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Christmas at Arlington Court 2024

Father Christmas meets 3 children with his elf in the harness room in the old stables
Come and meet our traditional green Father Christmas at Arlington Court | © Meryl Tanton

Get into the festive spirit this winter at Arlington Court. From wintery walks to after hours opening of the beautifully decorated house, there is something for everyone this festive season.

Christmas Opening Times

Open Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays, 10am-4pm, from 16 November until 15 December.

Then open daily, 10am-3pm from 16 December to 5 January, excluding 24 , 25 & 26 Dec.

Christmas at Arlington

Experience Christmas at Arlington as never before. The house will be dressed to impress with each room themed on a Victorian Christmas carol, from ships sailing down the dining room table to sheep taking over the drawing room an exciting display awaits in every room.

Take part in a festive family activity trail around the gardens and grounds, see the return of the vegetable nativity, snap a photo on the sleigh, visit the garden for the '12 days of Christmas' or explore the wider estate on a winter walk. Find out more about events taking place below.

Open evenings

Join us for our popular late-night openings on 5, 12, and 19 December from 2pm to 7pm. Pick up a tasty festive treat from the tea-room, take part in family crafts or browse a selection of artworks and gifts from local artists in the Activity Room.

Last entry to the house is 6:30pm. Tickets cost £8 for adults and £4 for children, members can enter for free and pre booking not required.

Christmas in the estate office at Arlington court, with an illuminated Christmas tree
Christmas in the estate office at Arlington court | © Meryl Tanton

Bring a friend for free

Any member with a valid membership card or visitor who pays full entry is welcome to bring a friend for free between 14 -20 December. Make the most of this festive offer and discover Christmas at Arlington with your loved ones.

This offer also applies to the evening opening on Thursday 19 December between 2pm - 7pm.

Father Christmas

SOLD OUT - Father Christmas will return for 3 days this year on the 21,22 and 23 of December in the lead up to Christmas Day. Time slot are available from 11:30am am 3:00pm, £6 per child inlcuding a present.

Book your Father Christmas visit here

Looking for a sensory friendly visit? Running between 3pm - 3:30pm, these sessions feature quiet surroundings (no music), soft lighting, and reduced capacity to help create a relaxed atmosphere.

Book a sensory friendly visit here

Barnstaple Ladies Choir performance

On Sunday 8 December, Barnstaple ladies choir are joining us for a Christmas carol performance in the staircase hall at 3.30pm.

Kick of the festive season with this joyous performance and see the house decorated in full Christmas splendour.

Presents under a Christmas tree
Presents under a Christmas tree | © John Millar

Tasty treats in the tea-room

The tea-room will be open for light refreshments, look out for the tasty treats on the Christmas menu.

There are also crisps and confectionery, cream teas, cakes, pasties and sausage rolls, including vegan and gluten free options – please note what is on offer will vary according to the amount of visitor bookings on the day.

Christmas shopping at Arlington

Why not leave the busy high street behind and let us help with the Christmas shopping this year? Whether you're looking for stocking-fillers or something special to put under the tree, you'll find the perfect gift at the National Trust shop.

A visitor admires a small elephant statue in the Long Room at Arlington Court, Devon

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Find out when Arlington Court and the National Trust Carriage Museum is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.

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