Christmas at Calke Abbey

Image shows two people taking a photo of the house lit up in different colours. — Christmas lights at Calke Abbey | © National Trust/Rod Kirkpatrick

Come together at Calke Abbey this Christmas. Discover festive lights, the house all dressed up, Christmas markets and lots of opportunities to meet Father Christmas and Mrs Claus along the way.

Christmas at a glance

Christmas at Calke is open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from Friday 6 December until Sunday 22 December. Christmas at Calke will also be open on Monday 23 December. Calke Abbey is closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Here’s a round-up of all things Christmas at Calke this year, so you can get the most from your visit:

Join the festive fairs in the Riding School from 10am – 6.30pm.
See the House and St Giles Church decked for Christmas from 11am – 3.30pm (last entry 3pm).
Discover the parkland after dark in the tunnels from 11am – 6.30pm (last entry 6.15pm).
Bump into Father Christmas and Mrs Claus on your travels from 2pm – 6pm.
Explore Calke lit up in festive lights from 4pm – 6.30pm.
Enjoy pigs in blankets in the Stableyards from 4pm – 6.30pm.

Christmas lights and illuminations

Inspired by nature this Christmas, uncover the animals and plants that live at Calke.

As darkness settles, admire Calke lit up in festive lights and discover these friendly creatures around the Pleasure Grounds and St Giles Church.

Don’t forget to share your favourite moments with us, using #MyCalkeChristmas on social media.

Children waving wands in the light up willow tunnel — Join us for a magical Christmas | © National Trust/Annapurna Mellor

The exterior of the House will look slightly different this Christmas

Scaffolding is up on the west and south front of the House, as part of a conservation project to repair the windows and walls on the first and second floor. We’re aware that illuminating the House has always provided a lovely photo opportunity and will continue with the tradition this year.

Deck the halls and tunnels

Step inside the house and see the Entrance Hall, Saloon, Breakfast Room, Dining Room and Butler’s Pantry decked for the festive season.

Nature is continuing indoors this Christmas. As you explore, look out for colourful feathers, antlers on Christmas trees, a hand-crafted pond and lots of glittering lights.

Then travel underground into the tunnels to discover Calke Park after dark. Admire the starry sky, woodland scenes and animals, which like to come out to play in the parkland at night.

Christmas in the Stableyards

Don’t miss out on the Stableyards during your Christmas visit. Soak up the twinkly lights, ride on the carousel and enjoy drinks and snacks from the refreshment pod, including festive pigs in blankets.

Image shows two visitor exploring the indoor Christmas market — Find last-minute Christmas gifts at the market | © National Trust/Annapurna Mellor

Festive fairs

Christmas markets are returning to the Riding School for 2024, with our friends at Curly Magpie. Spread a little love this Christmas and browse for presents for your loved ones or simply treat yourself to another mince pie.

For enquiries about stalls at this event, please contact Curly Magpie directly via their website listed below.

Curly Magpie

Normal admission does apply for the Christmas markets

Please note that like the rest of our Christmas offer, the market is included in normal admission, which is free for members. We encourage those who are interested in visiting the market to consider what else is on offer to make the most of your Christmas visit.

Bookable events

For those seeking an exclusive Christmas experience, book onto one of the events listed below and enjoy an early Christmas treat, while making memories with loved ones.

Meet Father Christmas

Join Father Christmas for breakfast at Calke. Enjoy a hearty breakfast in the café before meeting Father Christmas in his grotto. He’ll be bringing gifts for all good boys and girls.

Booking is essential for both children and accompanying adults.

Book breakfast

Child looking up at Father Christmas — Meeting Father Christmas | © National Trust/Annapurna Mellor

Meet Mrs Claus

Join Mrs Claus for a coffee morning, where families with little ones can enjoy stories, crafts or singing.

Booking is essential for both children and accompanying adults.

Book magical mornings

Festive afternoon tea

Take a break from Christmas planning and treat yourself and a friend or loved one to an afternoon tea in the café.

Booking is essential per person.

Book afternoon tea

Christmas wreath workshop

New for 2024, join the Calke Garden Team in making your own Christmas wreath to display at home throughout the festive period.

Booking is essential per person.

Book wreath workshop

Where can I bring my dog?

Dogs are welcome to enjoy the lights and Christmas markets, provided they're on a short lead. Only assistance dogs are allowed in the house.

Please be respectful of others when visiting with your furry friend this Christmas, as we want everyone to have a magical time.

For more information about visiting Calke with your dog at other times, please look at our dog article below.

Visiting with your dog

Access

To help you plan your visit this Christmas, take a look at our accessibility article below.

Accessibility at Calke

Buggy service available over winter

The buggy service will be available daily from November – February from 10.30am – 2.30pm (subject to volunteer availability), providing visitors with mobility needs or wheelchair users access to the house and gardens from the ticket office.