Skip to content

Christmas at Wallington

A woman and two children seen from behind looking at a Christmas tree
Visitors enjoying the Christmas tree in the Central Hall at Wallington, Northumberland | © National Trust Images/Paul Harris

There's plenty of festive magic and sparkle both indoors and out at Wallington this Christmas. The House will be dressed in its seasonal splendour, with the sound of live music filling the air. Mrs Christmas is back for storytelling and you can meet the man of the moment, Father Christmas. The courtyard will be sparkling with its thousands of twinkling lights and the huge Christmas tree. 'Magnificence' the reindeer pulling the Wallington sleigh will once again take centre stage at the front of the House.

Christmas around the grounds 

Wrap up warm to explore Christmas outdoors at Wallington.

On your walk from the car park, see how many of Father Christmas's reindeer you can spot resting in the north woods ahead of the big day.

Outside the House, you'll meet our giant reindeer Magnificence, all lit up pulling the sleigh, a great spot for a festive family selfie.

In the courtyard, the Christmas tree will be ready for more photo opportunities while thousands of twinkling icicle lights add a touch of magic.

Christmas in the House

Inside the House, you won't be able to escape that festive feeling with each room dressed to impress. Perhaps the jewel in the festive crown is the beautful 20ft Central Hall Christmas tree (voted the best Christmas tree in the National Trust last year), a real wow moment and another perfect spot for a family photo.

Walkaround Father Christmas will be popping in to say a merry hello, Mrs Christmas is back for storytelling and there will be live music in the Central Hall all on weekends in December (1-22 December and Monday 23 December).

Once again, the House will be open between Christmas and New Year, still dressed in all its festive finery. Continuing the theme from before Christmas, during Twixmas you can enjoy live music in the House.

House opening times (1-23 December):

Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays: 11.30am - 3.30pm

Tuesdays: 11am - 2pm

Saturdays and Sundays: 11.30am - 4pm

Wednesdays: Closed

House opening times (27 December to 5 January):

Open every day: 11.30am - 3.30pm

Central Hall at Wallington dressed for Festive Afternoon Tea
Central Hall at Wallington dressed for Festive Afternoon Tea | © Rebecca Hughes

Christmas craft workshops

If you're feeling creative and are keen to craft something hand-made to add to your home or to gift to someone special this Christmas, there are a number of craft workshops on offer this December.

  • Christmas wreath making workshop (Friday 6 and Saturday 7 December)
  • Bookfolding workshop (Wednesday 11 December)
  • Blanket arm-knitting workshop (Wednesday 4 December)
  • Knitted wreath making workshop (Wednesday 4 December) SOLD OUT

All the details including dates, times and prices are available on our events page.

Festive Afternoon Tea

SOLD OUT. This year we're pleased to announce the Festive Afternoon Tea will once again take place in the grand surroundings of the Central Hall at Wallington accompanied by the resident pianist. The House is closed to visitors during this event so once you have finished your Afternoon Tea, please feel free to explore the ground floor. Choose from Afternoon Tea with or without a small bottle of prosecco; a vegetarian option is also available.

To find out more and to book, please visit our events page.

Father Christmas experience

SOLD OUT. Spend a festive hour in the House listening to a story with Mrs Christmas, taking part in some Christmas crafts, creating a new decoration to take home and as part of this small group, meet Father Christmas himself (various dates between Sunday 1 December and Monday 23 December). Make lasting memories with your camera in hand and take home a special gift.

A Pre-school Father Experience is also available with all the activites as above, just suited to littler ones (Wednesday 18 December).

SOLD OUT. A Quiet Father Christmas Experience is available once again for a smaller group of children (Sunday 15 December). This is an accessible and relaxed session, with no music and up to a maximum of 12 children.

To find out more and to book, please visit our events page.

CEWE Photostation - print 5 free photos this Christmas

Take home a memento of your festive day at Wallington by printing 5 free photo prints thanks to our photo service partner CEWE. You can find a CEWE Photostation in Visitor Welcome and print pictures from you visit directly from your phone. Available from 30 November to 5 January.

