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Christmas at Calke

Enjoy a full festive day out at Calke this Christmas, with seasonal displays and decorations throughout the stableyards, house and tunnels.

  • Booking not needed
  • Free event (admission applies)

Visit the stableyards to see twinkling lights and displays throughout, with festive games and a hand-turned carousel on weekends. Pose in front of the giant Christmas tree and print your photographs from the CEWE photo station to keep as a souvenir of your visit. Look out for the cheeky knitted mice who will be hiding around the stableyards and gardens this year.

Head into the house to see sparkling Christmas trees with decorations inspired by Calke’s jewellery collection. For a more tranquil and traditional Christmas, take a pew in St Giles Church and listen to the distant sounds of carols playing.

Venture into the tunnels to go on an underground icy exploration to find Pavlov the Polar Bear, with glittering lights and projections.

New for 2026, experience festive displays in the gardens with nativity-themed scarecrows.

The shop, restaurant, café and Christmas Markets will be open every day. Additional outlets for food and drink will be open on weekends (weather dependent).

Times

Prices

Event ticket prices

This event is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue.

Check admission prices

The basics

Accessibility

Most outdoor areas around the stableyards and gardens are suitable for trampers, wheelchairs and buggies. The route through the house is primarily upstairs. There are also steps to access St Giles church and throughout the tunnels.

Suitability for children

Suitable for all ages.

Other

Dogs are welcome on short leads in the gardens and stableyards. Assistance dogs only in the house and tunnels.

Upcoming events

On Screen at Calke Abbey 

Follow in the footsteps of Tommy Shelby and uncover how 'Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man' was brought to life at Calke Abbey.

Event summary

on
24 Sep to 1 Nov 2026
at 09:30 to 16:00+ 38 other dates or times

Local Treasure, Global Connections: Museum Room Display 

Discover this year's Museum Room display and take a closer look at Calke’s State Bed hangings. Still in near- perfect condition, these Chinese silk hangings are a treasure of the National Trust.

Event summary

on
24 Sep to 1 Nov 2026
at 11:00 to 16:00+ 38 other dates or times

Capturing Childhood in the Nurseries at Calke 

Explore the nurseries and meet the Harpur Crewe family through a series of large scale photographs, supported by CEWE. Dress up, play and read as the children would have done.

Event summary

on
24 Sep to 1 Nov 2026
at 11:00 to 16:00+ 32 other dates or times

Photography Open Day 

Get up close with some of Calke's photography collection and meet the house team - perfect for photography enthusiasts who want to see more of the collection.

Event summary

on
27 Sep to 1 Oct 2026
at 11:00 to 16:00+ 1 other date or time