A Nutcracker Christmas at Mottisfont
23 November 2024 - 5 January 2025: experience the timeless magic of The Nutcracker at Mottisfont this Christmas, with a decorated house and family activity trail.
- Booking not needed
- Free event (admission applies)
The story unfolds as you wander through rooms filled with sparkling trees and decorations, music and light effects. Follow Clara and her Nutcracker Prince into a frosty wonderland with swirling snowflakes. Sugarplum fairies twirl among candy canes in the Land of Sweets, and here’s a thrilling duel scene between the Prince and the Mouse King. Outside, the adventure continues on a Nutcracker-themed family activity trail.
Christmas at Mottisfont runs from 23 November 2024 - 5 January 2025 (closed 24 and 25 December), 10am-4pm (house open from 11am, last entry 30 minutes before closing).
There's no need to book. Normal property admission price (free for National Trust members, Art Fund members and under-fives), plus £3 per trail.
Christmas can be a busy time at Mottisfont, especially during the holidays. Most of our visitors tend to arrive before 2pm, which can cause congestion in the car park. If you arrive after 2pm, there’s still time to enjoy offer.
If you have the flexibility, a weekday visit is generally quieter than a weekend, even during school holidays. If you can only visit over the weekend, Saturdays are usually less busy than Sundays.
Times
Prices
Event ticket prices
This event is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue.
Check admission pricesThe basics
- Meeting point
Decorations around the house and grounds. Trail sheets available from visitor reception.
- What to bring and wear
The trail takes place outside in our gardens, so dress appropriately for the weather. Pathways can be uneven and muddy in places so sturdy footwear is recommended.
- Accessibility
Free parking adjacent to welcome centre, including accessible spaces. Toilet & changing facilities around the grounds. Pushchairs welcome in the gardens, but not in the house. Gently-sloping areas and wide pathways around much of the grounds. Mobility buggy service available.
- Other
Drinks, snacks and light lunches with family-friendly options are available from the café and additional outlets.
Upcoming events
Guided walks along the River Test at Mottisfont
Tuesdays and Wednesdays until 25 September, 11.30am and 2pm: a rare chance to walk along the banks the River Test, to find out more about the importance of chalk steams and the work we do to protect them.
John Burningham's Bedtime Stories: exhibition and activity trail
Saturday 20 July – Sunday 29 September: a family-friendly exhibition and activity trail celebrating the wild and wonderful world of award-winning children's author and illustrator John Burningham.