Christmas with the National Trust in Wiltshire

Christmas with the National Trust in Wiltshire is light, bright and full of festive joy. Wrap up and embrace the chilly days with a family walk around a country estate, or get into the Christmas spirit with Father Christmas, storytelling, seasonal crafts and decorated houses.  There are treats in the cafés and shops filled with ideas to help with the Christmas shopping.

Here is what’s happening near you, please check the website for opening times and booking information.

©National Trust Images, James Dobson

Stourhead

This Christmas, Stourhead has a jam-packed festive calendar for the whole family. Feel the Christmas spirit come to life as you wander through the grand rooms of Stourhead house, decorated with twinkling lights, festive floral arrangements, and showstopping trees.

The magical evening light display is returning with a sea of light illuminating the lake, huge feathers floating high into the night sky, sparkling tunnels of light and illuminations that fill the air with all the colours of the rainbow. 

If you’re feeling creative, there are lino printing and wreath making workshops to create your own Christmas decorations, cards and wrapping paper.

Father Christmas will be visiting Stourhead to bring the festive feeling to even the littlest of visitors. Create cosy Christmas crafts, gallop with hobby-reindeer and snuggle up for a festive story with Father Christmas in his magical grotto.

If you’re after some fresh air, pull on your wellies and explore the circular walk to Alfred’s Tower, on the Stourhead estate. The path winds through ancient woodlands and takes you through Park Hill Camp, an Iron Age hillfort, and Turner’s Paddock.

©National Trust Images, James Dobson

Lacock

At Lacock willow reindeer will be prancing around the garden. The Bakehouse will be ready for Christmas post with a letter writing station and north pole postbox, and you'll find Christmas trees twinkling in every corner.

The Cloister will be hosting a Community Christmas Tree festival with trees decorated by local groups using handmade and upcycled decorations.

On selected dates you can enjoy some festive retail therapy in the historic Manger Barn where you'll be able to buy quality, sustainable gifts and local artisanal crafts. Mother Christmas will also be visiting to tell stories in her festive grotto and delight children with a special gift.

©National Trust Images, John Howes

Mompesson

At Mompesson, fairytales meet a Victorian Christmas in an immersive storytelling experience, perfect for both the young and the young at heart. Discover the three bears' Christmas feast, follow Hansel's trail to the tea-room and listen to some fairy tales in the Library. Throughout Christmas you can pick up an activity sheet to keep little minds occupied, and on weekends join in with a storytelling session in the second-hand bookshop. Get cosy with a blanket and hot drink or festive treat in the tea-room and pop into the bookshop to find a quirky Christmas present.

©National Trust Images, James Dobson

Avebury

Visit Avebury this December for decorations across the site and lots of festive events and activities for everyone. Continue your Christmas shopping with three weekends of Christmas markets, where you can browse a range of local artisanal stallholders in the atmospheric threshing barn while listening to seasonal songs and music.

History lovers can join a guided winter walk of the Avebury stone circle with expert archaeologist Dr Nick Snashall, followed by a warming drink and mince pie.

Families can meet the traditional, green-cloaked St. Nicholas in the magically decorated dovecote to hear a festive story and receive a present. The festive gingerbread house trail in Avebury Manor Garden will surely be a hit with the little ones, or they can try to spot all of the hidden robins in the Alexander Keiller Museum.

If you’re feeling crafty, why not have a go at creating a beautiful Christmas wreath for your door at a wreath making workshop with a local florist?