Christmas 2026 at Belton Estate

Image showing Christmas decorations inside the Hondecoeter dining room at Belton, with large tree in the corner dressed in blue and green baubles. The table has a silver gilt collection with a decorated green garland, with one to match on the mantlepiece. — Plan your festive visit to Belton | © National Trust / Instinctive Photography

You're invited to celebrate Christmas with the Brownlows this festive season with glittering displays upstairs in the house from 28 November to 4 January and an exclusive look at how the festivities were prepared downstairs from Friday 20 November.

Christmas in the Mansion: An Upstairs Downstairs Christmas

Be our guest for a decadent Christmas day with the Brownlows this festive season, as the house is decorated to celebrate all of the family's traditions on this special day. From skating on the lake to parlour games in the library, dancing in the saloon, hymns in the chapel and an opulent festive feast, enjoy them all as a very important invitee.

Children can help with setting the table for all the party guests too, searching for missing red crackers hidden in each room, all of which have been crafted by a wonderful team of volunteers.

Once you've had a taste of the glamourous life upstairs, find out how it all happens with an exclusive look at some of Belton's servant areas. For the first time in over ten years, the kitchen and scullery will be open to explore and special tours of more working areas, like the butler's pantry, will be offered on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. You'll find decorations down here too with a more homemade, authentic feel, emulating how the staff might have dressed them to bring a smile during the hard work of the Christmas season.

On your approach to the mansion, you’ll discover Santa’s sleigh within the West Courtyard. Custom built by maintenance volunteers, this sleigh, made accessible with space for a wheelchair user, provides a photo opportunity for family and loved ones, with the mansion as a festive background.

Opening times

The main house will be open from Saturday 28 November 2025 to Monday 4 January 2026, open daily (closed Christmas Day), 11am to 3.30pm (last admission 3pm). Downstairs will open earlier, from Friday 20 November with tours available on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Entry is included in National Trust membership or normal admission to Belton. There is no pre-booking required for entry to the house.

A close-up of a greyhound statue in the Marble Hall at Belton House with the twinkling lights of a Christmas tree in the background. — See Belton transformed into a twinkling festive feast for the senses. | © National Trust/Genevieve Taylor

Make the most of your visit

The magic doesn’t end there as the festive sparkle can be found outdoors too, with enchanting Christmas trees twinkling across the estate.

Tick some perfect presents off this year's Christmas list with a visit to the Coach House Shop, packed with locally sourced gifts as well as treats for you. Indulge in a delicious hot chocolate and mince pie from the Stables Café and explore a winter wonderland in the second-hand bookshop, discovering a selection of page-turners ideal for cosy winter nights.

From wintery walks to festive crafts and Christmas decorations, there’s plenty to enjoy at Belton this season.