Discover more at Wightwick Manor and Gardens
Find out when Wightwick Manor and Gardens is open, how to get here, things to see and do and more.
Christmas at Wightwick Manor and Gardens
- Published:
- 17 September 2024
We invite you to get into the festive spirit with a visit to Wightwick Manor and Gardens this Christmas. The Manor will be decorated with traditional Victorian decorations by our talented volunteers on the theme of 'Morris-mas' - an abundance of William and May Morris patterns, and Morris & Co. designs. Festive entertainment includes music in the Great Parlour, a knitted snowman trail for children and pre-booked visits to see Father Christmas.
Traditional Decorations
Come along to Wightwick Manor this festive season to help us celebrate a traditional Victorian Christmas just like the Mander family would have enjoyed. From Friday 29 November 2024 - Sunday 5 January 2025, (closed 25 and 26 December) see the wonderful handiwork of our talented volunteers as you enjoy the real decorated trees and arrangements lit by candlelight.
Discover our special 'Morris-mas' Christmas decorations - all inspired by the designs and work of the Morris family; William, Jane and May will all be represented, along with some nods to his contemporaries in the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood. Look out for the special 'Manor'-quins displaying some of Morris' famous designs.
Families can look out for our knitted snowmen hidden around the rooms. How many can you spot?
No booking required, normal admission costs apply. This event is part of your normal visit to the Manor over the festive season.
Seasonal Events
Visit Father Christmas
Father Christmas is making his annual appearance in his magical sitting room in the Manor on 7, 8, 14, 15, 21 and 22 December, slots available between 10:30am and 4pm. Demand is always high so make sure to book your tickets early. Pre-booking is essential.
- Father Christmas tickets cost £16.50 per child, which includes their entry fee.
- Up to 4 children in your group can visit Father Christmas together and up to 6 additional adults can accompany them.
- Accompanying adults who are non-members of the National Trust must pay standard admission to the site on the day.
- Please make sure you select the right type of ticket for the number of children attending.
- Visit includes a gift for all children booked into the grotto.
- No charge for babies accompanying an older sibling unless you want them to have a gift too.
£16.50 per child (max 4 per booking slot), normal admission costs apply for adults, booking essential. Book you tickets by calling 0344 249 1895, or online here.
Live Music
Enjoy listening to some festive music here at Wightwick Manor and Gardens this Christmas season.
Ann Lombardi, Harpist and Pianist - Ann will be performing on Wednesday 4, Wednesday 11 and Wednesday 18 December at intervals throughout the day between 11am and 2pm.
Please note, this is not a ticketed or seated event, but rather part of your normal visit to the site. No booking required, normal admission costs apply.
Getting Crafty
We welcome back our wonderful and talented local workshop providors this winter, with a host of new and popular Christmas crafting workshops.
These workshops include, but are not limited to, glass fusing, gift wrap printing, needle felting, wreath making, book folding and pressed flower art.
Please visit our main events page on the link below for more information.
Evening Theatre
Join us in the Great Parlour for an original stage-play. Brought to you by Don't Go Into The Cellar Theatre - the British Empire's leading practitioners of macabre Victoriana!
Tuesday 3 December, 7:30pm - Sherlock Holmes’ Christmas Casebook
Take a trip to Baker Street and spend Christmas with Sherlock Holmes in this engaging stage show starring award-winning actor Jonathan Goodwin as the famed detective. Features an original theatrical adaptation of the Conan Doyle classic, "The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle" and other festive delights! £20 per person, booking essential. Click here to book.
Saturday 14 December, 7:30pm - Uncle Holly
An original ghost story for Christmas, written in the Victorian vein, featuring the malevolent spectre of Synderford, Uncle Holly. Jonathan Goodwin performs this one-man show. Written by Jonathan Goodwin and co-directed by Goodwin and Gary Archer. £20 per person, booking essential. Click here to book.
Find out more about all of our events by clicking here.
A bit of Christmas shopping
The Old Manor shop will be open every day in the lead up to Christmas, stocking a range of tempting Christmas gifts.
Decorations, homeware, gorgeous gifts, festive foods, and our special William Morris goods; our range has everything you need for a magical Christmas. What’s more, every penny spent helps Wightwick to continue looking after this special place for everyone, for ever – thank you for putting a sparkle in our Christmas too.
Tearoom treats
If you’re feeling peckish or are in need of a warm-up, we have plenty of treats available in our tearoom, located in the old stables in the courtyard.
If you’re looking to warm up with a hot drink, or to take one with you on your garden stroll, why not treat yourself to our warming hot chocolate? Of course, we’ll have all your usual favourites available - including a mince pie or two!
Winter walks
If you’d rather pull on your winter woollies and get outdoors, then blow away the winter cobwebs with a stroll along the South Terrace, through the Formal Garden or amongst the trees in the woodland.
See if you can spot our festive outdoor displays to give your winter walk a bit of Christmas sparkle.
