From stunning decorations to twinkling lights, festive shows and Santa’s grottos, National Trust have got you covered this festive season.
There’s something extra special about visiting a National Trust site during the festive season. Winter transforms these historic estates into stunning wonderlands, where frosty landscapes sparkle under moody twilight hues.
Glimmering fairy lights lead you along winding pathways, casting a soft glow on centuries-old architecture and ancient woodlands dusted in frost. Here’s everything you can look forward to this Christmas at Yorkshire’s National Trust sites.
Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal
© Copyright National Trust Images, Annapurna Mellor
A festive visit to Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal is nothing short of magical. Wrap up and wander through the ruins, now illuminated in rainbow colours, casting a mystical glow across the abbey’s stone walls.
Across the estate, enchanting Winter Tales await. Stories like The Mitten, The Silver Pinecones, The Nutcracker, and The Children and The Sun are brought to life in immersive settings. On weekends, you can enjoy these tales with storytellers or even the author herself.
Live choirs and bands add to the magic, filling the abbey with Christmas music that drifts through the grounds. As you explore, festive scents waft through the air – why not grab a seasonal bake to complete your winter stroll?
Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden, Ripon, North Yorkshire, HG4 3DY. Meet the author at 11am, 12pm & 2pm on Saturday 30th November and Sunday 1st December 2024. Live choirs & bands will be performing every Saturday & Sunday from 30th November to 29th December, excluding Sunday 8th & Sunday 15th December 2024.
Treasurer’s House
© Copyright National Trust Images, Arnhel de Serra
Nestled behind York Minster, a visit to Treasurer’s House is like stepping into a festive time capsule. This historic townhouse, transformed by Frank Green in the early 1900s, is beautifully adorned for Christmas, each room telling stories of Frank and his lively household.
The Grand Hall dazzles with a towering 18-foot Christmas tree, while charming handcrafted decorations dress the walls. With the kids? A trail of felted mice – Frank’s “helpers” – can be found through the house. Look out for Monsieur Viande the chef and the kitchen maid preparing a festive feast!
Outside, the award-winning garden offers peace and quiet alongside uninterrupted views of York Minster. And no visit is complete without stopping off at the cafe – their Christmas pudding scones are an absolute must-try.
Treasurer’s House, Minster Yard, York, North Yorkshire, YO1 7JL. Festive events take place Saturday to Wednesday from Saturday 16th November to Wednesday 18th December 2024.
Wentworth Castle Gardens
© Copyright National Trust Images, Annapurna Mellor
Over at Wentworth Castle Gardens in Barnsley, there’s something for all ages. Get creative with wreath-making and craft workshops, or get involved with the community toy swap – bring a pre-loved toy and you’ll get free entry to the gardens!
There’s more to be found outdoors. The Enchanted Tree Trail invites you deep into the woods to discover the secret lives of the garden’s winter wildlife. Squirrels, robins, they’re all here, and then some. Catch it throughout December and January.
Elsewhere, follow the Woolly Jumper Trail and wander in the parkland, passing fascinating historic monuments and taking in the stunning views. Keep an eye out for the grazing deer in the distance!
Wentworth Castle Gardens, Park Drive, Barnsley, South Yorkshire, S75 3EN. The community toy swap takes place from 10:30am to 2:30pm on Saturday 30th November & Sunday 1st December 2024.
Nostell Priory
© Copyright National Trust Images, Annapurna Mellor
Dressed to the nines in timeless, traditional decor, Nostell Priory is the perfect place to get into the Christmas spirit. Picture roaring fires, twinkling lights, and the sweet scent of gingerbread – follow it to discover Nostell’s charming gingerbread village.
Father Christmas will also be making an appearance. He’ll be welcoming visitors into his cosy den on weekends, telling stories about his life in Lapland, but visit on a Friday and you might even spot him roaming the halls – watch as those little faces light up with delight when they see him!
After enjoying the festive warmth indoors, wrap up and step outside to explore the beauty of Nostell’s winter landscape. The gardens and parkland are enchanting at this time of year, especially in the morning light when the winter sun glimmers off the lakes and frosted foliage.
