Skip to content

Christmas at Dyrham Park

Two woman adjust decorations on a large lit indoor Christmas tree at Dyrham Park
Adjusting the tree at Dyrham Park | © National Trust/Steve Haywood

For Christmas 2024, we invite you on special journey through time as we explore Christmas through the ages.

Travel through time in the house

The house is dressed with festive decorations from six different eras from Tudor times right up to the 20th century. New this year is a 1980s room filled with colour, fun and authentic items from the decade of decadence. Visitors can work out which room matches which period, helped by decorations, yuletide customs and objects. 

Children can look out for tiny fancily dressed toy deer hiding in each room to match each era. 

Staff and volunteers decorate a 1940s style Christmas tree
A 1940s Christmas tree at Dyrham Park | © National Trust/Steve Haywood

Trees, wreaths and festive pears

There are pear-themed decorations to tie in with Dyrham's pear orchard, a large outdoor Christmas tree with many more inside, and the chance to take a festive selfie next to a giant wreath.

Children's trail

Families can get active and let the excitement build while following a reindeer discovery trail around the 270-acre site. 

Visitors on a winter trail through the parkland at Dyrham Park
Visitors on a winter trail through the parkland at Dyrham Park | © National Trust Images/John Millar

Christmas choirs

Local choirs will be singing carols and festive tunes on weekends in the run up to Christmas, in the village church of St Peter which is next to the estate. There will be choirs performing in the church on Saturdays and Sundays from Saturday 23 November to Sunday 22 December at 1pm.

Make a wreath

Wreath-making workshops were held in early December. 

Christmas food and shopping

The tea-room is open each day serving mince pies, snacks, cakes and hot and cold drinks, and the takeaway kiosk will open on busier days. You can also warm up with a hot drink from the café in the parkland at Old Lodge. 

The National Trust shop is well stocked with cards, presents, hampers, food and drink and plenty of gift ideas in a lovely stress-free setting away from the busy high street.

On selected dates running up to Christmas, food and drink tastings are planned to sample some festive products available in the shop.

Wassail

A wassail to bless the harvest for the year ahead with singing, chanting and a procession of music and bashing pots will take place at Dyrham Park on Saturday 4 January. Save the date for a lively, fun collective celebration with music and crafts.

Dates and details

The Christmas offer runs from Thu 21 Nov to Sun 5 Jan. The whole site will be closed on Tue 24 and Wed 25 Dec. No pre-booking is required.

Visitors in the kitchen at Christmas, Petworth, West Sussex

Get into the festive spirit

From wreath-making workshops and carol concerts to winter illuminations, find Christmas days out near you.

You might also be interested in

Italianate double staircase on the west front at Dyrham Park, Gloucestershire
Article
Article

Things to see and do in the house at Dyrham Park 

The main phases of conservation and decorative work in the house at Dyrham Park are now complete and you can explore beautifully presented rooms, delve into the house's history and discover what it was like to live in the 17th century.

A visitor in the cafe at Dyrham Park, Gloucestershire
Article
Article

Eating and shopping at Dyrham Park 

After exploring the house and garden, refuel with a tasty treat from the tea-room, café at Old Lodge or tea garden kiosk. Whether sweet or savoury, there's bound to be something to tempt you. Afterwards, take home a gift from the shop, where there's a wide range of products, from locally made chutneys to fun family books.

View of parterre garden from above
Article
Article

Things to do in the garden and parkland at Dyrham Park 

Dyrham Park’s 17th-century inspired West Garden, ponds perry orchard and 270 acres of parkland are filled with seasonal interest and great places to spot nature.

Visitors walking in the parkland in summer at Dyrham Park, South Gloucestershire
Activity
Activity

Walks at Dyrham Park 

The 270-acre parkland at Dyrham is a great place to explore the outdoors and enjoy a walk, whatever the time of year.

Christmas at the Blickling Estate in Norfolk
Article
Article

Christmas lights and winter illuminations 

See your favourite places lit up with Christmas colour by visiting the best winter light trails and displays near you in 2024.

Christmas at Powis Castle, Powys
Article
Article

Historic houses decked out for Christmas 

Step back in time this Christmas when you visit a historic house decorated for the festive season. Discover traditions from medieval to modern times, join in with crafting and carol singing, and celebrate the season.

Two women, one holding a small child, stand by the wooden stalls and fairy lights of the Christmas market, busy with shoppers, at Waddesdon Manor, Buckinghamshire

Christmas markets and winter fairs 

Find perfect Christmas presents or stock up on seasonal treats and decorations at a Christmas market or winter fair.