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Christmas at Wallington

Central Hall at Wallington dressed for Festive Afternoon Tea
Central Hall at Wallington dressed for Festive Afternoon Tea | © National Trust Images/Rebecca Hughes

For winter 2026 we invite you to Wallington for a cosy Crafted Christmas. The House will be decked out in unique decorations that have been hand made by visitors across the year. All the festive favourites are returning, with the dazzling 20ft Christmas tree standing proudly in the Central Hall, 'Magnificence' the reindeer pulling the Wallington sleigh in front of the house, and Father Christmas making a few special appearances. We hope you, your family and friends all enjoy a fun-packed festive visit this year.

A Crafted Christmas at Wallington

This year, we’ve invited visitors and local crafters to help bring Christmas to life in the House by crafting unique handmade decorations.

Each space highlights a different material and craft style, celebrating both historic and contemporary techniques connected to Wallington’s heritage. From ceramics to embroidery, knitting to floral arrangements, each room will have its own character, created in collaboration with you.

Perhaps the jewel in the festive crown is the 20ft Christmas tree in the Central Hall, a real wow moment and a perfect spot for a family photo.

Walkaround Father Christmas will be popping in to say a merry hello and the sound of live music with once again fill the air in the Central Hall over the festive season (selected dates).

    A row of people sat smiling at a table, with folded pages in front of them.
    Bookfolding Christmas craft workshop at Wallington, Northumberland | © National Trust Images/Rebecca Hughes

    Be a part of Christmas 2026

    There’s still time to help us create a magical Christmas at Wallington by creating your own unique decoration for the House.

    Our drop-in craft sessions offer a variety of activities suitable for all skill levels. You can try your hand at paper chains, pompom making, crochet ‘paper’ chains, stitching and appliqué, or creating woollen leaves through knitting, felting or crochet. We’ll also be crafting imaginative decorations such as birds made from recycled materials, offering a creative and sustainable twist.

    Mrs Christmas sitting in a library holding a book and reading a story in Wallington, Northumberland
    Story time with Mrs Christmas in the Library at Wallington, Northumberland | © National Trust Images/Paul Harris

    Father Christmas Experience

    Spend a festive hour in the House listening to a story with Mrs Christmas, taking part in some Christmas crafts and meeting Father Christmas. Make lasting memories with your camera in hand and take home a special gift. 

    • SOLD OUT Small group Father Christmas Experience is now available to book (selected dates between Saturday 5 December and Monday 21 December). £32 per child, two free accompanying adult tickets per booking.
    • Pre-school Father Christmas Experience is also available. This session is aimed at under 5s, with festive games and crafts to keep little ones entertained (Tuesday 15 December).
    • Quiet Father Christmas Experience is available for a smaller group of children (Sunday 13 December and Tuesday 22 December). This is an accessible and relaxed session, with no music and a maximum of 15 children.
    Book now

    Festive Afternoon Tea

    Experience a luxury Festive Afternoon Tea in the grand surroundings of the Central Hall at Wallington, accompanied by live piano music. The House is closed to visitors during this event so as part of your ticket you get exclusive access to the ground floor of the House.

    • Booking for Festive Afternoon Tea is now available. 
    • Choose from 1, 2, 8, 9, 15 or 16 December, 2pm-4pm.
    • Afternoon Tea is available with or without a small bottle of prosecco.
    • Vegetarian option tickets are available but please note, we are unable to adapt the set menu to cater for other dietary requirements/preferences.

    House opening times

    A basket and several parcels alongside Christmas treats including a jar of chutney and biscuits.
    Retail Christmas, Winter 2026 | © National Trust Images/James Dobson

    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, games, books and prints, there's something for everyone.

    Gift membership

    A National Trust membership is a gift that means more, opening the door to over 500 places around the UK, including historic houses, windswept coastlines and dramatic countryside. Plus, your gift keeps on giving. Your donation helps us care for hundreds of places, keeping them special for everyone, for ever. Speak to a member of the Welcome Team on arrival to find out more about gift membership.

    Christmas food and drink

    If you've worked up an appetite or need an excuse to relax and soak in the atmosphere, there are plenty of options at Wallington this year. 

    The Clocktower Café

    A whole host of yummy Christmas goodies are on the menu. Let someone else do the cooking and relax in front of the cosy wood burner. 

    Prosecco and mince pies in the House

    Add a little something extra to your Christmas visit to the House by indulging in a glass of prosecco and a mince pie. Head to the Kitchen during your visit to find treats to get you in the festive swing of things. Selected dates in December.

    Mince pies on a plate with two small wine glasses on either side and Christmas lights in the background.
    Mince pies and prosecco in the House | © National Trust Images/Steve Haywood

    Find out more

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

    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.

    Plan your Christmas visit

    You might also be interested in

    Family activities at Wallington 

    There's lots to keep the family entertained at Wallington, whatever the season. Look out for wildlife on the River Walk, zoom along the Dragon cycle trail or go wild in one of the four play areas. Don't forget our impressive selection of splashy puddles on soggy days; we've got the mud if you've got the wellies! For rumbling tummies, why not make a stop at the Clocktower Café or one of our kiosks?

    Girl playing in the Little Acorns nature play space at Wallington, Northumberland

    Things to see and do in the house at Wallington 

    Step inside the house to uncover the fascinating stories of those who lived here, told through their collection of artworks, books, ceramics and curiosities.

    Visitors enjoying the paintings in the Central Hall at Wallington

    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 enjoying a warm drink on a cold day from the Clocktower cafe

    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.

    The Mary Pool ornamental pond in Wallington's Walled Garden

    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.

    Cyclists biking in autumn at Wallington, Northumberland

    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.

    Man in a bobble hat, black jacket and blue jeans walking his Doberman dog on a red lead past one of the ponds at Wallington

    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.

    A corner view of Wallington showing the south front and side of the house

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