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Christmas at Mount Stewart

Family exploring the house dressed for Christmas at Mount Stewart
See the house at Mount Stewart decorated for the festive season | © National Trust Images/Annapurna Mellor

This winter add a sprinkle of seasonal magic with a visit to Mount Stewart. This Christmas season, join us for the big Christmas reveal, a festive children's trail, seasonal storytelling, Christmas family activities in the Big House, wellness and gift making workshops, twinkly light and Christmassy musical performances. Don't forget to pick up your locally made Christmas presents from our shop and treat yourself to a warming hot chocolate and freshly baked mince pie.

Christmas at Mount Stewart House

The fire will be lit, the lights will be twinkling and the House is getting ready for Christmas. We invite you wander in, get a photo in front of the tree and take a stroll around the house to see all the festive decorations in all their splendour. 

 

The Big Christmas Reveal

Stay a little later and get the first look at the House dressed for Christmas in the evening

Friday 29 November & Friday 20 December 

Be one of the first visitors to see the Big House decorated for Christmas! On the 29 November and Friday 20 December, Mount Stewart will have a late night opening so you can sip hot chocolate under the starlight and then wander through the House all dressed luxuriously for the festive season. Don't miss this chance to wander the House at night in the warm glow of twinkling lights and a cosy fire. 

Normal admission applies, members free. 

 

Christmas family trail

30 November 2024 – 6 January 2025

Embark on a magical winter adventure at Mount Stewart this winter with our festive family trail. So embrace the winter chill, wrap up warm and get out in nature this festive season! 

The trail takes place from 28 November to 6 January 2025 from 10am -3pm. Snap a picture of the trail map in the courtyard.

Normal admission applies, members free. 

 

Winter Guided Walk

Wednesday 1 December & Saturday 4 December

It's winter but there's colour to be found in flowers, fruit and bark all around Mount Stewart, find out where to look. Discover the hidden beauty of winter in our enchanting garden walk. Experience a secret world of stunning flowers, intricate bark, and striking stems that will inspire and elevate your own garden. Marvel at Winter Blooms: See how seasonal flowers like hellebores, snowdrops, and winter aconites bring color and life to the cold months.

Bark Beauty: Explore the fascinating textures and patterns of trees and shrubs that stand out in winter, including the elegant Birch and the striking Myrtle. Striking Stems: Admire the vibrant stems of plants like redtwig dogwood and willow, which add visual interest and drama to the winter landscape. Ticketed walk, book online (£5 Adult, £2.50 Child) 

 

Christmas storytelling & Write your letter to Santa 

Dates TBC

Bring the family along for festive story time in the second-hand bookshop. Don't forget to write your letter to Father Christmas and pop it in our postbox before you go!

The sessions take place throughout the day; check with reception for start times.

 

Northern Ireland Concert Band Christmas Performance

15 December 2023, 2pm (Front of House)

Come and enjoy some festive favourites and comforting carols to get you in a merry mood, with the Northern Ireland concert band this December. 

 

Late night Christmas House opening

20 December 2023, 5pm - 8pm

Don't miss the last chance to see the House dressed for Christmas at night this season. Get your photo in front of the big tree, grab a hot chocolate and do some last minute Christmas shopping.

Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the historic house after dark, beautifully decorated with twinkling lights, elegant Christmas trees, and traditional holiday ornaments. The evening will offer a rare chance to enjoy the estate’s rich history and festive cheer in an unforgettable setting.

Enjoy the festive sounds of the Peninsula Choir who will be carolling in the House from 6pm.

Normal admission applies, members free. 

Visitors exploring house dressed for Christmas at Mount Stewart
Visitors exploring house dressed for Christmas at Mount Stewart | © National Trust Images/Annapurna Mellor

Feed the soul this winter...

 

Temple of the Winds - Winter Solstice Sound Spa Retreat Experience

Saturday 21 December

Join Tessa Ann for this Winter Solstice Sound Spa Retreat. The Winter Solstice is a time of hope and warmth when we begin to welcome in the light. Immerse yourself in the magical energy of Mount Stewart’s Temple of the Winds as Tessa delivers a beautiful Sound Spa Experience. The Temple of the Winds is a stunning neo-classical building located in Mount Stewart's historic demesne, boasting breath-taking views of Strangford Lough. What happens during this Sound Spa Experience? Tessa Ann will play a range of therapeutic sound instruments including Tibetan and crystal singing bowls for deep relaxation, the drum for grounding, percussion instruments such as shakers and rain sticks to waken up the body at the end of the session. She will introduce you to the effects that different sounds may have on the body during a sound-based relaxation experience.

Tickets £ 47.50 Book here

 

New Years Day Walk

1 January 2025

Start your New Year with a guided garden walk, taking in the horticultural highlights of Mount Stewart. Join a member of our Garden Team as they take you on a tour around the accessible areas of the South and West Terrace, including the formal gardens and Lake Walk. This horticultural focused walk will highlight winter flowering shrubs, trees for winter interest , and any early bulbs that are in flower. The tour will also provide a look ahead at the projects the Garden Team have planned for 2025. Tickets £2.50 Book here

Head to Whats On to book all events.

 

Shop dressed for Christmas at Mount Stewart
Shop dressed for Christmas at Mount Stewart | © National Trust Images/Annapurna Mellor

Explore the winter garden

Why not take a gentle winter stroll around the grounds, kids and adults alike will love the White Stag trail available at Reception for you to follow. 

Christmas food and drink

Should you fancy a warming treat after your walk, the cosy Tea Room is serving up a selection of tasty festive treats, such as mince pies and yummy seasonal hot dishes.

Christmas shopping

Still need to find that perfect Christmas present or a little something for yourself? The gift shop stocks a wide range of wonderful items ranging from essential family organisers and cosy blankets to the perfect finishing touches for your Christmas tree.

A family walking across the garden lawn surrounded by flower beds and hedges at Mount Stewart, with a view of the house in the background

Discover more at Mount Stewart

Find out when Mount Stewart is open, how to get here, things to see and do and more.

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