Skip to content

Christmas at Nymans

The Gruffalo figurine standing in front of Nymans at night.
Christmas at Nymans: The Gruffalo Art Adventure | © The Gruffalo © 1999 Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler licensed by Magic Light Pictures Ltd.

Join us for Christmas at Nymans and explore enchanting scenes in the decorated house and a family trail in the garden. Sat 21 Nov 2026 - Sun17 Jan 2027. (The house closes at 3.30pm with last entry at 3pm).

“A Gruffalo? What’s a Gruffalo?” “A Gruffalo! Why, didn’t you know?” Join us this Christmas for The Gruffalo Art Adventure, inspired by the much-loved stories created by writer Julia Donaldson and illustrator Axel Scheffler. 

Explore the garden following the Gruffalo Art Adventure, where 12 giant Gruffalo sculptures have each been painted by artists, with designs inspired by the patterns, shapes, and surroundings of nature. Keep an eye out for Gruffalo-inspired games and challenges during your visit.

The house will be open Saturday 21 November 2026 – Monday 4 January 2027. Explore the Gruffalo Art Adventure Saturday 21 November 2026 – Sunday 17 January 2027.

Nymans decorated for Christmas
Nymans decorated for Christmas | © National Trust / Gary Cosham

The adventure continues in the house, where the rooms are beautifully dressed for Christmas with an enchanting winter woodland theme.

The Gruffalo Art Adventure at Nymans is presented by the National Trust and Wild in Art, in collaboration with Magic Light Pictures.

The Forecourt garden, with stone-paved paths, square lawns and small trees, with the house behind, at Nymans, West Sussex

Discover more at Nymans

Find out when Nymans is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.

You might also be interested in

Explore Nymans house 

Explore Nymans’ medieval style manor, part house, part ruin following a devastating fire in 1947. It now offers romantic ruins and charming rooms to explore.

The Library at Nymans

Visiting Nymans garden 

Romantic ruins, intimate gardens and internationally recognised plant collections, all set against a backdrop of the woodland and far-reaching views over the Weald.

Australasian Dry Garden at Nymans in autumn

Eating at Nymans 

If you're after a meal or just a quick pit-stop, try our winter menu with freshly prepared food inspired by the season. Quick snacks and delicious cakes available too.

Pear and caramelised biscuit scones with caramelised biscuit clotted cream and pear compote

Shopping at Nymans 

Browse local and artisan products in our shop, with a wide range of plants including some grown on site in ‘The Nymans Collection’.

A selection of throws from the 2025 autumn/winter collection

Historic houses decked out for Christmas 

Step back in time and visit a historic house decorated for Christmas. Discover traditions from medieval to modern times, join in with crafting and carol singing, and celebrate the season.

Visitors admiring the Christmas tree at Dyrham Park, Gloucestershire

Christmas lights and winter illuminations 

See your favourite places lit up with colour by visiting the best Christmas 2026 light trails and displays near you.

Wimpole Hall illuminated by Christmas lights

Christmas in Sussex 

Discover the festive traditions we're bringing to life at our country houses, atmospheric gardens and wintry countryside for Christmas in Sussex.

A girl and a boy looking at a Christmas tree, covered in lights at Ickworth in Suffolk.