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Christmas at Nostell
Experience the magic of Christmas at Nostell with sparkling decorations, festive markets, family walks, and a chance to meet Father Christmas. There’s something for everyone to enjoy this winter.
A Treemendous Christmas at Nostell
1 December 2026 – 3 January 2027
(Open daily, except 24–26 December in the house)
This Christmas, discover a festive celebration inspired by the beauty of trees at Nostell, near Wakefield. From beautifully decorated themed trees throughout the house to a magnificent outdoor tree illuminated for the season, festive magic can be found around every corner.
Highlights include:
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A magical snowy Doll's House, beautifully decorated for Christmas.
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A spectacular gingerbread house tree in the Lower Hall, adorned with gingerbread houses and festive decorations in rich red, white and green.
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Twinkling winter staircases, dressed with snowflakes, icicles and sparkling lights.
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A Victorian-inspired clockwork Christmas tree in the Billiard Room, featuring clocks, cogs, pocket watches and keys in elegant black, gold and copper tones.
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A unique book tree in the Library, crafted entirely from books and surrounded by literary-themed festive decorations.
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A globe-trotting Christmas tree in the Tapestry Room, decorated with hand-painted globes and shimmering blue, plum and gold accents inspired by travel and exploration.
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An enchanting tree inspired by nature in the Saloon, featuring birds, nests and delicate floral decorations in soft winter colours.
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A festive dining display centred around a creative cutlery tree, bringing seasonal sparkle to the Dining Room table.
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Wander through the Stables Courtyard, where a collection of beautifully decorated themed trees creates a welcoming festive display.
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See the magnificent outdoor tree in the gardens illuminated for the Christmas season.
Experience the warmth and enchantment of the season as festive trees and decorations fill the house and grounds with Christmas wonder.
Father Christmas at Nostell
Father Christmas is very busy at this time of year, but he'll be making special appearances in the house and gardens on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays during term time. As he roams the halls and paths, you may just bump into him for a chat as you explore the festive displays.
Please note that there are no bookable Father Christmas visits as part of the Christmas experience. The only dedicated opportunities to meet Father Christmas are through our Breakfast with Santa event and Quiet Santa visits for families with additional needs.
Tickets
Tickets can be purchased on the day from the ticket office only. Free admission for members.
Click to see ticket prices for your reference.
Please note: some of the rooms in the house remain closed for winter conservation during December.
Christmas craft market
7–8 November & 28–29 November
Join Forever After Collective in the Riding School where you can browse a wide range of one-of-a-kind handmade artisan arts and crafts crafted by talented local artists, designers, and makers.
Seasonal Food and Drink
Warm yourself up in the Courtyard café this winter. With homemade onepots and soups on the menu, alongside delicious bakes and festive treats. The Grab and Go takeaway outlet will also be open at weekends and school holidays.
Fancy something a bit different? Hot, bubbling cheese and golden crusts await at the pizza trailer under the trees. Try our festive specials and tasty veggie creations. Warm up with decadent hot chocolate or seriously good coffee. Don't forget to bring your own reusable cup to take advantage of the discounted price on hot drinks.
The pizza trailer is currently open at weekends between 10am and 4pm (coffee and snacks) with pizza served from 12 noon. It will be open every day between 19 December and 3 January (excl. 25 Dec).
Shopping
Find shelves full of festive joy in the shop, with beautiful gifts inspired by the places we care for. With decorations, cards, stocking fillers, thoughtful gifts and a small range of Jellycat collectable soft toys, the shop has everything you need for the festive season.
If you enjoy the beautiful tradition of gifting pre-loved books, head to the second hand bookshop in the courtyard or pavilion where you can find a book to suit all of the people in your life, from gardening to thrillers and everything in between.
Why not buy a whole year of adventures? Speak to our Welcome Team in the shop and find out more about gifting a National Trust membership this Christmas.
Winter picnics
You are always welcome to bring your own picnic and find a bench with a view to settle down to enjoy your lunch.
Winter walks at Nostell
No visit to Nostell at Christmas is complete without a winter walk. Wrap up warm and set out through frosty parkland on the Obelisk Lodge walk, where sweeping views and open skies make the season feel magical. Or step inside the gardens for the Menagerie Garden walk, where historic walls, towering trees and quiet corners offer a peaceful escape. Whether you’re spotting wildlife, crunching through leaves or simply soaking up the winter light, these walks are the perfect way to pause between festive activities - before heading back for a hot chocolate, seasonal treats, and the sparkle of Christmas at Nostell.
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Exploring the estate at Nostell
Follow the paths and tracks at Nostell to discover ancient woodland, an abundance of wildlife and rolling views across this enchanting Yorkshire landscape.
Visiting the house at Nostell
Explore one of the grandest houses in the north of England, furnished by Thomas Chippendale and home to one of the few remaining doll's houses from the 18th century, and a rare John Harrison clock.
Christmas in Yorkshire
From twinkling winter lights and houses dressed for the season, to wreath making, storytelling with Mrs Claus and meeting Father Christmas himself, there's plenty of fun festive things to do across Yorkshire.
Eating and shopping at Nostell
Visit the Courtyard Café with its range of seasonal treats, then head to the National Trust shop, where there’s a range of products inspired by the places we care for.
Group visits to Nostell
There's a rich variety of things to see and do for groups of all ages at Nostell, from exploring lakes and woodlands to exploring the house and stables.
Gardens and parks in Yorkshire
Enjoy Yorkshire's autumn gardens and parks, from the landscaped views at Fountains Abbey, to the gardens within a garden at Wentworth Castle Gardens, pathways and borders at Nostell, and the Mediterranean Garden at Beningbrough.
Gardening tips
Discover our gardeners’ top tips so you can make the most of your garden, plot or window box.
