Christmas at Cragside
Celebrate Christmas with a twist at Cragside. Step into a playful Servants’ Ball inspired by a real-life party for staff in 1894. Marvel at the UK’s tallest living Christmas tree, and enjoy a relaxing walk through the wintry landscape. Festive fun, colourful chaos, and seasonal sparkle await.
The Servants’ Ball at Cragside House
Saturday 29 November to Sunday 4 January
Usual opening: 11am-3pm (last entry to House 2.30pm)
Late evening days: 11am-5pm (last entry to House 4pm). See a full list of dates below.
While the Armstrong family are away, the servants are at play and throwing a mischievous party. It’s a revelrous rebellion of ribbons and over-sized decorations, with a sprinkle of rule-breaking.
With the servants in charge, the House is in colourful, festive chaos, and nothing is quite as it should be. Staff have abandoned their tasks to don their finest attire, in readiness of an evening of energetic dancing, mingling - and maybe even a touch of romance.
Expect the unexpected, embrace the topsy-turvy and prepare to be joyfully immersed in a creative Christmas spectacular inspired by a real-life Servants’ Ball at Cragside in 1894.
The UK’s Tallest Living Christmas Tree
Saturday 29 November to Sunday 4 January
Usual opening: 11am-3pm
Late evening days: 11am-5pm. See a full list of dates below.
Outside, the celebration continues with the return of Cragside’s showstopper - the UK’s Tallest Living Christmas Tree. For its second year running, the Giant Redwood Wellingtonia will be decked out in 1,200 lightbulbs, but this year in glorious multi-colour.
Standing at over 42-metres tall, this towering Christmas spectacle is more than twice the height of the Angel of the North!
With late-night openings on selected dates, visitors can experience the magic of the tree illuminated against the winter sky until 5pm.
A giant thank you
Presenting the UK's Tallest Living Christmas Tree again in 2025 would not be possible without support.
Lighting Legends have supplied Cragside with the over 2000 metres of lights and 4000 bulbs to dress the enormous Giant Redwood Wellingtonia.
A1 Access Limited have provided us with the use of a mobile elevated work platform to help us reach the top of the tree which is in excess of 42 metres.
Stihl and Gustharts have provided us with the portable power packs needed to light the tree efficiently and sustainably throughout the festive season.
2024
Press the arrows to see an artist impression of how the UK's Tallest Living Christmas Tree will look this year.
Late Evening Opening Dates
11am - 5pm (last admission to the Cragside estate at 4pm)
Experience Cragside as this sun begins to set on selected dates this Christmas.
Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 November
Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 December
Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 December
Saturday 20 to Tuesday 23 December
Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 December
Festive 5-miler
Saturday 29 November until Sunday 4 January
Shake off the Christmas cobwebs on a refreshing winter walk through the grounds. This 5-mile waymarked walk winds along the banks of frost covered lakes and beneath towering trees as your follow the route up and down the hillside.
If you're in need of a quick refuel, you can stop by Crozier's kiosk for hot drinks, bakes and snacks.
Don’t forget to strike a pose at the selfie station to celebrate your achievement. View the map in the visitor centre before you set off. Pre-downloadable map coming soon.
Eat, shop and be merry
The tea room, visitor centre
The Still Room, between the archways at the House
Shop, visitor centre
Usual opening days: 11am-3pm.
Late opening days: 11am-5pm. A full list of dates are above.
Get into the Christmas spirit at the tea room. Elevate your hot chocolate with a splash of mince pie syrup and a slice of cinnamon-scented cake on the side. You could even tuck into a heart-warming turkey sandwich with all the trimmings. During the late opening evenings, the tea room at the visitor centre will be serving pizza slices from 3.00-4.30pm.
The Still Room, between the arches of the House, will be serving heart-warming delights including spiced mulled-wine and tasty pasties.
Tick off everyone on your Christmas gift list at the shop. The shelves are bursting with cosy homewares, stylish jewellery and accessories, tasty treats, books and toys. With festive cards and beautiful gift paper, you’ll have your Christmas wrapped up in no time.
FAQs: The Servants' Ball, Cragside House
FAQs: UK's Tallest Living Christmas Tree
FAQs: General information
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