- Historic houses in full festive splendour with crackling fires, fragrant garlands, and handmade decorations
- Santa’s grottoes and story-time with Father Christmas
- Mulled wine, mince pies and homemade gifts at Christmas markets
- Winter trails inspired by fairy tales and festive family favourites
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.
See historic houses decorated in the style of Christmases gone by, wrap up warm and enjoy the crunch of frost underfoot on family trails or shop for stocking fillers under twinkling lights at Christmas markets. Plus, if you’re lucky you might spot Father Christmas on one of his annual visits.
Here’s a roundup of some of the National Trust’s best Christmas events in Norfolk.
Blickling Estate
- A Blickling Wild Winter, Saturday 2 – 23 December 10am – 3pm, last entry into the house at 2.30pm.
This festive season, Lady Constance Lothian invites you to explore the Blickling Hall decorated in an Arts and Crafts style where the outside has come in. Animals have appeared throughout the house – helping them to prepare for Christmas Day.
See the animals caper through the rooms leaving paw prints across the snow-filled Lower Ante Room, helping Constance to finish sewing her Christmas gown in the Print Room, creating a Christmas dinner fit for a family of hedgehogs in the Dining Room – while the owls and bats are enjoying a Christmas story snuggled in the cosy Upper Ante Room.
The magic grows stronger as you walk through a wintery garden in the Long Gallery, where you’ll find out who is creating this wild Christmas chaos?
Enjoy a spot of Christmas shopping in the shop and tuck into delicious seasonal food and warming drinks in the Stables and Muddy Boots cafés.
There’s no need to book tickets for a visit during these times. Entry is free to National Trust members, and normal admission charges apply for non-members.
- Wild Winter After Dark at Blickling, Saturday 2 – Sunday 17 December, 5pm–8pm.
The National Trust’s Blickling Estate is preparing to wow visitors once again for its biggest annual fundraiser, this year with a wilder twist! Allow yourself to be transported into a winter wonderland. Begin your evening journeying through the magically lit Walled Garden, before heading towards the Parterre filled with colour and light. Listen out for the sounds of nature as you explore, take in the natural scent of the trees in the illuminated Arboretum and look out for tracks and footprints along the way – can you spot all the animals on your way to the festive Farmyard?
Enjoy warming mulled wine, spiced apple juice, mince pies and gingerbread as you explore, or tuck into burritos, waffles or loaded chips from the delicious outdoor food offers in the Farmyard, before having fun toasting marshmallows on an open fire. Discover last minute stocking fillers, or that perfect present for your loved ones as you wander through the Blickling shop.
Christmas at Blickling provides a special way to celebrate the festive season with an unmissable after-dark experience. The trail is designed for visitors of all ages and features a one-mile accessible route for everyone to enjoy.
Book now to secure your choice of date and time here.
Admission: Adult £16.00, Child* £10.00, Family (1 adult, up to 3 children) £32.00, Family (2 adults, up to 3 children) £44.00.
* Children under five go free and but do still require a pre-booked ticket. Parking included within ticket prices.
Oxburgh Estate
- Dec the Halls from 1st December
Explore Oxburgh Hall transformed for Christmas, with candles, twinkling lights, and real-life Christmas trees. Wander through the state rooms and admire the traditional decorations that grace the hall. There is also a trail and Christmas themed activities to be enjoyed by the little ones.
Visit the Servants Hall tearoom and discover a selection of delicious festive treats, from sweet treats to festive drinks, or pop by the shop to purchase the perfect Christmas present, treat or souvenir.
Enter the grand Saloon to hear some of your favourite festive tunes being played by our volunteer pianist*.
*Saturday and Sunday dates only. This activity is dependent upon volunteer availability.
CHRISTMAS : Dec the Hall | National Trust
- Story telling with Father Christmas
Bring the magic of Christmas alive and join Father Christmas for a magical yuletide tale in The Potting Shed, the home of Oxburgh’s second-hand bookshop.
After the story, Father Christmas will have a small gift for you to take home.
Please note that each child requires a ticket and due to space limitations in The Potting Shed, only 1 free accompanying adult is permitted per child.
This event doesn’t include general admission to site. Standard admissions charges apply to the property to non-members on arrival.
CHRISTMAS: Story telling with Father Christmas | National Trust
- Festive Wreath Workshop
Come and get into the festive spirit and create your own beautiful luxury wreath to adorn your door at our Festive Wreath Workshop, in collaboration with The Floral Sistas.
Local florist, Floral Sistas, will teach you all the techniques you need and using foliage from the Oxburgh Estate and natural decorations, together, you will create a beautiful traditional festive wreath. Tickets also include a tea or coffee, served with a festive treat.
All tools, equipment and guidance will be provided. Tickets to this event also include entry to Oxburgh Hall and the Esatate so once you’re done with being creative, you’ll be able to enjoy the delights of Oxburgh decorated for Christmas.
Tickets are priced at £65.00 per person and you can book via the link below.
CHRISTMAS: Festive Wreath Workshop | National Trust
Felbrigg Hall, Gardens and Estate
- Experience The Wolves of Wild Wood Hall
24 November – 18 December (Friday-Monday and Tuesday 12 December)
11am-3pm (last entry 2.30pm)
All tickets available on the day
Bring the family together and get festive at Felbrigg. Discover the tale of Norfolk’s last wolf pack and its secret hideaway under the flagstones.
Wander through dreamily dressed ground floor showrooms and follow the story of the wolves’ unexpected pact with their fellow furry and feathered creatures. Marvel as the animals celebrate their promise with feasts, parlour games and festive cheer. Ignite your senses as the tale is brought to life through illustrations, soundscapes and an abundance of decorations sourced from the estate.
The indoor trail is topped off with a children’s craft activity while tearoom treats await at the Squire’s Pantry.
There’s no need to book in advance. Entry is free to National Trust members, and non-members can pay on arrival (Adults: £12, Children: £6, Family: £18-£30)
