Christmas at Waddesdon Manor

Displays in the House this year explore Waddesdon’s connection to the world of music with a festive twist, from traditional Christmas carols to Christmas No.1s. Outside, witness the gardens illuminated with sparkling lights and colour. Sat 16 Nov - Sun 5 Jan, Wed-Sun, 11am-6pm.

Bring the family and share a festive day out gazing at the decorated house, indulging in celebratory foods and shopping for gifts.

From dusk, the grounds will come to life with a light trail around the Aviary that playfully combines colour, sound and movement. The Manor’s facade will also be bathed in light with two unique shows.

Decorated rooms in the House at Christmas at Waddesdon Manor, a National Trust property in Buckinghamshire Play Video

Open Wednesday to Sunday, 16 Nov until 5 Jan 2020 including Mon 30 & Tue 31 Dec 2019 (closed 23-26 Dec)

House tickets

Advance booking only for decorated rooms in the House for all visitors including National Trust and Art Fund members. Note: a limited number of rooms in the house are decorated for Christmas, while others are closed for conservation and cleaning.

Grounds only

National Trust members & Under 5: Free
(ticket valid from 11am-6pm, on the day of your visit)

Grounds and house

All house tickets must be booked in advance. There will be no House tickets for sale on the day.

National Trust members, weekdays: £5 adult, £2.50 child, £12.50 family (up to 2 adults + 3 children) (house ticket valid for time slot chosen)

National Trust members, weekends: £7.50 adult, £3.75 child, £18.75 family (up to 2 adults + 3 children) (house ticket valid for time slot chosen)

BOOK NOW

Beautiful decorations along Armoury Corridor
Armoury corridor decorated for Christmas at Waddesdon Manor, Buckinghamshire
Beautiful decorations along Armoury Corridor

Unmissable Christmas Carnival highlights

Decorated rooms, East Wing and Bachelors' Wing

11.30am-6pm, Wed-Sun, until 5 Jan 2020
This year the House decorations have taken inspiration from traditional carols to contemporary Christmas songs, from The Holly and the Ivy to Irving Berlin and a cascade of vinyl Christmas hits. You’ll find dazzling decorations and trees sparkling with lights.

Light in motion, Coach House at the Stables

11am-6pm, until 5 Jan 2020
Arrive at the Stables and walk through the Coach House where you’ll see an amazing light installation. As you wander through, dozens of orbs of light will rise and fall from the floor to the ceiling, set to a soundscape. The illuminated kinetic orbs will change in time to the audio setting.

Aviary garden light trail

From dusk-6pm, Wed-Sun, until 2 Jan 2019
The whole family will enjoy following our illuminated light trail. See the trees and bushes lit up with a rainbow of colours. Walk through a brightly sparkling portal and see glitter balls and wine bottles hanging from branches.

Christmas fair at Waddesdon Manor, Buckinghamshire

Waddesdon Christmas Fair 

Soak up the sights, smells and sounds of Christmas with over 80 hand-selected exhibitors all in charming wooden chalets. Find a great selection of unusual Christmas gifts and festive foods. Normal garden admission applies. Sat 16 Nov - Sun 22 Dec, Wed-Sun, 11am-6pm.

See what's on offer at the Christmas Fair
Winter light at Christmas at Waddesdon Manor, a National Trust property in Buckinghamshire

Winter Light at Waddesdon 

See Waddesdon's gardens illuminated with light trails, light projection show on the Manor and festive Christmas trees. Sat 16 Nov - Sun 5 Jan 2020, Wed-Sun, 11am-6pm.

Discover Waddesdon's gardens aglow
Kids running at Christmas at Waddesdon Manor

Get the family together this Christmas at Waddesdon 

Create treasured memories by attending a family event or just soak up the magic of Christmas at Waddesdon in Buckinghamshire.

Start a tradition today
Mince pies at Waddesdon Manor

Festive Food at Waddesdon 

Make a date with friends over hot chocolate, indulge in an afternoon tea or tuck into a traditional Christmas lunch at the Manor Restaurant this Christmas. Join us at Waddesdon in Buckinghamshire for some seasonal fare.

Close up for Christmas decorations from Waddesdon Manor, Buckinghamshire

Seasonal Shopping at Waddesdon 

Want something to make your Christmas special? We have all you need with our pop-up shop where you can find that perfect gift or decoration to take home with you. Alternatively, indulge in the ultimate Christmas retail therapy with our Christmas Fair set against the enchanting backdrop of the floodlit Manor.

Party in style at Waddesdon Manor, Buckinghamshire
Waddesdon Manor   Buckinghamshire

Party the night away

If you're looking for the perfect venue for a Christmas party with a difference, nothing can match the unique atmosphere of Christmas at Waddesdon, with both the Dairy and Five Arrows Hotel offering party packages.

See more about Christmas parties
Winter trees in the gardens of Waddesdon Manor

Winter walks at Waddesdon 

Explore the beautiful grounds and beyond at Waddesdon this winter. Wrap up warm and burn off some of those festive calories.

Download your walks in advance

Visiting tips for Christmas

  • You may want to bring a torch too as some parking areas have limited lighting.
  • There are four buses and two big bendy buses (kids love them!) continuously shuttling visitors to the house, but if you would prefer to walk the route is lit all the way.
  • Our lit woodchip pathway is steep in places and after rain can become quite muddy so we don’t advise this walk for anyone with a pushchair, wheelchair or scooter.
  • Our bus queue may look long but it really does move quickly.

Staying warm

  • Please wrap up in warm clothes and wear wellies or boots.
  • You can find warm covered seating, with sheepskins and blankets in the Winter Wigwam, where we serve hearty food and drinks including mulled wine.

What’s the best time to come?

  • If you are looking for a quieter time to visit, we suggest a weekday visit. We are open Wed-Sun until 5 Jan (except 23-26 Dec).
  • The light projections and light trail are better the darker it gets.