Christmas 2023 at Kedleston

An advent box on a tree — Experience the advent trail at Kedleston Hall this Christmas | © National Trust/Darren Cresswell

The nights will be drawing in and the frost sparkling on the ground - connect with nature and each other and join us for a traditional Christmas at Kedleston Hall. Escape outdoors for an invigorating walk around Kedleston’s picturesque parkland, then visit the Hall and get into the Christmas spirit, or cosy up with some comfort food in Kedleston’s Great Kitchen Restaurant.

Festive fun for all the family, 2023

Christmas at Kedleston Hall runs from Friday 1 December to Saturday 23 December. Kedleston is closed on Christmas Day. This 2023, whilst you do not need to book your visit, we are offering a range of additional activities to get all the family feeling festive.

So you can make the most of your visit, here’s a summary of what’s on offer and details of events which require advanced booking.

The Hall

1-23 December, 11am-3pm with last entry at 2.15pm

Experience the Hall at Kedleston, invitingly decorated with festive displays and embellished Christmas trees. No booking required.

Advent Trail

1 December (excluding 25 December) to 7 January 2024, 9am-3.30pm

Bring along the family and enjoy a Christmas advent trail. Find 24 boxes to open and explore. This free festive trail will run outside within the pleasure gardens and up to the viewpoint on the short walk. No booking required.

Meet Father Christmas

6 December, 4.30-5.30pm

As in previous years, we are delighted to be able to offer Signing Father Christmas at Kedleston Hall. This experience is specifically for children with additional needs or who use sign language. Meet signing Father Christmas over a hot chocolate and cookie. Booking online is essential.

Book signing Father Christmas

Saturdays and Sundays between 2-17 December, 8.45-9.45am (SOLD OUT)

This year, at Kedleston’s Great Kitchen Restaurant you can enjoy Breakfast with Father Christmas. As well as a full cooked English breakfast, there is a gift for each child and an opportunity to get a photo with Father Christmas and his elf.

Wreath Making Workshop (SOLD OUT)

6 December, 10am, 11.30am and 1.30pm

Make your own natural wreath using vegetation gathered from the gardens at Kedleston Hall. Full instruction and guidance is provided by the gardeners and all tools provided.

Make a festive bird feeder

10 December, 11am-3pm

Give your garden birds a treat this winter by making your own bird feeder to hang in your own garden. This is a fun and messy outdoor activity for families! No booking required.

Christmas Concert (SOLD OUT)

16 December, 6pm-8pm

A festive performance by Mosaic inside Kedleston Hall this December. Singing everything from beautiful Christmas choral pieces to fun favourites.

Rock Choir

17 December, 11.30am-12pm

Enjoy our regulars, Derby and Nottingham Rock Choir for an outdoor festive performance at Kedleston Hall. This 30 minute performance is sure to get you into the Christmas spirit! No booking required.

Santa Paws Walk

23 December 10am-11am

Make sure your four-legged companion gets to take part in the Christmas cheer with a 2 mile walk in the park. Festive attire encouraged! No need to book - just come along with your special pup. Normal admission applies for walkies.

Handmade paper decorations on a Christmas tree — Find themed Christmas trees in the Hall at Kedleston | © National Trust/Darren Cresswell

Winter walks

Explore outdoors at Kedleston this winter. Crisp, cold days and early sunsets - the winter landscape can be an inspiring place to step out into. So, wrap up warm, blow away the cobwebs and enjoy a seasonal stroll in the Kedleston parkland. There are plenty of options available, across over 800 acres of parkland.

Safety information

The site is particularly muddy as we head into the winter season, so we recommend you dress appropriately with sturdy footwear for your visit.

Family walk through a decorated Christmas arch outside — Enjoy a Christmas walk with the family at Kedleston | © National Trust/Darren Cresswell

Festive food and shopping

Refresh and refuel at Kedleston's Great Kitchen restaurant. Warm up after a woodland wander with a hot drink and snack. Throughout the Christmas period we’ll be serving winter spiced drinks and mince pies – fabulous festive treats.

The shop at Kedleston shop is the perfect place to pick up those last-minute Christmas gifts without the hustle and bustle of the crowds. There is a range of gifts with a selection for explorers, gardeners and gourmets. You'll also find cards, stamps and gift vouchers. Why not treat yourself to a comforting throw or scented candle?

Wishing you a merry Christmas and a happy 2024 from all the team at Kedleston Hall. Thank you for your continued support allowing us to look after special places like Kedleston for future generations to enjoy.