FROM crackling fires to Santa's grotto, festive activities at historic National Trust properties will be transformed into a winter wonderland this Christmas.

Historic houses will be in their full festive splendour with crackling fires, fragrant garlands, and handmade decorations, says a National Trust spokesperson.

Activities include Santa grottoes and storytime with Father Christmas, mulled wine, mince pies and homemade gifts at Christmas markets and winter trails inspired by fairytales and festive family favourites including Shaun the Sheep.

Carl Greenman, National Programming & Production Manager at the National Trust said:   “Whether it’s the mist rising on an early morning walk, the sparkle of baubles and the glow fairy lights or the warming chuckle of Father Christmas, there are hundreds of special moments just waiting to be enjoyed this Christmas with the National Trust.  

“Enjoy a taste of Christmas past with historic houses dressed in all the trimmings, see fairytales come to life with decorations inspired by classic tales or join family favourites on magical winter trails through historic gardens and parklands.”

Here’s a roundup of some of the National Trust’s best Christmas events near you.

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Croome

Christmas at Croome is packed with creativity to discover. Explore the beautiful parkland and enjoy a colourful sculpture trail featuring seven fibreglass birds.  Each bird has been decorated by a local community group aided by talented artist MrASingh.  There’s a great family activity sheet available, bringing plenty of festive cheer and packed with fun things to do while you’re following the sculpture trail. Inside the House you’ll find plenty of Christmas atmosphere with a graceful origami installation in one of the historic stairways and rooms filled with elegant sparkle. There’s creative workshops, choirs, Christmas shopping, festive treats in the cafe and more.  

The Firs

The Firs opens for three weekends in December with Christmas trees, twinkling lights and natural decorations. Find out more about Worcester's very own Edward Elgar and see his charming birthplace cottage traditionally decorated for the season, stroll around the idyllic cottage garden and see why Elgar never forgot this special place.  If you love quaint cottages and cottage gardens, this is the place to visit for some romance this Christmas.

Greyfriars

Experience Greyfriars House & Garden this Christmas with its traditional decorations and twinkling lights. Explore 500 years of history and discover winter folklore and traditions from all over the world, including the UK, Iceland, Greece, and Sweden. Tuck into a homemade mince pie and hot chocolate in the Old Oak Café. Visit during the Worcester Victorian Christmas Fayre (Thursday 30 November – Saturday 2 December) and see the garden illuminated after dark during special extended opening hours. Tuesday 28 November – Saturday 16 December (closed on Sundays & Mondays).

 

Hanbury Hall

Join the party at Hanbury Hall this Christmas. We’re turning back the clock for a nostalgic trip to the late 20th century, inspired by stories of wild house parties held at the Hall in the 1970s and 1980s. Reminisce over your favourite toys from childhood, and dance around listening to all the Christmas number ones while sipping on a Babycham. Explore a 1970s and 1980s fashion exhibition in the Long Gallery and enjoy a traditional three-course Christmas lunch in our new restaurant, the Courtyard Kitchen (booking essential). Open Saturday 25 November – Sunday 7 January (excluding Christmas Eve and Christmas Day)