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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 the downstairs rooms 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 in 2023), 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 (6-21 December and Monday 22 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 (1-21 December):

Mondays: 11.30am - 3.30pm

Tuesdays: 11am - 2pm

Wednesdays: Closed

Thursdays: 11.30am - 3.30pm

Fridays: 11.30am - 3.30pm

Saturdays: 11.30am - 4pm

Sundays: 11.30am - 4pm

 

House opening times (22-28 December):

Monday: 11.30am - 3.30pm

Tuesday: 11.30am - 3.30pm

Wednesday: Closed (Christmas Eve)

Thursday: Closed (Christmas Day)

Friday: Closed (Boxing Day)

Saturday: 11.30am - 3.30pm

Sunday: 11.30am - 3.30pm

 

House opening times (29 December to 4 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

Festive Afternoon Tea

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

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 Saturday 6 December and Monday 22 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 (Thursday 18 December).

A Quiet Father Christmas Experience is available once again for a smaller group of children (Sunday 14 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.

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, keep an eye out for our craft workshops launching in mid-September.

 

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 throughout the Christmas period.

 

Christmas food products available in the Wallington shop
Christmas food products and gifts available in the Wallington shop | © 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 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

A whole host of yummy Christmas goodies are 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. 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. Weekends from Saturday 6 to Sunday 21 December and Monday 22 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. Please note: the updstairs rooms are closed over the festive period.

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 in the kitchen at Christmas, Petworth, West Sussex

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

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.

Room view of the Drawing Room at Wallington, Northumberland

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.

A family cycling on the Dragon Cycle Trail at Wallington, Northumberland

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.

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

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 play areas (play train currently closed). 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 in West Wood and enjoy a tasty pizza from the wood-fired pizza trailer?

Father and son enjoying games in the courtyard 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.

A family enjoying the café in summer

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.

Two visitors walking a dog at Wallington, Northumberland, surrounded by purple flowers

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.

Lady Wilson's Cabinet of Curiosities at Wallington, Northumberland