Christmas at Lacock

Storytime with Mother Christmas

The Servant's Hall will be transformed into a cosy Christmas grotto for 2024. Mother Christmas always takes a break from her busy schedule (she works very hard behind the scenes you know!) to share a story, song and gifts from Father Christmas' present sack. This year you can also book pre-school sessions for younger children, with stories and toys for gentle play, and relaxed sessions for those with additional sensory and educational needs.

Storytime with Mother Christmas
14, 15, 21 and 22 December
25 minute sessions from 10.30am - 2.30pm

Book here

Toddler time with Mother Christmas
13, 19 and 20 December
25 minute sessions from 10.30am - 12 noon.

Book here

Relaxed Mother Christmas Storytime
20 December
25 minute sessions from 1.30pm - 3pm

Book here

Christmas in the courtyard and gardens

In the Botanic Garden the bothy has been decorated for the season, and provides a cosy place to write your letters to Father Christmas. Pick up a spotter's sheet and see how many festive-themed things you can find around the gardens and in the Great Hall.

Father Christmas always parks his sleigh in the Courtyard (perhaps he's partial to a cream tea from the Courtyard Tearoom?) so you can take a festive snap with the willow reindeer.

You can't miss the 20 ft Christmas Tree sparkling in the centre, with more trees and lights in every corner. Can you find the Christmas post room to write and send your letter to Father Christmas?

The Great Hall at Christmas

23rd November - 31 December (closed Christmas Day and Boxing Day)

Whilst the rest of the house is closed for the annual deep clean, the Great Hall re-opens for the Christmas period, with traditional decorations and an impressive tree which always makes a great backdrop for a festive selfie.

Community Christmas Tree Festival

One of Lacock's best-loved traditions returns in 2024 with a display of Christmas trees decorated by local community groups, charities and schools, all displayed in the Cloister.

Each year there is a different theme for the trees. The groups taking part usually create decorations from upcyled materials, with this year's theme of 'the Magic of Nature at Christmas' sure to be interpreted in many different creative and interesting ways. Vote for your favourite using a voting slip, or scanning the QR code to submit your entry.

Pop-up Christmas shopping in the Manger Barn

Lacock provides so many opportunities for gift buying for friends and family. The High Street Shop sells quality, eco-friendly and locally made items all year round. This year the dedicated Christmas shop will be in the historic Manger Barn in the village from 15 November - 8 December, Thursday - Sunday. The Manger Barn is not usually open to the public, so take the chance to soak up some festive atmosphere and choose some beautiful gifts for friends and family. Meet the maker and tasting events will be taking place on selected days, keep an eye on our social media channels for updates.

Seasonal food and drink

During a day of sight seeing and gift shopping in the village, the Stables Café has seasonal specials for all the family . The Courtyard Cafe by the abbey will be open weekends and during the school holidays, with craft packs available with purchases for anyone wanting to add their own decoration to a Lacock tree.

Christmas shopping

As well as the National Trust shop in the High Street and the pop-up Christmas shop in the Manger Barn, there are some charming independent shops in the village, so a day at Lacock provides a perfect opportunity to tick gifts off your list every year.

The second-hand bookshop in the Courtyard is also always a good shout for the bookworms in your life, open every day (except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day) with all kinds of books on offer, from biography to cookery, fiction to sport.