Child sitting on the bench under the colourful archway in the enchanted winter garden in the Marble Hall at Petworth, West Sussex | © Megan Taylor

Christmas in Sussex

This Christmas 2024 we're bringing festive traditions to life at our country houses, atmospheric gardens and wintry countryside in Sussex.

Mr Tumnus and Lucy walking through through snowy wood.

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Christmas at Nymans: The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe

Step through the wardrobe into Narnia at Nymans this Christmas. Inspired by C.S. Lewis’ classic tale, ‘The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe’, explore enchanting scenes on a magical, festive journey through the decorated house. A trail in the garden takes families on a voyage to Narnia, from the White Witch’s kingdom to the Beavers’ cottage. Find Father Christmas’s sleigh and sit on the throne at Cair Paravel. In the house be greeted with the warmth and sparkle of a 1940s Christmas. Follow in the footsteps of wartime evacuees, Edmund, Lucy, Susan and Peter in the kingdom of the White Witch.

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The Snowman™ at Sheffield Park and Garden this Christmas

Families are invited on a festive walk, re-living the magic of Raymond Briggs’ heart-warming picture book. Look out for twelve decorated sculptures of The Snowman™, along a winding wintry path, past beautiful lakes and trees. Games and activities add to the festive fun, then warm up with hot chocolate and mince pies in the cafe. Walking with The Snowman™ at Sheffield Park and Garden is presented by National Trust and Wild in Art in collaboration with Penguin Ventures (part of Penguin Random House UK). 30 November – 12 January, 9am - 4pm, last entry 3.30pm

Goose Green at Christmas time decorated with presents.

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Christmas at Standen: All I want for Christmas

Step inside this imaginatively decorated Arts and Crafts home at Christmas, atmospherically lit and filled with twinkling lights and festive Christmas trees. Be inspired by the centrepiece Christmas tree in the Hall, festooned and sumptuously decorated, ready for a family Christmas.

Brilliant gold and festooned Christmas trees in the Carved Room at Petworth, West Sussex

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Christmas at Petworth House

Step into a festive wonderland at Petworth House to see showstopping trees, twinkling lights, beautifully adorned garlands and floral displays this Christmas. Explore eight of the historic showrooms dressed for Christmas and look out for some playful mice hiding amongst the display. There will be photo opportunities, and a chance to add your wish to a tree in the Chapel. Free with usual admission. Plus Christmas choirs, festive Maker's Market and lates.

Christmas wreaths on the doors to the castle

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Christmas at Bodiam Castle

Visit Bodiam Castle this winter, to discover the magic of a medieval Christmas. With plenty of natural foliage and greenery decorating the castle, find out about the lavish feasts and celebrations that were a hallmark of a medieval Christmas. Families can get into the festive spirit on the ‘Merry Medieval Christmas Trail’, featuring games and activities inspired by medieval feasts (£3 per trail, includes a small prize). Plus, enjoy enchanting tales of dragons, knights, and castles during winter storytelling sessions in the cosy, grotto-style castle tower room on selected dates. A Medieval Christmas at Bodiam Castle runs from Saturday 30 November to Sunday 5 January (closed 24 & 25 December).

A Christmas tree decorated with a sparkly wolf decoration, handmade birds and lotus flowers.

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A Writer’s Christmas at Bateman’s

Enter the jungle and a world of warmth, colour, tradition and creativity as you experience ‘The Jungle Book Christmas’ at Bateman’s this year. Once the home of Rudyard Kipling, the author of The Jungle Book, Bateman’s invites you to discover the animals from the beloved tale swinging, climbing, hiding, and jumping around the house. Christmas trees, decorated with golden lights and hand-crafted decorations, celebrate Kipling’s love of India. Also, you can enjoy an exhibition featuring original new illustrations of The Jungle Book by local artist Claire Fletcher. Don’t forget to stop by the Mulberry Tea-Room for a festive treat and browse the shop for unique gifts. ‘The Jungle Book Christmas’ runs from Saturday 16 November 2024 to Sunday 5 January 2025 (closed 24 & 25 December).

A festive Christmas Tree greets visitors at Lamb House

Christmas at Lamb House

Immerse yourself in the jazz age at Lamb House as we celebrate Christmas inspired by the Mapp & Lucia book series by E. F. Benson. Enjoy 1930s music and explore the house as it's transformed to resemble the fictional Mallards residence, which was based on Lamb House when Benson lived here. Experience workshops, trails, and lots of references to these classic books sprinkled throughout your visit.