Cheeky team of mischievous elves join Father Christmas present giving at Holkham this Christmas

Children will have the chance to enjoy a very special appointment just days before Christmas when Holkham Hall presents an audience with the great man himself. 

Father Christmas will be joined by his cheeky team of mischievous elves. Under the watchful eye of Mother Christmas, he will entertain the young audience with tales of wonderment and magic in the magnificently decorated and grand state room, the Saloon at Holkham Hall.  The ukulele- playing elves will have a colourful and musical repertoire to add to the entertainment.  Each child’s visit will reach an exciting finale with their very own personalised gift from Father Christmas. 

The event takes place on Saturday and Sunday, December 20 and 21 and is recommended for children aged 12 years and under who will receive a personalised present. A special Christmas pop-up shop in the hall will give visitors the opportunity to browse for last-minute presents and festive treats after the performance.

The seasonal visit by Father Christmas is a highlight of a magical month of entertainment at Holkham, from the moment the doors open in early December. In the days leading up to his visit, there will be a magnificent line-up of festive activities and events, guaranteed to give everyone the very best Christmas experience before the big day. 

Visitors will be spoilt for choice with Holkham’s exciting festive programme that sees the hall traditionally decorated for Christmas for two weekends on December 6/7 and 13/14, when the fun-loving ukulele elves will join in the merriment, along with costumed characters, music and carol singing, story-telling and art activities, face painting and carriage rides, as well as festive food and drink and an opportunity to browse the Holkham gift shop for that perfect Christmas present.

The Marble Hall is the perfect backdrop for two evening musical concerts on December 5 and 13 and a weekend of Christmas theatre with Charles Dickens’ classic novel, ‘Great Expectations’ on December 20 and 21.

The return of Holkham’s popular mid-week candlelight tours of the hall will ensure there is something for all tastes.

Full details of Holkham’s Christmas programme in December and opportunities to book tickets online can be found by visiting www.holkham.co.uk

Christmas at England's greatest Elizabethan house - Burghley

Christmas at Burghley

Christmas will be even more sparkling this year at England’s greatest Elizabethan house – with a free craft fair, extra seasonal shopping and a feast of festive food.

Dressed for the occasion, Burghley House, on the edge of Stamford, will have more Christmas decorations than ever before, while this year the annual Craft Fair will move to the House, adding to the festive feel around the cobbled courtyards.

For 2014, the Burghley Christmas Fair, run by the Rural Crafts Association, has been brought up the House and will nestle within the Brewhouse and courtyard, close to Burghley’s Orangery restaurant and shops. Entry this year is free of charge and stalls will feature unique textiles, unusual sculptures, artisan chocolates, jewellery and cashmere and silk pashminas (27-30 November, 9am until 5pm and 4pm on Sunday).

Also over that weekend, the free-to-enter Christmas Fine Food Market returns to offer visitors even more tasty treats. A celebration of local produce, stall holders will be selling local cheese, meats, cupcakes, cider and much more in the festively decorated courtyards, Saturday 29th November - Sunday 30th November.

Or how about Christmas carols in the intimate surroundings of the family Chapel within the House? What more traditional way to begin festive celebrations than at the Chapel Carol Concert with music spanning the House’s five centuries of history. Mulled wine and mince pies will be served in the candlelit Old Kitchen during the interval. (Sunday 14th December). 

For a chance to warm up with some seasonal food and drink, Burghley’s ever-popular Orangery Restaurant - housed in a building that provided space for the family’s love of horticulture and designed by Capability Brown – is now open Wednesday to Sunday, 10am until 4pm, until 21 December.

As well as the autumn and festive menus, a Christmas Afternoon Tea (available 19 November - 21 December) features turkey and cranberry or Stilton and red onion marmalade sandwiches, cranberry and white chocolate blondie and dark chocolate yule log.

For a spot of retail therapy, Burghley's Courtyard Shop is also open while extra seasonal shopping will again be available at the special Christmas Shop in the Brewhouse offering a selection of decorations, festive lighting, winter fragrances, chocolates and cosy winter accessories. Both shops open Wednesday through Sunday, 10am to 4pm, until 21 December.

While the house may be closed for winter, Burghley's parkland, with its resident herd of deer, remains open with free entry right through the year - perfect for winter walks or a chance to blow away the Christmas cobwebs.

For full details, opening times and to book tickets, see www.burghley.co.uk

Down the Rabbit Hole with Alice at Chatsworth this Christmas 8 November 2014 - 4 January 2015

Visitors to Chatsworth this Christmas should prepare to head down the rabbit hole and through the looking glass as this year’s Christmas theme takes inspiration from the vivid and fantastical world created by author Lewis Carroll in his classic ‘Alice's Adventures in Wonderland’, from 8 November to 4 January. 

