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A Christmas to treasure at Anglesey Abbey

The Oak Room at Christmas with decorations and gifts under Christmas tree at Anglesey Abbey, Cambridgeshire
The Oak Room at Christmas at Anglesey Abbey, Cambridgeshire | © National Trust Images/Trevor Ray Hart

Come and experience an enchanting new Christmas at Anglesey Abbey. The House will be richly decorated for all to enjoy and the wider estate offers walks around the sensory winter garden, festive shopping and wintry adventures in the woodland play area.

Meet Father Christmas

Look who's coming to town! Brand new for 2024, Father Christmas is heading to Anglesey Abbey and will be staying in the House for the first time this winter.

Get ready for a magical, festive encounter with Father Christmas every Friday to Sunday from 29 November to 22 December, with the added bonus of Monday 23 December. 

Make and decorate a wish with Pepper Mint the Elf, enjoy a story time with Father Christmas, get a present and have fun taking photos together. Anglesey Abbey is working with The Walking Theatre Company to put on this festive, immersive Santa experience inside the House.

Please note that normal admission to Anglesey Abbey applies and is not included in this ticket. We recommend booking early to avoid disappointment.

 

 

 

Meet Santa's reindeer

From 21 to 23 December, some of Santa's reindeer will also be stopping by. Come and say hello to the reindeer and learn some fascinating facts about them. Meeting the reindeer in the gardens is free; normal admission applies.

 

Close up of Father Christmas smiling and waving, Christmas decorations in the background.
Father Christmas comes to Anglesey Abbey, Cambridgeshire | © Rebecca Hughes

We're Going on a Bear Hunt

Join us for an adventure this Christmas at Anglesey Abbey with Wild in Art’s Bear Hunt trail from 19 November 2024 to 5 January 2025. Wrap up warm and enjoy splish-sploshing and tiptoeing through the woods, gardens and (maybe even) snow in search of the ten life-sized bear sculptures. 

Suitable for all ages, the trail is inspired by Michael Rosen’s beloved children’s story We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, illustrated by Helen Oxenbury and published by Walker Books. Each bear has been creatively painted by ten national and international artists, playing on thought-provoking themes of diversity, sustainability, climate change and community. There will also be some grrr-eat games and challenges for children to have a go at along the way. The trail is free; normal admission applies.

 

The artist is smiling and looking up at her bear to her left. The big blue bear sculpture is smiling too.
10 life-sized bears make their way to Anglesey Abbey | © David Oates Photography

Treasure time together this Christmas

The house at Anglesey Abbey will be beautifully decorated for the Christmas season, with festive displays highlighting Lord Fairhaven’s vast and significant collection. Step inside to discover a treasure-trove of history and admire the themed Christmas decorations in each room.

All ages can enjoy spotting the pineapple decorations inspired by the Pagoda Clock in the Living Room, attend a Grecian Banquet in the Dining Room and see the decorations in the Library, inspired by the Saxon Atlas. 

The house will be fully decorated for Christmas and open for visitors to explore from Saturday 23 November 2024 until Sunday 5 January 2025, any time between 11am and 3.30pm, with last entry at 3pm. Anglesey Abbey will be closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day but open again on Boxing Day.

 

Live Christmas music

Every Sunday from 1 to 22 December, enjoy some live Christmas music outside the house. Cambridge Harmony Chorus will be joining us on Sunday 1 December and City of Cambridge Brass Band will be playing on Sundays 8, 15 and 22 December. 
 

Festive food and drink

Redwoods Restaurant will be open daily, serving hot drinks from festive coffees to warming hot chocolate. Pick up a bite to eat from our new grab-and-go Garden Office Café or treat yourself to a slice of cake to round off your yuletide visit to Anglesey Abbey. 
 

Christmas shopping

From locally made jewellery and homeware, to scrumptious gifts or cookbooks for foodies there's something for everyone. You'll even find winter-inspired plants at Anglesey Abbey including miniature Christmas trees.

Start your Christmas shopping in the knowledge that every purchase helps us to look after this special place.  

A girl and a boy looking at a Christmas tree, covered in lights at Ickworth in Suffolk.
Children admiring a Christmas tree | © National Trust Images/Rob Stothard

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