Christmas at Dunham Massey

The silhouette of a family walking beside two giant illuminated deer installations — Christmas at Dunham Massey returns for 2024 | © Raymond Gubbay

Christmas at Dunham Massey returns this November. Book now to secure your preferred date and time.

From 15 November to 1 January, masses of twinkling lights, magnificent installations, and seasonal music come together against the beautiful backdrop of the Dunham Massey gardens, moat and park.

This unforgettable, family-friendly festive event is perfect for making memories with loved ones. Find beams of light amongst ancient trees, marvel at dancing lights on the moat, and discover beautiful installations along the winding paths of the gardens.

Book your 2024 tickets today to secure your preferred date and time. You can find further information and links to privacy policies below. Tickets can be booked by creating an account on the external Ticketek website via the 'Book your tickets' button.

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What do I need to know?

When is Christmas at Dunham Massey?

Christmas at Dunham Massey 2024 will run from 15 November to 1 January. Tickets are allocated by staggered trail start times and digital or printed tickets are accepted.

How long is the trail?

The trail is approximately one mile long and we’d recommend allowing 1 to 2 hours for your visit. Please be aware that the event closes 1.5 hours after the last allocated entry time.

Is there refreshements and fairground rides?

Food, drink and fairground rides are available onsite. Food and drink can be found at the beginning and end of the trail, with additional refreshments at around the midway point. Separate charges apply for all food, drink and rides.

What should I wear?

The event takes place entirely outdoors and appropriate clothing and footwear is essential.

Is there car parking available?

Car parking is available onsite but must be pre-booked at the time of ticket purchase. Parking is free for National Trust members with a valid membership card. Parking is available at an additional charge for non-National Trust members.
Paths

The Christmas at Dunham Massey trail route follows majority flat paths that are checked and cared for, daily.
Path markers can be non-traditional – for example strings of lights or short barriers – or absent if the route follows an established path.

Seating

Limited seating is located along the route for those who may require a brief pause in the walk. Ask one of our team for the location of the nearest seat. Seating can also be found at the beginning and end of the trail, alongside the food, drink and fairground rides.

Wheelchair and mobility scooter loan

Wheelchairs and mobility scooters are available for booking in advance by calling the team at Dunham Massey on 0161 941 1025. Numbers are limited and are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, please book early to avoid disappointment. This is a free service with donations welcome and used in support of the National Trust’s conservation and care of Dunham Massey.

Dogs and guide dogs

Guide dogs and registered assistance dogs are very welcome at this event. No other dogs can be admitted. Please be aware that the trail can become very busy at peak times.

Specific accessibility questions

If you have any specific questions relating to accessibility or what to expect at Christmas at Dunham Massey, we are very happy to help. You can email us at dunhammassey@nationaltrust.org.uk.
Christmas at Dunham Massey takes place at one of the National Trust’s most visited places.

As a home for important animal species, annual ecological surveys support us to ensure the impact of the event on this beautiful place is carefully managed.

The trail route, lights and sound are planned with bat roosts, animal homes, and ancient trees in mind. Using bio-fuel and efficient approaches to power usage helps us reduce any environmental impact.

As a conservation charity, the care and longevity of Dunham Massey’s gardens and land remain our ultimate priority. Every ticket sold supports the conservation and care of Dunham Massey for everyone, forever.

Other Christmas days out in the North West

From houses dressed for the season to carol singers, here’s seven festive family days out across the North West for you to try this Christmas.

Child visitor looking at a Christmas tree in Sudbury Hall and the National Trust Museum of Childhood in Derbyshire — Christmas days out at Dunham Massey, Greater Manchester | © National Trust Images/Chris Lacey

Daytime visits to Dunham Massey

Step inside the Dunham Massey house for an enchanting experience. The Winter Wanderer's Wonderful Feast, by Stuff & Nonsense Theatre, brings a touch of winter magic with an immersive story told through a unique blend of puppetry, music and laughter. Outside, wrap up warm for a winter walk in the deer park – the flat paths are great for all the family.

Visit Dunham Massey

Larger than life animals sat at the dining table in the Dining Room at Lyme. One of the many installations this Christmas in the house. — Feast with the Lord of Misrule in the Dining Room at Lyme this Christmas | © Chris Doyle

Daytime visits to Lyme

Winter days at Lyme could be straight out of a Christmas card. Grab a hot chocolate and explore the estate to find a place to breath away from the busyness of winter. Inside the house you’ll find an untypical country house Christmas – it’s been taken over by magnificent and unusual beasts exploring winter traditions.

Visit Lyme

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Deer resting on the lawn at Dunham Massey, Cheshire

Discover more at Dunham Massey

Find out when Dunham Massey is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.

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Visitors in the Staircase Hall at Christmas, Tatton Park, Cheshire

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