Chatsworth Christmas

Chatsworth Christmas

Chatsworth Christmas

Fifty-two Christmas trees and 900,000 fairy lights will ensure Chatsworth dazzles with lots of traditional Christmas sparkle. Inside the house, 18 fir trees will be adorned with 6,000 tree ornaments. Preparations for this year's Christmas started almost a year ago, with the staff at Chatsworth creating most of the wonderful displays and costumes in-house. 

Head housekeeper Christine Robinson said: "Teams from the textiles department, carpenters, painters and housekeepers have been working all year to create the individual displays to bring the theme to life. This year, we have a giant rabbit's burrow for the White Rabbit, costumes for visitors to try on and a magical hall of mirrors as visitors journey with Alice through her dream of a Chatsworth wonderland."

Chatsworth is extending its Christmas opening period this year and re-opening the house, garden and farmyard after Christmas for visitors to enjoy over the remaining school holiday period. The house will be closed on Dec 24, 25 and 26, and re-open on Dec 27 until 31 December, and from 2 to 4 January 2015. 

Chatsworth will be expecting grins as wide as a Cheshire Cat as visitors are taken on a magical journey through the lower floors of the house.  The interiors are transformed to recreate classic scenes from the enduringly popular story of a girl named Alice, who falls down a rabbit hole into a fantasy world populated by peculiar creatures such as the White Rabbit, the Mad Hatter, a sleepy Dormouse and the Queen of Hearts.

On arrival, the North Entrance Hall will be dressed to create the illusion of tumbling down the rabbit hole into Wonderland, where visitors will encounter the Mad Hatter's Tea Party; the Game of Croquet, and the table with the infamous ‘Drink Me’ bottle and ‘Eat Me’ cake. 

Playing Card Soldiers, White Rabbits, and Tweedledum and Tweedledee costumed guides will be on hand to direct visitors through to majestic woodland scene. There, a giant Caterpillar will be smoking his pipe on top of an oversized mushroom as psychedelic sitar music plays. 

Classic lines from the book are on show en route while sounds include the White Rabbit muttering 'I'm late, I'm late' or Alice crying out 'Curiouser and Curiouser' add to the feeling of entering the disorientating story. 

Always popular with children - and grown-ups too - is the opportunity to get into character themselves by dressing up in some of the Alice in Wonderland themed costumes, made by the Chatsworth Textiles team, in the Inner Court Marquee.

The Painted Hall is the perfect setting for the extravagant Mad Hatter’s Tea Party. The huge dining room table will be adorned with dozens of tea cups, saucers, cake stands, and even an over-sized steaming teapot. 

The displays will also feature traditional Christmas elements, with numerous fir trees and Christmas garlands adorned with baubles and fairy lights. 

This year’s theme extends to farmyard and adventure playground with Alice in Wonderland themed craft activities in the Christmas marquee where little ones can make a mad hat, white rabbit ears, teapot card or a traditional reindeer headband. Magician Professor Shell will be making rabbits disappear while the popular nativities featuring the farmyard animals and young visitors take place on weekends in December. This is offered on a first come first served basis and will incur an additional £2.50. 

Other Christmas at Chatsworth events to look out for include C.W.Sellors* Christmas Wishes on 8-9 November, register online at www.cwsellors.com, the popular Christmas Markets from November 13 to 23, and Wreath Making on December 3-4 2014.For information on opening times, advance tickets, prices and other events, please visit www.chatsworth.org 

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

Book a special appointment with Father Christmas at Holkham just days before he goes on his rounds delivering presents

Father Christmas and his helpers

Children will have the chance to enjoy a very special appointment just days before Christmas when Holkham Hall presents an audience with the great man himself. 

Father Christmas will be joined by his cheeky team of mischievous elves. Under the watchful eye of Mother Christmas, he will entertain the young audience with tales of wonderment and magic in the magnificently decorated and grand state room, the Saloon at Holkham Hall.  The ukulele- playing elves will have a colourful and musical repertoire to add to the entertainment.  Each child’s visit will reach an exciting finale with their very own personalised gift from Father Christmas. 

Father Christmas At Holkham

The event takes place on Saturday and Sunday, December 20 and 21 and is recommended for children aged 12 years and under who will receive a personalised present. A special Christmas pop-up shop in the hall will give visitors the opportunity to browse for last-minute presents and festive treats after the performance.

The seasonal visit by Father Christmas is a highlight of a magical month of entertainment at Holkham, from the moment the doors open in early December. In the days leading up to his visit, there will be a magnificent line-up of festive activities and events, guaranteed to give everyone the very best Christmas experience before the big day. 

