A Once Upon a Time Christmas at The Children's Country House at Sudbury

Child visitor looking at a Christmas tree in Sudbury Hall and the National Trust Museum of Childhood in Derbyshire — Christmas at The Children's Country House at Sudbury | © National Trust Images/Chris Lacey

From 30 November 2024 to 6 January 2025, be transported into a tale as old as time at The Children's Country House at Sudbury as mice, clocks, pumpkins and more, take over the property and tell the story of Cinderella. Admire Christmas trees in the Hall, meet Father Christmas (on selected dates), follow Cinderella's journey to the ball and be enchanted in the gardens. Cinderella is the beginning of our new 'Once Upon a Time' festive theme.

Christmas Events

Father Christmas Walkabouts

On 14, 15, 21 and 22 December, Father Christmas is visiting The Children's Country House at Sudbury to say hello to visitors and wish them a very merry Christmas. This is a walkabout event, so there is no need to book. Walkabouts will take place at 11AM, 12PM, 1PM.

Breakfast with Father Christmas

Start your day with a hearty breakfast and enjoy a visit from Father Christmas who will be stopping by with gifts for the children on 14, 15, 21 and 22 December. Father Christmas is busy this season, so pre-booking is essential for all guests. Breakfast takes places from 9:45 to 10:45AM.

Book here

Enchanted Evenings

On 21, 22 and 23 December, the property will be open until 6PM, providing visitors with the chance to experience the gardens and Hall after dark and lit up with fairy lights, ready for Christmas.

There is no need to book, simply come along on the day.

Festive Afternoon Tea

Take part in a festive afternoon tea in the brand new Parlour space this Christmas. The afternoon tea includes a delicious selection of sandwiches, quiche, sweet treats and scones with a tea or coffee, and of course, mince pies. Afternoon Tea is available on 30 November, and 1, 7 and 8 December 2024.

Book here

Father Christmas in his red suit, is giving a gift to a child. There is a Christmas tree in the background and other children waiting. — Meeting Father Christmas | © National Trust Images/Rob Stothard

Christmas in the Hall

Explore rooms in the Hall, each telling a different part of the Cinderella story and adorned in festive splendour. This year, The Children's Country House at Sudbury has teamed up with the WELLIES Foundation, HandMade Theatre and Nottingham Trent University Theatre Design students to trim each part of the Hall. As you venture through each space, prepare to be amazed at the tale that awaits.

Christmas in the Museum of Childhood

Write your very own letter to Father Christmas to post directly to the North Pole, and take part in exciting festive trails throughout the Museum of Childhood. The Project Gallery reopens for Christmas, with a community exhibition exploring global versions of the Cinderella story.

Christmas in the Gardens

Learn about the plants that we see throughout the colder months and search for Cinderella's carriage, the Fairy Godmother and some magical wands in the gardens. This year, the beloved Moongate returns so get your cameras at the ready for some fantastic festive photos.

Second-hand bookshop

Make sure you stop by the Book Jungle, the second-hand bookshop. You may find the perfect Christmas gift for a friend or loved one. Each purchase helps us to look after the nature, beauty and history of The Children's Country House at Sudbury.

A Once upon a Time Christmas has been designed and curated by HandMade Theatre with support from the National Trust staff and volunteers, alongside the WELLIES Therapeutic Project.

With contributions from the residents of Jigsaw Homes, costume and theatre design students at Nottingham Trent University, Sudbury School, Fountains School, Binfield C of E School, Nottingham High School, Gail Griggs Photography and all the individual crafters who have contributed their talents.