Christmas at Lacock

Storytime with Mother Christmas 

The Servant's Hall will be transformed into a cosy, magical grotto this Christmas for Mother Christmas to take a break from her busy schedule (she works very hard behind the scenes you know!), to read stories and gift some early presents. 

All-in: Saturday - Sunday from 12 to 20 December Storytime with Mother Christmas
Toddler sessions: Friday 11 and 18 December Toddler time with Mother Christmas
 

Christmas in the courtyard and gardens

The Botanic Garden bothy will be decorated for the season, with self-led Christmas crafts and colouring every day. You can write letters to Father Christmas here, and then walk down the drive to where the historic Bakehouse has been transformed into a North Pole post room. 

Father Christmas always parks his sleigh in the Courtyard (perhaps he's partial to a cake from the Courtyard Tearoom?) so you can take a festive snap with the willow reindeer. 

And on the weekends enjoy the merry sounds of Christmas community choirs who will be singing in the Courtyard (times and dates to be confirmed). 

The Great Hall at Christmas 

Open from 28 November - 31 December

Whilst the rest of the house is closed for the annual deep clean, the Great Hall re-opens for the Christmas period, with traditional decorations and an impressive tree which always makes a great backdrop for a festive selfie. There's dressing up for both grown ups and children, a childrens' corner to explore and a rocking horse for the little ones. 

Community Christmas Tree Festival 

One of Lacock's best-loved traditions returns for 2026 with a display of Christmas trees decorated by local community groups, charities and schools, all displayed in the Cloister. 

Each year there is a different theme for the trees with decorations made using upcycled or sustainable materials. 

2025 Winners
1st place:  2Wish with For Our Stars
2nd place: Abbey Crafters with No Past, no present. No present, no future.
3rd place: Chippenham Community Hub with Loyalty and Diversity
4th place: Wiltshire Fostering with Future Hopes
5th place: Pride in Chippenham CIC with Chippenham Through the Rainbow; Then, Now and Always.

Pop-up Christmas shopping in the Manger Barn

Lacock provides so many opportunities for gift buying for friends and family. The High Street Shop sells quality, eco-friendly and locally made items all year round. The Manger Barn is not usually open to the public, so each year visitors can take the chance to soak up some festive atmosphere and choose some beautiful gifts for friends and family. Meet the maker and tasting events take place on selected days. Find it in the Manger Barn Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 13 November until 6 December. 

Seasonal food and drink

During a day of sight seeing and gift shopping in the village, the Stables Café has seasonal specials for all the family . The Courtyard Cafe by the abbey will be open weekends and during the school holidays.

Christmas shopping

As well as the National Trust shop in the High Street and the pop-up Christmas shop in the Manger Barn, there are some charming independent shops in the village, so a day at Lacock provides a perfect opportunity to tick gifts off your list every year. 

The second-hand bookshop in the Courtyard is also always a good shout for the bookworms in your life, open every day (except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day) with all kinds of books on offer, from biography to cookery, fiction to sport.