Christmas at Saltram 2024

Festive storytime with Father Christmas and BSL signing

Join Father Christmas in a special British Sign Language musical storytime session where singing and signing are highly encouraged. Father Christmas will share tales of Christmases gone by as well as guide you through the story of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.

Father Christmas and our BSL signer, Jase Trotter, will also be singing and signing festive favourites to get everyone in the Christmas spirit. At the end of the session, you will receive a wrapped Christmas book as a gift from Father Christmas.

A relaxed Father Christmas means fewer people in each session, with more space to accommodate wheelchairs, ear defenders, or the flexibility to leave your seat during the show.

This is not your average Father Christmas experience! Our Santa can be loud at times (and a little cheeky), playing musical instruments and telling jokes to keep everyone laughing.

Please note, the session will begin with loud drumming and music. You can choose to enter the room once the drumming has finished. A quiet room will also be available during the session if you need to step out at any time. This room is accessible via a ramp.

This session is designed for families with children over the age of 6. It is a 45-minute sit-down session, best suited for children who can engage for this duration. Songs and Stories sessions must be pre-booked. Please check back on this page soon for booking details.

If you require a familiarisation visit, please contact Saltram, and we will try to accommodate this where possible. We are also offering BSL grotto sessions for families who would prefer a conversation with Santa and a gift. Please see below for further details.

These sessions are ideal for families who require BSL or are part of the deaf community. If you do not require BSL, please consider booking another session to reserve these dates for families who need a signer.

Please note: Entry to Father Christmas does not include admission to the house or gardens, which must be booked separately.

Join Father Christmas and BSL signing in the Grotto

Father Christmas will be welcoming families to share their festive wishes and receive a wrapped Christmas book as a gift. Our BSL signer, Jase Trotter, will also be available to help families communicate with Father Christmas.

These grotto sessions are perfect for families looking for a more relaxed experience or for those who require a British Sign Language signer.

Pre-booking is required for all Grotto sessions. Please check back on this page soon for booking details.

Our Father Christmas is played by the talented storyteller, Clive Pig.

If you do not require a BSL signer, please consider attending one of our other Father Christmas grotto sessions, which do not need to be pre-booked. We want as many families as possible from the deaf community or those who require BSL to have access to Father Christmas.

Please note: Entry to Father Christmas does not include entry to the house, which needs to be booked separately.

Christmas food and drink

Winter courtyard café

Feel festive by relaxing with a seasonal treat beside a giant Christmas tree under a tipi filled with twinkling fairy lights. Snuggle up with family and friends, enjoying a hot chocolate and mince pie in the cosy Winter Courtyard Café this Christmas.

Chapel Tearoom

The Chapel Tearoom will be serving festive tea and cake on vintage crockery, with charming views across the lawn towards the house. It's the perfect spot for a Christmassy slice of cake and a warm cup of tea this winter.

Volunteer as a Christmas Guide

Our volunteer Christmas Guides make such a difference. They’re passionate about Christmas, welcoming visitors and bringing the festive magic to life. There’s no need to be a history buff as the focus is on the Christmas experience.

Click here to find out more.

Booking FAQs

Do I need to book to just visit the garden, parkland or stables café?

If you are only visiting the garden, parkland, or stables café you will not need to book a ticket in advance, tickets are for house visits only. 

What do I need to bring on arrival?

You will need to show your booking confirmation on your phone or printed out to our team at Welcome Centre upon your arrival as well as your membership card if you are a member.

What does the booking slot mean?

The half an hour slot time is for your arrival at the welcome centre and your house queue joining time. If you wish you walk the gardens or have some coffee in the café please do so before or after your house slot allowing plenty of time.

Will members need to book?

Yes, members will need to book a timeslot to guarantee a visit to the house this Christmas, but member entry is still free.

Do I have to pay to park and do I need to book a parking ticket?

Parking is £3 per vehicle or free for National Trust members, you won’t need to book a parking ticket. We recommend arriving at Saltram with plenty of time before your house entry timeslot to ensure that you have time to find a parking space, our car park is particularly busy this time of year.

Can I cancel my tickets?

For event bookings through DigiTickets we have a No cancellations/refunds policy, unless the event has to be cancelled, in which case all bookings will be refunded for the relevant time/date. Tickets cannot be transferred to another event, date or time.Tickets are for your use and cannot be resold. Please book your tickets carefully for this event.

Will I be let in without a booking? / What if I just turn up?

Without a booking we won’t be able to guarantee entry to the house this Christmas. If we’re not fully booked on the day of your visit, you may be able to book a ticket on the day itself. However, to avoid disappointment we recommend booking your ticket as far in advance as possible to ensure that you get to experience the house in all its Christmas splendour.