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Christmas at Erddig

A family exploring the Christmas decorations in Erddig Hall, Wrexham
A family exploring the Christmas decorations at Erddig, Wrexham. | © National Trust Images/Paul Harris

Step into the magic of Christmas at Erddig, where the house will be beautifully decorated, inspired by the poem, "'Twas the Night Before Christmas." Immerse yourself in the charm of a classic holiday as you explore rooms decorated to bring this beloved poem to life. Create unforgettable memories with festive experiences, from breakfast and supper with Santa to our unique reverse grotto. Enjoy Christmas crafts, festive storytelling, and delicious seasonal treats.

Opening times

  • Saturday 30 Nov - January 5 - open 10am-4pm (house open 11.30 - 15.00)

  • Dec 16,17,18,19 - the property will be open 10am-7pm (house opening on these days 11.30-3.00pm re-opening for evenings 4.00pm-6.30pm)

  • Closed Dec 24 and 25

  • Find out more about our opening times here

Christmas in the house

This festive season, Erddig House will be transformed with beautiful traditional decorations inspired by the poem "'Twas the Night Before Christmas" by Clement Moore. As you wander through the house, you'll encounter key moments from the poem brought to life, with each room carefully decorated to reflect different stanzas.

Children can embark on a special spotter trail, guiding them through the house as they discover delightful details like handcrafted mice, tables adorned with deliciously sweet treats, stockings hung by the fire with care, and sugarplums dancing in the bedroom. Adding to the festive magic, the property will feature stunning Christmas installations. One highlight is a captivating paper installation by Bethan Maddocks, which includes a motorised tree of paper cutouts that play with light and shadow, offering a truly enchanting experience.

Capture the magic of your festive day with 5 free photo prints, courtesy of our photo service partner, CEWE. Simply visit the CEWE Photostation in the Tribes Room to print your favorite moments directly from your phone. 

Festive outdoor decorations

This festive season, the Erddig grounds will be adorned with charming Christmas decorations that evoke a rustic, vintage feel. Throughout the grounds, you’ll find beautiful Christmas trees and greenery handcrafted by our dedicated volunteers. Additionally, life-sized willow reindeer will be attached to our festive Christmas carriage, providing the perfect selfie spot for visitors.

Magical evenings at Erddig

We want everyone to experience the magic of Christmas at Erddig, so we’ll be extending our opening hours from 16 to 19 December, staying open until 7pm. On these special dates, the house will be open from 11.30 am to 2.30pm and will reopen at 3.30pm, with last entry at 6.30 pm.

Follow the festive route through the house. Enjoy toasting marshmallows in the Timber Yard (weather permitting, additional charges apply) and festive craft activities in our education room. Don’t miss our Reverse Grotto, open from 4pm to 6pm, where you can meet Father Christmas and donate essential food items to those in need.

The restaurant will also be open, offering hot drinks and tasty snacks to warm you up. Please note, the garden will close at 4pm.

A child looks in awe at a Christmas tree at Erddig
A child looks in awe at a Christmas tree at Erddig | © National Trust Images/Paul Harris

Festive family fun

Breakfast and Supper with Father Christmas

Tuck into a delicious Welsh breakfast, joined by a very special guest, Father Christmas himself. Enjoy festive songs, a heartwarming story, and a special gift for every child. After breakfast, let Jake the Elf captivate your little ones with his enchanting storytelling.

For an evening alternative, join Father Christmas for a festive supper. Indulge in a traditional Christmas dinner followed by a festive pudding, and watch the magic unfold as each child receives a special gift.

Click here for details on how to book, or for more information about our Christmas events

Reverse grotto

Every weekend, visit Erddig’s unique reverse grotto supporting Wrexham Foodbank, where you can meet Father Christmas and donate essentials for those who need it most. Items including tinned fruit or vegetables, pasta, tea and coffee, juice, UHT milk, pasta and toiletries can be donated at our ticket office during normal opening hours.

Your donations will make a real difference. Find out what the foodbank is in need of here

Storytelling

Every Saturday in December, bring your family to enjoy festive storytelling sessions with the talented Jake Evans. Known for his captivating tales and lively performances, Jake will transport children and adults alike into a world of Christmas adventure.

To find out more about specific dates and times for these storytelling sessions, please visit our event page.

Christmas crafts

Join us every Sunday for Christmas crafts in the Education Room. From 11am to 3pm, join us to paint a unique log slice ornament that you can take home as a lasting memento of your day at Erddig. Also, on Saturday, 14 December, from 11am to 3pm, come along and join our Felin volunteers to create Christmas tree ornaments using a range of recyclable and sustainable materials.

Father Christmas in his grotto at Erddig, surrounded by visitor’s donations to the local foodbank.
Father Christmas in his grotto at Erddig, surrounded by visitor’s donations to the local foodbank. | © National Trust Images/Paul Harris

Christmas walks

A winter walk on Erddig's 1,200-acre estate is the perfect opportunity to slow down and enjoy simple moments to treasure this Christmas. Dog-friendly trails mean all the family can join in.

Festive food and drink

Warm up with a hot drink from the restaurant, pick up a bite to eat from the seasonal menu, or treat yourself to a mulled wine, hot chocolate, toasted marshmallows (selected dates) or a slice of cake to round off your Yuletide visit to Erddig.

Christmas shopping made easy

Want some inspiration for Christmas gifts? Stop by our gift shop which is stocked with a wonderful selection of gifts and decorations. Treat your loved ones or yourself this Christmas. Every donation and purchase made during your visit helps us to care for the nature, beauty and history of this special place.

The 18th-century house, seen across the lake at Erddig, Wales

Discover more at Erddig

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

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