Visitors will be spoilt for choice with Holkham’s exciting festive programme that sees the hall traditionally decorated for Christmas for two weekends on December 6/7 and 13/14, when the fun-loving ukulele elves will join in the merriment, along with costumed characters, music and carol singing, story-telling and art activities, face painting and carriage rides, as well as festive food and drink and an opportunity to browse the Holkham gift shop for that perfect Christmas present.

The Marble Hall is the perfect backdrop for two evening musical concerts on December 5 and 13 and a weekend of Christmas theatre with Charles Dickens’ classic novel, ‘Great Expectations’ on December 20 and 21.

The return of Holkham’s popular mid-week candlelight tours of the hall will ensure there is something for all tastes.

Full details of Holkham’s Christmas programme in December and opportunities to book tickets online can be found by visiting www.holkham.co.uk

Victorian Christmas Celebrations at Beaulieu - 21st December to 5th January 2014

Beaulieu

Visit Beaulieu this Festive Season, between 21st December and 5th January 2014, for a glimpse of Christmas Past in a Victorian country house.

Palace House, which has been the home of the Montagu family since 1538, is a place of enchantment at this special time of year.  Children can delve into a  ‘Box of Delights’ and dress up in period costumes while 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.

Victorian 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 the ‘Wheels’ pod-ride transporting you on a journey through one hundred years of motoring history.

Don’t miss your last chance to see the museum’s exciting BOND IN MOTION exhibition (closing on the 5th January), showcasing 50 original vehicles from the James Bond films. This is the largest exhibition of its kind to be staged anywhere in the world, and celebrates 50 years of the film franchise. See some of the most iconic and best-loved Bond vehicles, including the Aston Martin DB5 from Goldeneye, the ‘Little Nellie’ gyrocopter from You Only Live Twice and Bond villain Zao’s gadget-laden Jaguar XKR used in Die Another Day, plus watch action clips and behind-the-scenes footage from some of the most thrilling vehicle stunt sequences in the films.

In the World of Top Gear Enormodrome watch exclusive footage as the boys 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 Beaulieu’s own wine and festive fare.  There is free parking and free entry to the extensive Gift Shop, 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

Christmas at the Treasure Houses of England

Expect a fabulous feast of festive entertainment and events this Christmas at the magnificent Treasure Houses of England.  Shop in style with magical Christmas markets and discover beautifully and stylishly decorated Treasure Houses for a unique and inspired day out, not to mention the opportunity to pick up some beautifully bespoke presents for your nearest and dearest.

Beaulieu

Christmas at Beaulieu is a time of magic with fun, activities and entertainment for all.  Beaulieu’s festive celebrations (21 December – 5 January) will feature carol singing around the Grand Piano in the decorated Palace House complete with a magnificent Christmas tree.  Victorian characters will be on show- to divulge fascinating details on life – upstairs and downstairs at Christmas time.

Blenheim Palace

Blenheim Palace’s will be decorated for a ‘Dickensian’ Christmas (9 November – 13 December) with plenty to see and do, from late night shopping, storytelling, carol singers, Santa’s grotto and more. The renowned Living Crafts for Christmas (15 - 17 November) will also take place showcasing a series of high quality and contemporary creations from over 150 British designer-makers. For festive fun and splendor visit Britain’s Greatest Palace this Christmas.

Burghley House

Burghley House’s Crafts for Christmas - (28 November –1st December) will be the perfect place to pick up some very special presents featuring a wide range of new products and ideas. Graham Pickett Antiques will also be at Burghley in their usual Old Kitchen location with fabulous furniture and divine collectables.

Castle Howard

Enjoy Castle Howard in all its festive glory and take in the magical Christmas atmosphere of the candlelit house.  There will be yuletide entertainment, festive foods and gifts from 23 November to 22 December, plus a late night Carols and Candlelight event on 19 December will include a late night market, Christmas parade and carols in front of the house as dusk falls.

Chatsworth

From 9 Nov until the 23 Dec, Chatsworth will be magically transformed for the Christmas season, with the lower floors of the house decorated in the theme of 'The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.  With events such as twilight evenings, Christmas markets and nativities starring real farmyard animals, as well as beautiful festive displays, there is something for everyone at Chatsworth this winter.

Hatfield House

Don’t miss Hatfield’s Frost Fair (22 – 24 November) held in Marquees on Palace Green, childhood home of Elizabeth 1 you’ll find wonderful original and unusual crafts and gifts for the family and home alongside exclusive ranges from The Hatfield Gift Shop.  Plus drop in to workshops, including creative Christmas decorating using fresh flowers and greenery.

