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Christmas at Treasurer's House

Glowing Christmas trees in the Blue Drawing Room at Treasurer's House, York
Step into An Inspired Christmas this festive season | © National Trust Images/ Sophie Fawcett

Explore Treasurer's House adorned with hand crafted decorations for Christmas, each room inspired by the stories of Frank Green and the people around him.

These are our 2024 Christmas plans

Check back later in the year to find out what our new 2025 Christmas events will be.

An Inspired Christmas

16 November to 18 December 2024, Saturday to Wednesday

This Christmas Treasurer's House will be transformed, as the stories of Frank Green, a wealthy industrialist who renovated the house to showcase his collection, and the people who surrounded him come to life through beautifully crafted festive decor. Expect surprises around every corner, with the unique history of the house reflected through the Christmas decorations. 

Step into the period rooms and experience the bespoke design of this festive makeover. You're invited to explore at your own pace, taking in the ambience of each space in turn. Many of the decorations are hand made by the talented team of volunteers who decorate the house. 

Drop in anytime between 11am and 4pm (last entry 3.15pm), booking not required and tours are paused during the festive season.

An Inspired Christmas can be enjoyed by visitors who feel they would benefit from a lighter and quieter experience. Every Wednesday between 2pm and 4pm, we will turn up the lights, open the shutters and turn off the music.

Don't miss...

  • Architectural excellence – head to the Blue Drawing Room for sparkling stained glass-inspired decorations.
  • A floral tribute – over 500 flowers tell the heartwarming story of Frank Green's valet, Mr Hartley and the love letters to his wife.
  • The Great Hall – witness the tale of demolition and design. 
  • A life-saving legacy – discover a story of friendship and gratitude.
  • Frank Green’s influence – marvel at the cornucopia bedspread and the decor that reflects his lasting impact.

Join us for a truly magical Christmas at Treasurer’s House, where history and festivities intertwine.

Especially for families

Getting ready for Christmas takes a lot of hard work, luckily Frank Green had a team of staff to get Treasurer’s House looking and feeling festive.  This year spot the felted mice characters who are dotted around the decorated rooms preparing for the celebrations.

Look out for:

  • Monsieur Viande the chef and the kitchen maid prepping a festive feast. 
  • Ivy Cliff, Frank Green’s personal secretary, writing Christmas cards. 
  • House keeper, Mrs Jackson wrapping presents.  
  • Housemaids hanging paper chains.  
  • Mr Fletcher the Butler creating a wreath for the door.

 

Customers browsing in the National Trust gift shop, York
Customers browsing in the National Trust gift shop, York | © National Trust Images/Arnhel de Serra

Christmas shopping in York

Continue your day out by exploring the large National Trust shop just around the corner from the house, where you can find everything you need to decorate your own festive home. Treat yourself to Christmas decorations, cards and calendars or choose gifts inspired by the house’s decor, like a needle felting kit to craft your own Treasurer's House mouse. The shop also offers a fantastic selection of gifts celebrating National Trust locations, along with locally-sourced artisan crafts, food, and drinks.

 

Christmas food and drink

Visit the cafe and take advantage of the festive flavours on the daily menu, from hot sandwiches to freshly baked scones and cakes to hot drinks with a splash of syrup or toppings. 

A taste of what to expect...

  • Turkey, cranberry and stuffing sandwich (vegan alternative available)
  • Pie and mash
  • Mince pies
  • Seasonal hot drinks
  • The famous Christmas pudding scone

 

Off the scale delicious. That first bite...will remain with me for a very long time.

A quote by Sarah Merker Scone Blogger

The Christmas pudding scone returns

The Scone Blogger completed her mission to try scones at every National Trust place. When asked her favourite, we're thrilled to say the seasonal scone invented by the team at Treasurer's House after a local competition for ideas was the one, scoring 5+ out of 5. The scone returns this festive season when the house is decorated.

Christmas past

Here's a selection of some of the decorations and rooms from the previous few years as a hint of what you might expect...

View along a decorated banister towards a Christmas tree in the background
Soak in the stories in among the decorations | © National Trust / Anthony Chappel-Ross

Themed stories

Inspired by the collection, the William and Mary staircase was transformed in readiness for the local ball.

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The south view of Treasurer's House, Yorkshire

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