Discover more at Avebury
Find out when Avebury is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.
Christmas at Avebury
- Published:
- 19 October 2023
Visiting Avebury Manor at Christmas has become a traditional event for some families. Each year the manor is decorated with beautiful and skilfully produced hand-crafted ornaments made by volunteers. This year as you explore the manor rooms you'll be transported to different aspects of the traditional Christmas carol - The Twelve Days of Christmas. You'll see two turtle doves hanging from the chandelier in the dining room , seven swans a-swimming up the staircase, and nine ladies dancing through the Queen Anne bedroom. Why not make this your Christmas tradition? With a Christmas market, wreath-making workshops and a winter walk around the Avebury stone circles with an expert archaeologist, there's something for all the family.
Christmas at Avebury Manor: The Twelve Days of Christmas
18 November - 1 January, 11am - 4pm (last entry 3pm)
Once again the manor is decorated with delicate hand-crafted ornaments skillfully made by our dedicated volunteer team. This year we tell the story of The Twelve Days of Christmas and each room will be dressed to reflect a different part of the carol
Beginning in the Tudor Parlour, visitors will spy a handsome partridge nestled into the tree, two turtle doves will fly from the chandelier in the Dining Room and on entering the Billiard room, three fat hens will greet you.
Wandering upstairs in this historic manor, a real showpiece of the Christmas decorations will be the Queen Anne Bedroom. Here, nine dancing ladies, each one a handmade four-foot doll complete with individual satin and silk dresses, will dance round a Christmas tree.
Christmas at Avebury is especially unique as most of the decorations are handcrafted by a team of volunteers. This team work tirelessly throughout the year to make stunning pieces, using primarily recycled materials. From embroidered letters on a tree to felt swans swimming up the staircase, there’s something to admire at every turn.
Beyond the manor, the whole site will be festively decorated. Why not pop into the Circles Restaurant to warm up with a mince pie and hot drink, or finish your Christmas shopping in style at the National Trust shop?
.
Christmas events at Avebury
Find out more about the below events here
Christmas story-time in the Dovecote
This year, families can meet Lady True Love, the recipient of the Twelve Days of Christmas gifts, in the beautifully decorated dovecote. Join her for an interactive storytime finishing with a Christmas gift.
Book your Christmas story-time tickets
Christmas wreath-making workshops
Nothing says 'Christmas is here' like a handmade wreath on your front door. Join us at Avebury this year to make your very own wreath using natural foliage and Christmas decorations.
Winter walk with an archaeologist
Why not leave the crowds behind and join expert archaeologist, Dr Nick Snashall, for a winter ramble around the stone circles to learn all about the prehistory of the site and recent research into this enigmatic place?
Christmas Market at Avebury
Why not indulge in a spot of Christmas shopping and support local makers with a range of handmade goods on offer at the market, including textiles, recycled wood, jewellery, and handmade dog treats? All set within the atmospheric seventeenth century threshing barn, there will be carols and music each afternoon.
You might also be interested in
Article
History of Avebury
Find out more about the history of the area including research from two archaeological and geophysical surveys in 2017. Discover new findings at this important site.
Article
Things to do in Avebury Manor
The 16th-century manor house is furnished to display the time periods of some of the previous residents, from Tudor times until the 1930s. Unlike many places, at Avebury Manor you are allowed to sit in the chairs, touch the displays or play a game of billiards.
Article
Eating and Shopping at Avebury
The Circles Restaurant serves lunches, cakes, snacks and drinks. Visit the National Trust shop for sustainable products and gifts, or browse Cobblestones second-hand bookshop.
Christmas
Winter illuminations, a chance to meet Father Christmas, family trails and elaborate decorations are just some of what’s in store at the places we care for over the festive season in 2023.