Holkham Hall

Catch awe-inspiring Holkham Hall on two weekends (7/ 8 and 14/15 Dec) and get festive with a traditional Christmas in true Holkham style! See the magnificent state rooms beautifully decorated, complete with handmade decorations. Or walk through the snowy winter wonderland, where there’s a chance for children to see Father Christmas in his magical grotto.

Leeds Castle

Christmas is growing at Leeds Castle this year. Nature has crept into the magnificent castle rooms to create a glittering Twelve Days of Christmas from 7 to 24 Dec. Meet real reindeer on the castle island and children will love our new husky sleigh rides. Our first Christmas Market with German style chalets and traditional carousel rides is here from 7 – 22 Dec, open daily from 11am to 6pm with late night shopping until 9pm on 12, 13, 19 and 20 Dec.

Woburn Abbey

Book now for Woburn Abbey’s Luminaries Woburnensis on Saturday 7th December. Explore the magical gardens illuminated after dark and discover the trail ice and fire sculptures. Visit the gift hall to pick out that perfect present and snuggle up with a hot drink to listen to the live band.


www.treasurehouses.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. 

Christmas at the Treasure Houses of England

Expect a fabulous feast of festive entertainment and events this Christmas at the magnificent Treasure Houses of England.  Shop in style with magical Christmas markets and discover beautifully and stylishly decorated Treasure Houses for a unique and inspired day out, not to mention the opportunity to pick up some beautifully bespoke presents for your nearest and dearest.

Beaulieu

Christmas at Beaulieu is a time of magic with fun, activities and entertainment for all.  Beaulieu’s festive celebrations (21 December – 5 January) will feature carol singing around the Grand Piano in the decorated Palace House complete with a magnificent Christmas tree.  Victorian characters will be on show- to divulge fascinating details on life – upstairs and downstairs at Christmas time.

Blenheim Palace

Blenheim Palace’s will be decorated for a ‘Dickensian’ Christmas (9 November – 13 December) with plenty to see and do, from late night shopping, storytelling, carol singers, Santa’s grotto and more. The renowned Living Crafts for Christmas (15 - 17 November) will also take place showcasing a series of high quality and contemporary creations from over 150 British designer-makers. For festive fun and splendor visit Britain’s Greatest Palace this Christmas.

Burghley House

Burghley House’s Crafts for Christmas - (28 November –1st December) will be the perfect place to pick up some very special presents featuring a wide range of new products and ideas. Graham Pickett Antiques will also be at Burghley in their usual Old Kitchen location with fabulous furniture and divine collectables.

Castle Howard

Enjoy Castle Howard in all its festive glory and take in the magical Christmas atmosphere of the candlelit house.  There will be yuletide entertainment, festive foods and gifts from 23 November to 22 December, plus a late night Carols and Candlelight event on 19 December will include a late night market, Christmas parade and carols in front of the house as dusk falls.

Chatsworth

From 9 Nov until the 23 Dec, Chatsworth will be magically transformed for the Christmas season, with the lower floors of the house decorated in the theme of 'The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.  With events such as twilight evenings, Christmas markets and nativities starring real farmyard animals, as well as beautiful festive displays, there is something for everyone at Chatsworth this winter.

Hatfield House

Don’t miss Hatfield’s Frost Fair (22 – 24 November) held in Marquees on Palace Green, childhood home of Elizabeth 1 you’ll find wonderful original and unusual crafts and gifts for the family and home alongside exclusive ranges from The Hatfield Gift Shop.  Plus drop in to workshops, including creative Christmas decorating using fresh flowers and greenery.

Holkham Hall

Catch awe-inspiring Holkham Hall on two weekends (7/ 8 and 14/15 Dec) and get festive with a traditional Christmas in true Holkham style! See the magnificent state rooms beautifully decorated, complete with handmade decorations. Or walk through the snowy winter wonderland, where there’s a chance for children to see Father Christmas in his magical grotto.

Leeds Castle

Christmas is growing at Leeds Castle this year. Nature has crept into the magnificent castle rooms to create a glittering Twelve Days of Christmas from 7 to 24 Dec. Meet real reindeer on the castle island and children will love our new husky sleigh rides. Our first Christmas Market with German style chalets and traditional carousel rides is here from 7 – 22 Dec, open daily from 11am to 6pm with late night shopping until 9pm on 12, 13, 19 and 20 Dec.

Woburn Abbey

Book now for Woburn Abbey’s Luminaries Woburnensis on Saturday 7th December. Explore the magical gardens illuminated after dark and discover the trail ice and fire sculptures. Visit the gift hall to pick out that perfect present and snuggle up with a hot drink to listen to the live band.


www.treasurehouses.co.uk