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

For Christmas 2023, we invited you to enjoy festive magic and sparkle both indoors and out. Exploring the House dressed in its seasonal splendour, enjoying live music, stories with Mrs Christmas and meeting the main man himself. We hope you enjoyed your wander around the courtyard with thousands of twinkling lights, taking family photos in front of the huge Christmas tree and saying hello to the 'Magnificence' the reindeer pulling the Wallington sleigh.

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

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, 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 on weekends in December (2-23 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 (until 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 7 January):

Open every day: 11.30am - 3.30pm

Festive Afternoon Tea

This year we're pleased to announce the return of Festive Afternoon Tea 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.

Christmas 2023 has now finished at Wallington

The below is information for Christmas 2023. We hope that you enjoyed all that we had on offer. Please check back here closer to Christmas 2024 when you will see updates on all the exciting plans we have in store for you.

Father Christmas experience

Now Sold Out. Returning for its second year, children can spend a festive hour in the house listening to a story with Mrs Christmas, taking part in some Christmas crafting, creating a new decoration to take home and as part of this small group, meet Father Christmas himself. Take lots of photos to make lasting memories and take home a special gift.

This year we're also introducing a Pre-school Father Experience, with all the activites as above just suited to littler ones.

Now Sold Out. A Quiet Father Christmas experience is also available once again for a smaller group of children. This is an accessible 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, there are a number of craft workshops on offer this December.

Christmas wreath making workshop
Bookfolding workshop
Terrazzo workshop - make a trinket tray
Terrazzo workshop - festive decorations
Blanket arm-knitting workshop
Knitted wreath making workshop

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

Christmas at Petworth House, West Sussex: close up of freshly baked mince pies — Enjoy a mince pie in the Yuletide Yard | © National Trust Images/Nadia Mackenzie

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.

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.

This year, 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.

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