Christmas at the Treasure Houses of England

Begin the festive season with a visit to the Treasure Houses of England and experience the wonderful spirit of Christmas at 10 of the most magnificent castles, houses and palaces. With a feast of festive tours, choirs and Christmas Markets there is something for everyone to enjoy over this winter.

From mid-November, Beaulieu Palace House will be resplendent with festive trees and Victorian style Christmas decorations, garlands, lights and a full-size sleigh. Discover the charm of a traditional Christmas this winter as Victorian characters share the secrets of 'Christmas Past'. Explore the beautiful historic house and see the magnificent table in the Lower Dining Room set for Christmas dinner.

Head to Blenheim Palace from 7-20 December to see the Palace decked with beautiful decorations. Families can meet Father Christmas in the Pleasure Gardens where there will be lots of festive activities for all the family to enjoy, whilst visitors can delight in a yuletide music programme in the Palace. Enjoy shopping in style at the Living Crafts Christmas Market 19-22 November, with over 150 British designer makers showcasing their contemporary crafts in the Great Court and East Courtyard.

The Burghley House Christmas Fair from 26 – 29 November offers a unique opportunity to find perfect gifts in the beautiful Elizabethan surrounding of the Chestnut Courtyard and Brewhouse. Wander amongst the stands and choose from exciting new products perfect for stocking fillers and Christmas gifts. During the Christmas Fair our Christmas Shop will once again pop-up offering Christmas bargains. The Christmas Fine Food Market will also be taking place on 28th and 29th.

Celebrate Christmas at Castle Howard from 21 November – 23 December 2015. The house is transformed with candles, garlands and wreaths alongside soaring trees glittering with baubles and lights; live music and roaring log fires add to the seasonal celebrations in the house.  The cobbled stable courtyard will bustle with stalls selling local crafts, gifts and produce on selected dates and in the farm shop treat yourself to festive goodies. In the gift shops and garden centre pick up all you need for the perfect Christmas, from trees and seasonal plants to decorations, gifts, cards and wrap. 

Visit Chatsworth to see the famous Christmas displays in the house take inspiration from the children's classic The Wind in the Willows, with Christmas at Chatsworth with Mr Toad. Enjoy magical nativity performances in the farmyard, floral workshops and wreath making demonstrations too. Get your Christmas shopping off to an early start with the range of gift shops and visit the Christmas market, 12-29 November, with over 100 stalls of gifts and festive treats for the whole family.

Whilst Harewood House formally closes for the Winter, the Gardens, Bird Garden and Adventure Playground will be open to the public for two weekends in November, providing a great opportunity to get out into the fresh air. Explore the autumnal park with crisp red leaves and enjoy a delicious hot chocolate at our Ice Creak Kiosk.

Visit Hatfield House for the Frost Fair on Thursday 26 Nov with Father Christmas, festive entertainment, 200 exhibitions, fine food fair, Stable Yard retailers and Coach House restaurant. On Sunday 6 December the Hertfordshire Chorus, directed by David Temple, will be preforming a range of Christmas classics in the Old Palace. Enjoy mulled wine and mince pies as they perform Christmas favourites.

Join in the festivities as we open the doors of Holkham Hall for our seasonal celebrations. Enjoy a sparkling show 'The Night Before Christmas' with Diva Opera (4-5 Dec), or our festive theatrical entertainment with the popular production, 'A Christmas Carol' (12–13 Dec). There will be a chance too for children to meet the bringer of festive magic with 'An Audience with Father Christmas' (18-21 Dec).

Visit Leeds Castle for the annual Christmas Market on the Cedar Lawn overlooking the Castle (5-6, 12-13, 19-23 Dec). Discover an array of seasonal gift ideas, toys, decorations, food and drink and meet the Castle birds of prey. In the centre of the market, enjoy the nostalgic fairground attractions, children's rides and a daily programme of live musical entertainment.

Woburn Abbey will be helping visitors create their own festive adornments on Saturday 5 December at their Making Christmas Wreaths workshop. There is also a chance to have a free guided tour of the gardens where visitors will be able to find out about the plants, trees and historic features from one of Woburn's expert guides.

ENDS

For more information please contact Melodie Manners | melodie@flamingo-marketong.co.uk | 01637 873379 or 07815 709548