Skip to content

Christmas at Petworth House

Brilliant gold and festooned Christmas trees in the Carved Room at Petworth, West Sussex
Brilliant gold and festooned Christmas trees in the Carved Room at Petworth, West Sussex | © Megan Taylor

Step into a festive wonderland set in the grand state rooms of Petworth House. Marvel at beautifully decorated trees and garlands, and be sure to look closely as there are some mischievous mice who have come to play.

A Christmas Spectacular at Petworth House

Sat 30th November 2024 to Sun 5th January 2025. Closed 24th and 25th December.

Petworth House is open 10.30am–4pm. The garden and main car park close at 5pm

Explore Petworth House to see showstopping trees, twinkling lights, beautifully adorned garlands and atmospheric lanterns this Christmas. Discover eight of our historic showrooms dressed for Christmas with playful mice hiding amongst the display.

Many of the decorations are inspired by the collection and colours in the rooms. There will be perfect places for photo opportunities, from the sleigh in the courtyard to the majestic lantern illuminating the Square Dining Room and the mice who have taken over the Marble Hall. You'll find a life sized paper-crafted nativity scene in the Chapel alonside trees waiting for your Christmas wish.

There will be choirs singing festive songs in the courtyard on weekends from Saturday 30th November until Sunday 15th December at 11.30am and 2.30pm.

On Saturday 30th November, Saturday 7th December and Friday 20th December you can experience a magical evening atmosphere with our festive late openings, when the House will be open until 6pm, with a choir performing at 5pm.

On Saturday 30th November and Sunday 1st December there will be a Christmas makers market in the Battery House and Exhibition Room selling festive gifts, run in partnership with Petworth Pop-up.

Wreath making workshops

Tues 3rd, Sat 7th and Sun 8th December, 10.30am & 2pm

Get into the festive spirit and add some Christmas cheer to your home with our traditional wreath making workshops.

Start by making your own wreath base from willow, which can be used year after year. Then learn how to finish your wreath using foliage collected from the grounds of Petworth. You are welcome to bring any other unique Christmas decoration pieces you would like to add to your wreath.

Includes a hot drink and mince pie.

Our workshops are suitable for all skill levels. All materials will be provided.

£50 per adult, per session. Booking is essential through our Events page or by calling 0344 249 1895

Photo opportunity under the colourful archway in the enchanted winter garden in the Marble Hall at Petworth, West Sussex
Photo opportunity under the colourful archway in the enchanted winter garden in the Marble Hall at Petworth | © Megan Taylor

The Servants' Quarters

Food, drink and Christmas sale shopping

Visit the Historic Kitchens to see a fabulous display of festive treats.

Visit the shop for some perfect Christmas gifts and the Audit Room Café for warming food and drink.

Planning your visit

The Christmas and New Year period can be a busy time at Petworth. Most of our visitors tend to arrive between 11am and 2pm, which can cause congestion in the car park. If you arrive at 10am you might find it a little quieter, or if you arrive after 2pm there’s still time to enjoy all that Petworth has to offer.

If you have the flexibility, a weekday visit is generally quieter than a weekend, even during school holidays. If you can only visit over the weekend, Saturdays are usually less busy than Sundays.

The Battery House will be open for indoor dog-friendly seating and picnic space from 10 December.

Please be aware the North Gallery, Beauty Room and Grand Stairs will be closed over the Christmas period.

The rotunda with yellow daffodils in the foreground in Petworth's pleasure garden.

Discover more at Petworth

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

You might also be interested in

Two of an extremely rare set of nine black and gilt walnut English or Italian sgabello chairs with the Percy crescent crest beneath an Earl's coronet in the centre of the splat
Article
Article

The collections at Petworth House and Park 

From famous pieces of art and sculpture to decorative arts and furniture, explore some of the most important collections in the National Trust.

The Ionic Rotunda surrounded with autumnal trees at Petworth, West Sussex
Article
Article

The Pleasure Garden at Petworth 

Find out what to see in the garden at Petworth House. From the peaceful woodland walk to the impressive Doric Temple, there's much to take in during a stroll.

View across the Upper Pond to the West Front of the house at Petworth House and Park, West Sussex
Article
Article

The history of Petworth House and Park 

From Tudor monarchs to Romantic painters, discover the rich history of Petworth House. Follow its journey from medieval home to grand and inspirational house.

Fallow deer standing in grass parkland in front of trees and Petworth House
Article
Article

The Deer Park at Petworth 

The ‘Capability’ Brown designed parkland at Petworth House has much to explore. Discover things to do and what to keep an eye out for when you visit.