November Nostalgia: A 1930s Christmas

For two weeks at the end of November 2025, Ickworth’s servants’ quarters’ will be transformed with a traditional festive 1930s experience. Visitors will step into a warm, nostalgic world to get them in the mood for December’s festivities. Picture a Christmas tree, stockings hanging on every fireplace, ribbons streaming across windows and overhead, plenty of fresh greenery from Ickworth Estate, and plenty of traditional decorations. There will be sensory elements, with Christmassy smells and audio recordings of Ickworth’s actual servants from the 30s and 40s discussing the festivities playing aloud. Activities for families will include paperchain making, with the paper chains being used throughout December in the main Christmas displays on the ground and first floors. On both weekends, the costume interpretation team will be bringing the basement to life, cooking and interacting with visitors.