Christmas at Lavenham Guildhall

A woman and little boy looking at decorations and wishes hanging from a Christmas tree — Make a Christmas wish at Lavenham | © National Trust Images/Paul Harris

Christmas is a special time in Lavenham. The market square comes alive with twinkling lights and a spectacular tree, and there are seasonal treats to enjoy in the tea-room.

Christmas decorations

Enjoy festive decorations outside the Guildhall.

The market square twinkles with fairy lights at Christmas time, with a spectacular tree at its heart. Stroll the streets of Lavenham, spotting the medieval buildings dressed for the season, and pop into the Guildhall museum for a seasonal tasty treat.

Seasonal food and drink

Warm up from a winter walk in the cosy wood-beamed tea-room. Indulge in seasonal specials including mince pies, festive coffees, hot chocolates, cakes and bakes, as well as savoury options like soups, one-pots and hot pasties.

Wreathmaking workshop at Wentworth Castle Gardens — Enjoy making a festive keepsake on one of our Christmas workshops at Lavenham Guildhall, Suffolk | © Ruth Wynters

Christmas Workshops

Spend some time getting crafty in the historic surroundings of Lavenham Guildhall and make something to take home and enjoy for the entire festive period.

Festive Wreath Making Workshop

25 November | 10:30am - 12:30pm | £60 - all materials and refreshments included

Celebrate the start of the festive season by crafting your own natural Christmas wreath in the atmospheric surroundings of Lavenham Guildhall. With expert guidance from Just Anne Flowers, you'll create a beautiful design using seasonal foliage, ready to take pride of place on your door. Book your place here.

Festive Indian Block Printing Workshop

9 December | 10:30am - 3:30pm | £115 - all materials, refreshments, lunch and a tour of Lavenham Guildhall included

Add a personal, handmade touch to your Christmas table with a special day of Indian block printing in the historic surroundings of Lavenham Guildhall.

During this full-day workshop with Emerald & Embers, you’ll learn how to use traditional hand-carved Indian wooden printing blocks to create your own table runner and four coordinating napkins – a beautiful set of table linen to bring out for Christmas gatherings and celebrations for years to come.

Choose festive motifs from hundreds of blocks and a wide range of fabric paint colours to create something of your own.

After a step-by-step demonstration, you’ll have time to practise, experiment with different combinations of blocks, pattern and colour, and develop your ideas before creating your finished pieces, with guidance and inspiration throughout.

Lavenham’s story is closely connected to its historic cloth trade, making the Guildhall a particularly special setting for a day of textile printing. For this event, the Guildhall will be closed to the public, giving workshop guests private access to the historic building throughout the day. You’ll also enjoy a short talk and tour of the Guildhall, along with refreshments and a buffet lunch. Book your place here.

Festive Flower Table Display Workshop

16 December | 10:30am - 12:30pm | £60 - includes all materials and refreshments

Join our experienced floral designer for a relaxed and inspiring workshop where you'll create your own stunning Christmas table centrepiece to take home. Using a selection of seasonal foliage, festive decorations and natural materials, you'll be guided step-by-step through the design process, learning tips and techniques to help bring your arrangement to life.

Set within the historic surroundings of Lavenham Guildhall, this workshop offers the perfect opportunity to slow down and enjoy some festive creativity. Whether you're an experienced flower arranger or a complete beginner, you'll leave with a unique handmade centrepiece ready to take pride of place on your Christmas table A hot drink and a biscuit is included in the price of the workshop. Book your place here.