Book folding Christmas workshop at Wallington
The book folding Christmas workshop at Wallington | © Rebecca Hughes

Christmas shopping 

Filled with lovely gift ideas, including a great range of local items, the shops at Wallington are an ideal place to pick up Christmas gifts. 

With jams, chutneys and curds, gloves, scarves and hats, as well as toys and games, and books and prints, there's something for everyone.

Christmas food and drink

If you've worked up an appetite or a thirst – or are just looking for an excuse to relax and soak in the atmosphere – there are plenty of options at Wallington this year. 

The Clocktower Café

Did someone say turkey roll? Yes, yes we did. The seasonal favourite is back this year as well as a whole host of other yummy Christmas goodies on the menu. Let someone else do the cooking and relax in front of the wood burner; the ideal festive pitstop. 

Christmas Corner 

Join us at the oudoor Christmas Corner for a selection of Christmassy food and drinks including mulled wine, hot apple and cinnamon juice, chocolate orange shortbread and crumble topped mince pies. The Christmas Corner is tucked away next to the cafe and will be open 12 to 3pm on weekends in December. 

Prosecco and Mince Pies in the House

You can also add a little something extra to your Christmas visit to the House and indulge in some prosecco and a mince pie. Head to the Kitchen during your visit to the House where you can purchase a mini bottle of prosecco and a mince pie to get you in the festive swing of things. £7.50 for a mini bottle of prosecco and a mince pie. £3.50 for the non-alcoholic alternative and a mince pie. Weekends from Sunday 1 to Monday 23 December, 12 to 3pm.

Find out more

Find the full details including dates and times, and booking information for all the events taking place that require booking, on the events page.

The House will be closed to the public on Tuesday afternoons from 2pm and all day Wednesdays in December (pre-Christmas) to facilitate the variety of bookable events taking place.

You can plan your visit here

We’re looking forward to welcoming you this festive season. Thank you for all your support over the last year.

Visitors by a Christmas tree at Ickworth, Suffolk

Get into the festive spirit

From wreath-making workshops and carol concerts to winter illuminations, find Christmas days out near you.

You might also be interested in

Room view of the Drawing Room at Wallington, Northumberland
Article
Article

Things to see and do in the house at Wallington 

The House has reopened for the festive season. Step inside the House to uncover the fascinating stories of those who lived here, told through their collection of artworks, books, ceramics and curiosities.

Wallington's colourful Walled Garden in the winter
Article
Article

Things to see and do in the garden at Wallington 

Discover the colourful, fragrant plants in the Walled Garden, take in the different spaces and areas and look out for the peaceful Mary Pool.

A family cycling at Wallington, Northumberland
Activity
Activity

Outdoor activities at Wallington 

Reconnect with nature at Wallington and explore miles of footpaths along rivers and through woodland, bring your bikes and try the cycling trail and spot wildlife including red squirrels and otters.

Snow blankets the ground in winter outside the house at Wallington, Northumberland; a large stone urn on a pedestal and a bare tree stand in the foreground.
Article
Article

The Blacketts and the history of Wallington 

Discover how key members of the Blackett family were instrumental in remodelling the Wallington Estate into the house and grounds we know today.

Three girls laughing and running in the grass courtyard at Wallington. One is wearing a Santa hat and another a reindeer headband
Article
Article

Family activities at Wallington 

From a cycling trail and adventure playground to wildlife watching and ‘50 things’ adventures, discover the family activities to keep children entertained at Wallington.

Visitors enjoying a warm drink outside the cafe at Stourhead, Wiltshire
Article
Article

Eating and shopping at Wallington 

Stop by the Clocktower Café at Wallington for a selection of hot and cold drinks, and homemade bakes. Then browse the shop for gifts, books, homewares and more.

Visitor crossing water via stepping stones with their dog on an autumnal walk at Wallington
Article
Article

Visiting Wallington with your dog 

Wallington is a two pawprint rated place. Find out where you can walk your dog at Wallington, from the miles of parkland and woodland trails to the historic walled garden.

Lady Wilson's Cabinet of Curiosities at Wallington, Northumberland
Article
Article

Our work at Wallington 

Learn about the important work we‘ve carried out in recent years, from restoring the clocktower to commissioning some modern art and introducing the tree donation scheme.