Nostell Priory, Doncaster Road, Nostell, Wragby, Wakefield, West Yorkshire, WF4 1QE. Catch Father Christmas roaming the halls on Friday 6th, 13th and 20th December 2024. He’ll be available for visits on Saturdays and Sundays in December. Pre-booking required for entry.
Ormesby Hall
© Copyright National Trust Images, Trevor Ray Hart
Step into a fairy-tale Christmas at Ormesby Hall where festive lights, magical decorations, and seasonal treats bring the season to life. The hall’s rooms will be dressed with themes inspired by Cinderella, The Snow Queen and Hansel & Gretel, creating a spellbinding atmosphere for all ages.
New for this year is the The Frost Kingdom Show, an enchanting Santa experience in partnership with The Walking Theatre Company. Families are invited to join Father Christmas, the Snow Queen, and Jack Frost for a captivating performance, followed by a meet and greet session. Each child will even get a lovingly crafted gift to take home.
Visit on one of Ormesby Hall’s festive evenings to see the hall lit up against the winter sky, enjoy music, festive food and drink and huddle up by the fire pit. With late opening times, it’s a rare chance to see the majestic hall decorated for Christmas at night.
Ormesby Hall, Ladgate Lane, Ormesby, Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire, TS3 0SR. The decorated hall is open from 10:30am to 3pm every Friday to Monday from Friday 22nd November until Sunday 22nd December 2024. The Frost Kingdom Show takes place every weekend from Saturday 7th to Sunday 22nd December 2024. The festive evening takes place from 6pm to 8:30pm on Friday 6th December 2024.
East Riddlesden Hall
© Copyright National Trust Images, Joanne Crawford
Embrace the Christmas spirit at Keighley’s East Riddlesden Hall, where festive cheer fills every corner. The historic hall is beautifully decorated for the season, setting a warm and inviting scene that’s perfect for making lasting memories.
Visitors can look forward to cosy storytelling sessions with Mrs Claus, whose charming tales capture the attention of young and old alike, while you can craft your own seasonal masterpiece at a Christmas wreath workshop.
Throughout December, choirs fill the air with joyful carols and a pop-up Christmas market is the perfect place to grab unique gifts. After exploring, warm up in the tearoom with a delicious festive treat, rounding out a perfect winter visit filled with festive magic.
East Riddlesden Hall, Bradford Road, Riddlesden, Keighley, West Yorkshire, BD20 5EL. Festive storytelling with Mrs Claus takes place on weekends from Saturday 23rd November to Sunday 22nd December, plus Monday 23rd December 2024. Christmas wreath workshops take place on Saturday 23rd & Sunday 24th November & Saturday 7th December 2024.
Nunnington Hall
© Copyright National Trust Images, Rebecca Hughes
Step back in time this Christmas at Nunnington Hall. Steeped in history, its the perfect backdrop for a festive day out. Get lost in the past as you wander the rooms, each one decorated with inspiration from different eras.
Experience the opulence of a Georgian Christmas, the splendour of a Victorian golden age celebration and a Tudor feast fit for a king, before reliving the lively spirit of 1980s Christmas parties. On Sundays, there’ll be performances from a local choir.
For an extra touch of magic, visit during one of two special festive evenings in December. As night falls, the hall takes on an enchanting glow, with candles flickering in the windows to create a truly magical atmosphere. With boozy mulled wine and a fire pit, it doesn’t get better than this.
Nunnington Hall, Nunnington, York, North Yorkshire, YO62 5UY. Discover Nunnington Hall’s Christmas through the ages on Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays from Friday 22nd November until Sunday 15th December 2024. Open from 10:30am to 4pm, last admission 3.15pm. Festive evenings take place from , 6pm to 8:30pm on Saturday 7th and Saturday 14th December 2024.
Terms & Conditions. Admission prices and car parking charges vary per site. National Trust members and under-5s get in free across all sites. Cover image: © Copyright National Trust Images, Trevor Ray Hart.
