Six Christmas Markets & Festivities for your Diary
The festive season is suddenly upon us! This week's snowy weather seems to have heralded the beginning of Christmas, with decorations springing up and markets opening all across the country. Our diaries for the next five weeks will be a juggling act of attending Christmas events, celebrating festive occasions and visiting markets for both gift ideas and seasonal snacks.
Whether you're looking for traditional markets, illuminated trails and stately homes all dressed up for Christmas, or a more contemporary take on festive celebrations with dinner parties, seasonal crafting and art installations, read on for our festive dates for your diary.
Christmas at Chatsworth
9th November - 5th January.
Chatsworth is always a treat to visit in the run-up to Christmas, when the estate fully embraces the spirit of the festive season. The highlight of this year’s programme has got to be the immersive experience of poet, author and Children’s Laureate, Joseph Coelho’s new festive story, Henry and the Lion’s Christmas Feast. Lead your little ones on a tour of the house, delighting in the decorations, lights and surprises that draw inspiration from Coelho’s story. The magic continues outdoors with an enchanting light trail through the gardens, culminating in an animated projection on the house itself, and the farmyard will be suitably decorated for the celebrations. From the 9th November until the 1st December, the Chatsworth Christmas market will take over Lodge Hill, boasting over 100 stalls offering seasonal food and drinks, gifts and decorations. Live musical performances will add to the atmosphere.
Christmas at The Newt
Throughout November and December. Christmas Showcase Weekend 7-8th December.
The Newt members and guests are invited to join a comprehensive programme of festive entertainment throughout the next two months, with their Christmas Showcase Weekend providing the pinnacle of the celebrations. Joyful events (on selected dates – see their website for details) include crafting Christmas creatures from willow branches, creating your own pressed flower baubles, learning calligraphy to make your own Christmas cards, foraging materials to design your own decorations, participating in an enchanted dawn walk, and accompanying your children on a whimsical quest in the grounds. The weekend of the 7-8th December will see the estate completely transforming into a winter wonderland with seasonal treats and festive entertainment. There will be mulled cyder and roasted chestnuts to enjoy while listening to live music and carol singing; crafts and storytelling for children to enjoy; makers and artisans peddling their wares; and Father Christmas will be taking up residence in the Gardener’s Cottage.
Alice’s Christmas Wonderland at Castle Howard
15th November - 5th January
Tumble down the rabbit hole at Castle Howard this Christmas, as a joyous Alice in Wonderland theme takes over. Visitors can take a tour of the house, following the White Rabbit through its grand rooms, discovering surprises along the way. For those curiouser and curiouser about how the creations were brought to life, there are also out-of-hours guided tours led by Design Director, Adrian Lillie. The experience doesn’t stop there, however. Treat yourself to a special afternoon tea, hosted by the Mad Hatter – or grown-ups can discover Wonderland-themed cocktails and festive sharing platters in The Chess Club secret dining room. Children can visit the Bauble Emporium, pay Father Christmas a visit, enjoy a puppetry show, and toast giant marshmallows on the fire, while adults enjoy crafting willow wreaths and decorations. Don’t miss the Bettys pop-up shop which will have all the iconic treats the Yorkshire tea room is famed for.
Le Manoir at Christmas at Belmond Le Manoir
Selected dates up until Christmas
Whether you’re adding a festive touch to your stay at Le Manoir or are in the area and fancy a Christmas treat, a vast programme of elegant entertainment awaits. Book onto the Festive Family Masterclass for an interactive evening of gastronomy the whole family can enjoy – arriving to canapes and champagne before being guided through creating a two-course festive menu while sipping on mulled wine and hot chocolate. You’ll then dine on your creations, with the choice of mince pie making or Christmas cookie decorating for dessert. If you prefer someone else to do the cooking, there are three Christmas carol concerts in early December hosted by Raymond Blanc, which include caroling performances, a champagne reception and a four-course dinner. In the manor’s vast gardens you’ll discover a Winter Dome filed with comfy sofas, warm blankets to snuggle up in and twinkling fairy lights – here, you can sip a glass of wine while admiring your surroundings. Or scurry over to the Glasshouse, which has been transformed by Buchanan Studio’s installation of giant paperwhites which are reflected in the glass. Elsewhere on the grounds, participate in winter fruit pruning, book a seasonal afternoon tea, or sign up for a cosy wreath making workshop with Le Manoir’s florist, Suzanne Bladon followed by tea, coffee and their signature lemon cake.
Claridges Christmas Tree and afternoon tea
Throughout November and December
The Claridge’s Christmas tree is always a highlight of London’s festive decorations, and this year’s 19-foot design by Sir Paul Smith is particularly joyous. Decorated with 100 bespoke birdhouses, it’s a feast for the eyes. As part of the design, British architect, Nik Ramage has contributed mechanical birdhouses and design studio, Studiomama have designed a selection of their ‘Off Cut Creatures’ to sit around the base of the tree. After admiring the tree (and throughout the lead-up to Christmas), enjoy a festive spin on the hotel’s much celebrated afternoon tea which includes a glass of Laurent-Perrier Héritage, their take on smoked salmon and roasted turkey sandwiches, Claridge’s classic Christmas pudding and Christmas-themed treats. The white chocolate and cranberry bauble sounds especially delicious!
Christmas at Blenheim Palace
15th November - 1st January
Blenheim Palace always celebrates the festive season with a magical twist, this year showcasing a Neverland® theme and a brand-new covered ice rink. Neverland® in the Palace is designed to support Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity (who JM Barrie gifted the rights to Peter Pan to). Visitors can follow Tinkerbell through the house, wander through a moonlit London skyline and admire the Mermaid Lagoon, before enjoying a Neverland® themed afternoon tea in the Orangery Restaurant. Outdoors, you’ll find one of the best illuminated light trails in the UK, alongside the Christmas Market in The Great Court (15th November - 22nd December) where wooden chalets offer everything from tasty treats to gift ideas. Finally, glide around The Great Skate ice rink, surrounded by festive decor before tucking into a hot chocolate to warm up.
