Victorian Christmas Celebrations At Beaulieu - 20th December 2014 – 4th January 2015

Giant Christmas Tree

Visit Beaulieu this Festive Season, between 20th December and 4th January 2015, for a glimpse of Christmas Past in a Victorian country house.

See one of the largest outdoor Christmas trees in the New Forest, adorned with seasonal decorations and follow the fairy light path to Palace House, the home of the Montagu family since 1538, which is a place of enchantment at this special time of year.  Children can follow the Christmas Cracker quiz trail and hear how festive traditions have developed over the ages before delving into a  ‘Box of Delights’ to dress up in period costume. In the Lower Drawing Room there will be carol singing and musical entertainment for everyone to enjoy.

Visitors can talk to characters from Victorian times to discover what life was really like ‘Upstairs and Downstairs’ at Christmas time and warm themselves in front of the yule log in the hearth of the great fireplace while enjoying a glass of hot fruit punch. The splendid Victorian-style decorations around the house and the magnificent Christmas tree in the Upper Drawing Room will add to the flavour and charm of the season.

Palace House Staff at Christmas

In the National Motor Museum, the Victorian theme continues as visitors can see what driving was really like in those early days. Don’t miss ‘Wheels’, a pod-ride transporting you on a journey through one hundred years of motoring history.

In the World of Top Gear Enormodrome watch exclusive footage as the presenters take you behind the scenes in the Top Gear production zone, enjoy clips from some of the best Top Gear moments and see actual cars from some of the presenters’ most ambitious challenges.

To complete the day, take a ride on the high-level Monorail or hop on the Veteran London Bus to see the Beaulieu sights.

For shopping delights visit the Beaulieu gift shops which offer everything from soft toys and stocking fillers for children, to a wide selection of motor related items, traditional gifts and festive fare.  There is free parking and free entry to the extensive Gift Shop which is conveniently located in the Visitor Reception Hall.

The Beaulieu attraction is open from 10am to 5pm daily, except Christmas Day. For further information visit: www.beaulieu.co.uk

A ‘Dickensian Christmas’ at Blenheim Palace 9th November – 13th December 2013

Blenheim Palace

A ‘Dickensian Christmas’ at Blenheim Palace 9^th November – 13^th December 2013

This year Christmas at Britain’s Greatest Palace will be more magical than ever with the Palace beautifully decorated for a traditional ‘Dickensian Christmas’. Step into a festive wonderland full of grand Christmas trees adorned with twinkling lights and exquisite decorations. Dickensian scenes will be brought to life as you tour the Palace to transport you back in time.

The grand Saloon table will be set for a Christmas feast inspired by the classic Dickens story ‘A Christmas Carol’, with some familiar Christmas scenes including the Victorian feast for ‘Tiny Tim’ and the Cratchit family. Grand trees in the Long Library will be decorated with lanterns and candles, along with displays of giant replica Victorian Christmas cards, excerpts from Dickens stories in the Long Library. At weekends Victorian carol singers and Dickens story telling will bring the magic of a Dickensian Christmas to life in the Palace.

Christmas Entertainment Guide

There is also plenty more festive fun to be had by all this season that includes:

Living Statues in the Palace - 30^th November – 1^st December

Living statue Dickensian characters Marley and Scrooge will be lurking in the Palace, surprising unsuspecting visitors as they explore the ‘Dickensian’ decorations. 

Late night Christmas Shopping – 5^th December

Enjoy Christmas shopping in the wonderful East Courtyard Shop, whilst enjoying live carol singing, port and liqueur tastings, and interesting demonstrations. Mulled wine and Winter Pimms will be available from The Oxfordshire Pantry. Blenheim Estate Christmas trees will be on sale next to the Information Kiosk outside the Palace.

Festive Family Fun and Santa's Grotto – 7^th - 8^th December / 14^th – 15^th December

Families will be able to enjoy a festive ride on the miniature train to the Pleasure Gardens to visit Santa’s Grotto on 7th, 8th, 14th and 15th December. The Children's Shop will be open providing pocket-money toys, treats and fancy dress costumes, and our ‘Pottering About’ craft studio where children can make their own handmade crafts for Christmas presents.

Christmas Carols and Storytelling – 23^rd – 24^th November / 7^th – 8^th December  

On selected weekends throughout the Christmas season the Palace will be filled with the sounds of festive singing from local school choirs and the Bletchingdon Brass Band, whilst the spirit of Christmas will come to life with Dickensian story readings for everyone to enjoy.

Blenheim Estate Christmas Trees – on sale from 30^th November – 23^rd December

Bring the spirit of Christmas home with you with a freshly harvested Christmas tree, grown on the Blenheim Estate. On sale at the Information Kiosk outside the Palace and Combe Saw Mills. To reserve your tree call 01993 813196 or email christmastrees@blenheimpalace.com.

Seasonal Delights

Enjoy a range of locally sourced food to satisfy the taste buds, with a variety of hot and cold meals available at our restaurants and cafes, whether you want to grab a bite for the children or try our seasonal Christmas delights, we have it all. Treat yourself this Christmas and book a delicious Festive Afternoon Tea. To book call 01235 200 965 or visit www.blenheimpalace.com to book online.

Winter Walks

Wrap up warm and take in the beautiful winter scenery within the spectacular landscaped parkland of Blenheim Palace, where an unrivaled combination of unspoilt natural beauty and history awaits you. 

Unique Christmas shopping at Living Crafts for Christmas at Blenheim Palace

Blenheim Palace

Experience a Christmas shopping extravaganza in a majestic setting, as Blenheim Palace hosts around 150 British designer-makers of high quality contemporary craft at Living Crafts for Christmas, from 15th – 17th November. A magical seasonal atmosphere awaits with roasting chestnuts, Dickensian street theatre and a festive duo singing Christmas favourites, while in The Great Court beautiful Christmas trees will be adorned with twinkling lights. 

The inspiring choice of handmade presents from simple stocking fillers to special commissions includes ceramics, studio glass, original works of art, exquisite jewellery and toys. Also designer fashions, soaps, vibrant photography and many more high quality, contemporary crafts, perfect for special Christmas gifts. Choose beautifully designed, handcrafted decorations, cards, garlands and wreaths to complete your festive style ‘At home’.

‘Tastes of Christmas’ features specialist food producers with Christmas treats and foodie gifts, handmade fudges, chocolates, coffees and connoisseur chutneys. Try seasonal preserves, marinades, waxed Cheddar truckles and festive pies or embrace the festive spirit and sample Christmas liqueurs, mulled wines and winter cordials. 

Blenheim Palace will be dressed for the season, celebrating a ‘Dickensian Christmas’ with ornate red, green and gold decorations and Victorian inspired displays.  The parkland and formal gardens in their full winter glory are waiting to be explored with the crisp winter scenery making a stunning backdrop to the Palace and don’t forget a ride on the specially decorated train running to The Pleasure Gardens.

Shop in style this year at Living Crafts for Christmas and enjoy a festive day out with all the family at Britain’s Greatest Palace.

For further event information please visit www.livingcrafts.co.uk