Get into the festive spirit
From wreath-making workshops and carol concerts to winter illuminations, find Christmas days out near you.
Midwinter Merriment at Lyveden
- Published:
- 24 August 2023
This year Lyveden will be taking inspiration from traditional midwinter festivities. Discover how the Tudors celebrated Christmas and, in the new year, learn more about the tradition of wassailing in the orchards.
Merriment and Misrule: a Tudor Christmas party
Let the Lord of Misrule be your guide to the lively and chaotic traditions of a Tudor Christmas. Discover the fun, feasts, and perculiar customs that brightened the midwinter in Tudor times.
Lyveden's halls will be decked in boughs of holly, ivy and mistletoe. Christmas trees will be festooned with decorations inspired by a Tudor Christmas and window sills will tell the story of high days and holidays.
Discover quirky traditions like the Boy Bishops who temporarily took over church duties or the lively tradition of mumming, where masked performers went from house to house with mischeif in mind.
Lord of Misrule Trail
Follow the trail of chaos left behind by the Lord of Misrule, with a free family trail around the manor. Learn how wealthy Tudor families celebrated with lavish banquets, indulging in extravagant dishes like peacock and boar's head.
Board games in the café
Take part in a favourite Tudor pastime with board games available to enjoy as you treat yourself to a festive treat in the café.
Tudor Father Christmas
Lyveden will be visited by a very special guest this Christmas season, coming all the way from the North Pole! Taking his que from traditions of the past Father Christmas will be dressing in green and telling stories of woodland creatures and historic Christmases. Participants will have an opportunity to take a picture next to Father Christmas and make a craft with his woodland fairy helper. £2 per participant, booking essential.
Christmas with the Treshams
Join friendly guide Tony for a free talk on Tudor Christmas. Learn all about the traditions, foods merriment and more! Hear about what Christmas might have looked like for the Tresham family. In a time of religious persecution, how were they able to celebrate their faith?
Friday 13 December, 13:30 - 14:00
Festive food and drink
If you’re feeling peckish or need to warm-up us after a winter's stroll, we have plenty of festive treats available in the manor café. Why not treat yourself to a warming hot chocolate next to our log burner or take one with you as you explore Tresham's garden. And of course, we’ll have all your usual favourites including a mincepie or two.
Wassail
Sunday 12 January - Sunday 23 February
Wassail away those post-Christmas blues and discover the quirky tradition that ensures a healthy apple harvest. The manor will still be decked out in some of it's festive finery and an exhibition in the Common Room will tell you more about this ancient custom.
Wassail trail
Saturday 15 February - Sunday 23 February
Join Robin on this free, fun-filled family trail to discover how an orchard is wassailled.
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