Christmas at Erddig

A family exploring the Christmas decorations in Erddig Hall, Wrexham — A family exploring the Christmas decorations at Erddig, Wrexham. | © National Trust Images/Paul Harris

Come together to celebrate old traditions and make new memories this Christmas at Erddig. See the house decorated throughout, visit our reverse grotto and explore the garden before tucking into some Yuletide treats for the perfect day out.

What to expect

It is 50 years since the National Trust took ownership of Erddig and this year our Christmas theme is inspired by ‘the gift of giving’ to mark this historic moment. The house and yards will be beautifully decorated, there will be Christmas-inspired craft activities, a reverse grotto, live music on selected dates and a selection of festive food and drink to enjoy after a stroll through the garden. You can also enjoy breakfast or supper with Father Christmas.

Opening times

1 November - 1 December open daily 10am-4pm. House open 11.30am-2.30pm, only the lower ground floor of the house will be open.
2-23 December open daily 10am-4pm. House open 11.30am-2.30pm -
follow the Christmas route through the house which will include the lower ground floor and some family rooms.
On December 18, 19, 20 and 21 we are extending the opening hours of the house. It will be open from 11.30am-2.30pm and will reopen at 3.30pm with the last entry at 6.30pm. The property will close at 7pm prompt.
Closed 24 and 25 December.
26 -31 December, open daily 10am-4pm. House open 11.30am-2.30pm - follow the Christmas route through the house which will include the lower ground floor and some family rooms.
1-7 January, open daily 11am-4pm. House open 11.30am-3pm - follow the Christmas route through the house which will include the lower ground floor and some family rooms.
Find out more about our opening times here

Christmas in the house

The property’s lavish interior and fascinating collection will provide a rich backdrop for our Christmas decorations.

Enjoy decorations throughout the house including stunning floral displays. See some of the incredible silver collection and marvel at the saloon dressed for a traditional Christmas evening exuding luxury and elegance.

Be sure to spot the gold items as you follow the Christmas trail through the house and record how many you find.

Finish your journey by seeing a display of over 2,200 wrapped presents, each one representing 10 items in Erddig’s vast collection, which is one of the largest in the Trust.

String Trio Band will perform in the house near the grand staircase on December 2, 9 and 16 between 11am and 3pm. On December 3 Dynamic Signing Choir will give 40-minute performances at 11.15am and 1pm in the Timber Yard.

Family playing pooh sticks on a stone bridge at Erddig in Wales — Family playing pooh sticks on the bridge at Erddig | © National Trust Images/Natalie Overthrow

Festive family fun

Reverse grotto

This December there will be a reverse grotto at Erddig in aid of Wrexham Foodbank.

Items including tinned fruit or vegetables, pasta, tea and coffee, juice, UHT milk, pasta and toiletries can be donated at our ticket office during normal opening hours. At weekends (2 to 17 December) you can even meet Father Christmas himself.

Find out what the foodbank is in need of here

Bauble decorating

Pop into our education room throughout December and have a go at decorating a bauble to hang on our tree – or take home with you.

On 2, 3, 9, 10, 16 and 17 December get creative and make your own Christmas decoration from clay to take away and remind you of a fabulous festive day out.

These activities are free, but normal admission charges apply.

There will also be the chance to decorate a paper bauble every day from December 2-23. Call into the education room anytime between 10am and 4pm to make a paper decoration to take home or hang on our tree.

Breakfast and Supper with Father Christmas

Tuck into a delicious Welsh breakfast with a very special guest - Father Christmas. Enjoy songs, a special story and a small gift for children. It takes place on 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 22 and 23 December.

Alternatively, join Father Christmas for a festive supper on 16, 17, 22 or 23 December. Booking is essential for both events and an additional charge applies.

Click here for details on how to book, or for more information about our Christmas events

Storytelling

Throughout December, families can snuggle up with a favourite book in our cosy indoor reading space in the bookshop. Volunteer storytellers will also be popping in when available to share a story and bring some festive tales to life.

Father Christmas in his grotto at Erddig, surrounded by visitor’s donations to the local foodbank. — Father Christmas in his grotto at Erddig, Wrexham | © National Trust Images/Rob Stothard

Christmas walks

A winter walk on Erddig's 1,200-acre estate is the perfect opportunity to slow down and enjoy simple moments to treasure this Christmas. Dog-friendly trails mean all the family can join in.

Festive food and drink

Warm up with a hot drink from the restaurant, pick up a bite to eat from the seasonal menu, or treat yourself to a mulled wine, hot chocolate, toasted marshmallows (selected dates) or a slice of cake to round off your Yuletide visit to Erddig.

Christmas shopping made easy

Want some inspiration for Christmas gifts? Stop by our gift shop which is stocked with a wonderful selection of gifts and decorations. Treat your loved ones or yourself this Christmas. Every donation and purchase made during your visit helps us to care for the nature, beauty and history of this special place.