– Step inside historic houses transformed for the season, filled with twinkling trees, festive greenery and handcrafted decorations
– Meet Father Christmas and enjoy magical storytelling and family experiences
– Browse Christmas markets for gifts and treats, with mince pies and warming drinks along the way
– Wrap up for winter adventures inspired by much-loved stories and family favourites, including Shaun the Sheep
As winter settles in and Christmas draws closer, National Trust places are getting ready to welcome visitors for a season filled with festive experiences.
From beautifully decorated houses and atmospheric winter walks to Christmas markets, family trails and visits from Father Christmas, there are plenty of ways to make memories together this year.
Step through the doors of historic houses dressed for Christmas, where glowing lights, seasonal greenery and traditional decorations bring rooms to life. Outside, pull on your winter boots and explore frosty gardens, woodlands and parklands, or settle in for a warming drink and a festive treat.
Emily Rapley, Experiences and Partnerships Curator for the National Trust, said:
‘Christmas at the National Trust is all about those moments that make the season feel special, from stepping outside on a crisp winter morning to seeing a historic house glowing with festive lights.‘This year, visitors can discover houses transformed for Christmas, see much-loved stories brought to life and head outdoors for winter adventures with family favourites.‘Whether you’re starting a new tradition or returning to an old favourite, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the season together.’
Here are some of the festive highlights to enjoy in Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire:
Clumber Park, Nottinghamshire
Christmas at Clumber Park runs from 21 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, with a festive programme full of family adventures, seasonal traditions and winter walks.
Visitors can discover The Trail of Peter Rabbit™, featuring 12 larger-than-life sculptures decorated by artists from across the UK, free with admission. From 28 November, families can also step into a magical Winter Wonderland to meet Father Christmas, with special story time sessions for little ones.
Festive experiences include wreath-making and decoration workshops, a performance of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, Nine Lessons and Carols, family lantern walks and the annual Tinsel Trek.
The Turning Yard café will serve traditional two- or three-course Christmas dinners on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 1–17 December, with booking essential. There’s also festive fun for four-legged visitors, including Santa Paws at Central Bark café.
Belton Estate, Lincolnshire
This festive season, enjoy An Upstairs Downstairs Christmas at Belton Estate as you’re invited to spend a decadent Christmas day with the Brownlows. From 28 November, the house will be decorated to celebrate yuletide family traditions, from skating on the lake to parlour games in the library, dancing in the saloon, hymns in the chapel, and an opulent festive feast. Once visitors have had a taste of the glamourous life upstairs, they’ll be able to find out how it all happens with an exclusive look at some of Belton’s servant areas, open for the first time in ten years from Saturday 21 November with special tours running on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
The house will also be lending its historic atmosphere to immersive one-man performances of festive classic A Christmas Carol. The show, by Behind the Door Productions, captures the joy, humour and darkness of this traditional piece and will take place in the Marble Hall on Friday 18 and Saturday 19 December, with limited tickets available.
The gardens are set to sparkle too with the return of Christmas at Belton from Friday 20 November. The spectacular lights event is packed with dazzling new installations this year including a magical night sky on the lake, a huge illuminated deer watching over visitors, and enormous shimmering feathers suspended from colourfully-lit trees.
Grantham House, Lincolnshire
Present lists can be checked and ticked off at Grantham House this winter, as the popular Christmas Market returns. Bustling with fantastic local traders and bursting with magical handmade gifts, it will be taking place on Sunday 29 November from 10am to 4pm.
In the winter tradition of telling spooky stories at the fireside, a one-man production of Dracula, by Don’t Go Into The Cellar! Theatre Company, will be performed in the historic setting of the main hall on the evening of Wednesday 18 November, followed on Friday 4 December by a festive foray into the world of Jane Austen with one-woman play From Chawton, written and performed by Beckis Cooper.
Delivering a colourful dose of yuletide joy, a big top will be installed in the gardens from Saturday 19 December as the local Circus Starlight hold their Christmas Circus. A dazzling display of aerial, acrobatics, comedy, juggling and much more, the performers range from adult professional to members of the company’s Young Performers Project, funded by Arts Council England.
Gunby Estate, Hall and Gardens , Spilsby, Lincolnshire
From Saturday 28 November to Wednesday 23 December, discover a home filled with festive cheer as Gunby Hall is beautifully decorated for this year’s theme, Board Games and Baubles.
From 11am, with last entry to the house at 2.30pm, wander through twinkling rooms inspired by much-loved family board games, reimagined with a festive twist, and enjoy a playful celebration that brings the whole family together.
After exploring the house, visitors can enjoy a winter walk through the estate before settling into the tea-room to enjoy a warming seasonal treat. Browse the second-hand bookshop for thoughtful Christmas gifts, including beautifully wrapped mystery books paired with festive ornaments and carefully curated mystery book bundles, perfect for book lovers and curious readers alike.
For those seeking more adventure, download the free Stranger Folk app before your visit and embark on a magical quest through Gunby’s gardens and grounds. Guided by the mysterious Crone, you’ll uncover hidden clues, take on folklore-inspired challenges and help restore the balance between the natural and magical worlds as you search for the elusive Stranger Folk. Suitable for all ages, it’s a wonderful way to discover more of Gunby’s grounds while immersing yourself in a world of myth and imagination.
Image: Hardwick Wintertide at Hardwick Hall – credit – National Trust Images Jon Scrimshaw
Posted on 22 October 2026
