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Christmas days out with the National Trust in Norfolk

The nights are drawing in, it’s getting colder, and Christmas isn’t far away. Which means it’s time to get into the festive spirit – and there’s no better way than visiting the National Trust in Norfolk.  

See historic houses decorated in the style of Christmases gone by, enjoy festive family trails, take part in classic Christmas crafts, or have a good old sing-along with open-air carols concerts. Plus, if you’re lucky, you might even spot Father Christmas on one of his annual visits.

Carl Greenman, National Programming & Production Manager at the National Trust said: ‘Christmas at the National Trust is always magical but this year we’ve got more events and activities than ever before. We can’t wait to see families and friends coming together, making memories, and experiencing the festive atmosphere at the places the National Trust cares for.’

Here’s a roundup of some of the National Trust’s best Christmas events in your area.

Blickling Estate

  • A 1930s Christmas in the Hall, 28 November – 18 December, 11am – 2pm, no need to book.
  • Garden of lights at Blickling 28 November – 18 December, 4pm – 8pm. Pre-booking essential.

Nobody ever forgets their first sight of Blickling. The breath-taking Jacobean mansion and ancient yew hedges sit at the heart of a magnificent garden and historic parkland.

Enter down the main drive and spend the morning exploring the house dressed for a fantastical 1930s festive celebration, before doing a spot of present shopping and visiting the cafés for festive food and drinks. Or book tickets to enjoy an evening soaking up the atmosphere in our magical garden of lights. Begin your evening visit through the magically lit walled garden, before discovering the Parterre and Orangery gardens illuminated with colour and light. Experience a feast for all the senses with festive food treats at the Temple, or pizzas and cocktails on the main drive surrounded by magical lights.

Blickling Estate

 Felbrigg Hall, Gardens and Estate

  • The ground floor of the House is open for Christmas 12 – 3pm on Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays between 3-18 December

One of the most elegant country houses in East Anglia, Felbrigg Hall is a place of surprises and delights. It is a perfect mixture of opulence and homeliness where each room reflects Felbrigg’s vibrant history. Come and visit the House dressed up for a traditional family Christmas at weekends this December. See the beautifully decorated tree in the morning room, the grand festive fest in the dining room and the drawing room set up with traditional games and drinks. Take a peek at how the house staff might have celebrated in the servant’s corridor and look out for the Christmas trail as you explore.

Felbrigg Hall, Gardens and Estate

Oxburgh Hall

  • Storytelling with Father Christmas, weekends in December
  • Christmas decorations in the House, Thurs-Sun, 11am-2.30pm, closed 19-28 December
  • Festive music, weekends in December
  • Winter house tours, Thursday and Fridays between 11am and 2pm, free flow at weekends

From traditional decorations in the house, to storytelling with Father Christmas, and delicious festive treats, Oxburgh Hall has Christmas all wrapped up. Little ones can meet the man himself as he reads a Christmas story in the cosy Potting Shed second-hand bookshop at weekends in December. Head into the house to enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of the festive season. Discover the twinkling lights, dazzling trees and traditional decorations throughout the ground floor rooms of the house, adding sparkle and joy to grey winter days. To get us all in the festive spirit, choirs and brass bands will be playing seasonal music in Oxburgh’s courtyard at weekends in December. Join us on Thursdays and Fridays for guided tours of the house where you can explore the North Bedroom and also see the Marian Hangings which are now back on display at Oxburgh Hall for the first time since the roof restoration project began in 2016. The ground floor rooms, North Bedroom and Marian Hangings room, will be open free flow at weekends.

Oxburgh Hall