal stag with antlers like branches, a cheerful robin and clever fox, the wise badger and shy little mouse with down-turned paws, and a hedgehog wrapped in a coat of prickles.
Each woodland critter is created by local community groups and volunteers, woven with wonder and waiting to be found.
- Every day from Saturday 22 November to Sunday 4 January.
- Free, admission applies.
Christmas crafts for children
Roll up your sleeves and get sticky fingers with your little elves. Gather pinecones and twigs to craft winter magic straight from the forest floor, turning nature’s treasures into festive momentos you can display year after year.
Details coming soon.
Post Your Wishes to Father Christmas
Little ones can pen their Christmas wishes and pop them into Father Christmas’ very own post box until Tuesday 23 December. With his reindeer busy training nearby, he’s often spotted checking for letters and making sure every message reaches the North Pole in time.
Father Christmas greeting children by the festively decorated pillars of Gibside Chapel | © National Trust Images/Rebecca Hughes 
Search for signs of fairies along the trail | © National Trust Images/James Dobson
Chritmas celebrations for eveyone to enjoy
Wander along the woodland fairy trail
Speak softly and keep your eyes wide, as magic stirs deep in the woodlands. Where the frost clings to fern and holly, whispers of fairy life can be heard beneath the trees and a shimmer of wings can be caught in the morning dew. Tiny homes nestled in tree roots and tucked behind toadstools await your discovery: a lighthouse glows for wandering sprites, a ski chalet nestles among pinecones, and Glastonfairy hums with music and mischief. The fairy folk are near...
- Every day from Saturday 22 November to Sunday 18 January.
- Free, admission applies.
Gibside Woodland Fairy Trail has been lovingly crafted by Gibside volunteers.
Live music in Gibside Chapel
This Christmas, ditch the carols and dive into rich, rhythmic folk with Axum Folk Ensemble. Eight musicians, bold arrangements, and serious groove. Perfect for music lovers who want festive vibes with fiddle fire, soulful strings, and storytelling spirit.
- Sunday 30 November, 1pm - 2pm, free, normal admission applies
Surrounded by flickering candlelight and winter greenery, join The Cobweb Orchestra as they fill the air with enchanting classical symphonies and seasonal classics. With up to forty members, expect a rich tapestry of orchestral sound from beloved Christmas melodies that evoke nostalgia and joy.
- Sunday 14 December, 1.30pm and 2.15pm (30 minute performances), free, normal admission applies
Traditional Christmas tunes in the Chapel at Gibside | © National Trust Images/Rebecca Hughes 
Christmas wreath making workshop | © National Trust Images/Frances Warnell
Christmas wreath-making and flower arranging workshops
Using fragrant pine, holly, berries, and other seasonal treasures, you’ll craft a beautiful floral displays to adorn your home this Christmas. Guided by expert hands, Debbie will teach you a new skill while you soak up the Christmas spirit and add a personal touch to your celebrations.
- Wreath making, Sunday 30 November, 11am - 2pm, £55 per person (admission included)
- Floral gifts, Saturday 13 December, 11am - 1pm, £50 per person (admission included)
- Table decor, Monday 22 & Tuesday 23 December, 11am - 1pm, £55 per person (admission included)
Winter tipples to toast the season
It's time to treat yourself. Step into the season with comforting sips, steamy mugs and sweet delights, from spiced seasonal warmers, decadent hot chocolates and sugary bites like the ever-loved, special, National Trust scone. The fires will be alight, warming the café so it's brimming with cosy indulgence to lift your spirits and warm your hands for Christmas.
See Gibside decorated with yuletide charm
From Saturday 22 November to Sunday 4 January enjoy the twinkle of traditional decorations.
The reindeer stalls at Gibside Stables
Gibside Stables will be transformed into Father Christmas’ reindeer stalls, with each stall featuring bunting and garlands that twinkle with holiday cheer. Step into the tack room and you’ll find Father Christmas’ office, complete with delightful details like his reindeer flight training plan, tucked among maps and festive trinkets.
1 of 5
Continuing with a more traditional experience
Thank you to Raymond Gubbay, our light trail partners, for providing an illuminated Christmas trail offer from 2020 to 2022. Our light trail partnership has now ended. We have since collected feedback from hundreds of members and visitors to inspire our Christmas events and are excited to build on the more traditional experience we offered in 2023. We hope that Christmas at Gibside will bring back childhood magic and highlight the joy of spending time with loved ones.
You might also be interested in
Things to see and do at Gibside
Discover nature and historic ruins set in a Georgian landscape garden while you explore miles of peaceful walking trails. Or dive into seasonal events that celebrate history, health, wildlife, and gardening.
Eating at Gibside
There’s something for everyone at Gibside’s cafés, including freshly made sandwiches, wood-fired pizzas, kids' lunchboxes and, of course, really good coffee.
History of Gibside
The wealthiest heiress in Georgian times, horseback abductions, divorces and illegitimate children are just a part of Gibside’s incredible story.
Visiting Gibside with your dog
Gibside is a three pawprint rated place. There are 15 miles of paths for you and your dog to explore, lots of facilities and they’re even welcome inside the coffee shop.
Educational visits to Gibside
Gibside is the perfect place to bring a group of young people from schools, universities, Brownies and Scouts. Spark their creativity, build confidence, develop problem solving skills and enjoy nature.
Volunteering at Gibside
Interested in volunteering at Gibside? Here's all you need to know about helping us care for this special place, and how to apply if you'd like to get involved.
