Christmas at Waddesdon
15 Nov – 5 Jan, Wed – Sun (plus Mon 30 & Tues 31 Dec)
(excludes 23 – 26 Dec)
This Christmas be spirited away to a magical wonderland at Waddesdon. Watch our trailer for a preview of the Christmas enchantment that awaits you.
The Manor and grounds will be transformed again with captivating new festive displays and decorations, promising to surprise and delight with our most enchanting Christmas experience yet.
Inspired by the classic tale of Sleeping Beauty, Waddesdon will be an immersive experience. Enjoy beautifully decorated interiors, new light projections on the Manor façade, a glittering light trail in the gardens and the return of the ever-popular Christmas fair.
A Magical Christmas at Waddesdon
Inspired by the Tale of Sleeping Beauty
A set of paintings by Russian designer Léon Bakst, originally displayed in the Tower Room, serves as inspiration for the beloved fairytale of Sleeping Beauty brought to life throughout the House.
This year’s highlights include a captivating installation by theatre designer Tom Piper MBE in the White Drawing Room, which responds directly to Bakst’s artwork. The accompanying soundscape is created by Guildhall Production Studio, featuring new music by artists from Guildhall School of Music & Drama.
Watch a short film about the making of Christmas at Waddesdon here
Outdoor Light Trail and Illuminations
Outside, experience the grounds as never before as the Sleeping Beauty story is celebrated with projections on the Manor façade and our spectacular landscape is transformed into a kaleidoscope of colour, lights and music. Along the light trail, you can warm up with a hot drink at the Coffee Kiosk.
Christmas Fair 2024 (15 Nov – 22 Dec)
Our popular Christmas Fair guarantees a festive shopping experience that’s not to be missed. Revel in the sights, scents and sounds of Christmas as you wander amongst specially selected artisan stalls, housed in charming wooden chalets. Complementing the traditional market, our food stalls will be offering visitors a tasty selection of takeaway food and drink to enjoy.
Once upon a Christmas Time
Walk through an installation of artworks made by 15,000 local school children who have been working with artists to create a series of pieces based on the theme ‘Once upon a Christmas Time’. Look out for references to classic fairytales, including Little Red Riding Hood, Humpty Dumpty and Three Billy Goats Gruff. Located at the Coach House Gallery, The Stables.
Late Night Openings
We have late night openings on Fri 22 & 29 Nov and 6, 13 & 20 Dec. The House will be open until 8pm, with last entry at 7.20pm whilst the grounds will be open until 9pm, with last entry at 7pm.
Tickets, Prices & FAQs
Christmas Grounds
Grounds open 12pm-7pm (last entry 6pm)
Late night openings – Fri 22 & 29 Nov and 6, 13 & 20 Dec
Grounds: 12pm–9pm (last entry 7pm)
Off-peak:
Wed & Thu, 20 Nov – 19 Dec and Wed-Sun, 27 Dec – 5 Jan
- Adult £22 / National Trust adult £11.50
- Child £10 / National Trust child £5
Standard:
Fri-Sun, 15 Nov – 22 Dec
- Adult £26 / National Trust adult £13.50
- Child £12 / National Trust child £7
Christmas Grounds admission includes:
Christmas Fair (until 22 Dec), Light Trail, Manor façade projections, Once Upon A Christmas Time at the Coach House Gallery and standard parking in the visitor car park.
Christmas House and Grounds
House open 12:30pm-7pm (last entry 6:30pm)
Late night openings – Fri 22 & 29 Nov and 6, 13 & 20 Dec
Grounds: 12pm–9pm (last entry 7pm), House: 12.30pm–8pm (last entry 7.20pm)
Off-peak:
Wed & Thu, 20 Nov – 19 Dec and Wed-Sun, 27 Dec – 5 Jan
- Adult £35.50 / National Trust adult £16.50
- Child £16.50 / National Trust child £7
Standard:
Fri-Sun, 15 Nov – 22 Dec
- Adult £39.50 / National Trust adult £18.50
- Child £18.50 / National Trust child £9
Christmas House and Grounds admission includes:
Decorated rooms in the East Wing and Bachelors Wing, Christmas Fair (until 22 Dec), Light Trail, Manor façade projections, Once Upon A Christmas Time at the Coach House Gallery and standard parking in the visitor car park.
Pre-booking essential for all visitors to the house and grounds, including National Trust members.
Please book carefully, tickets cannot be exchanged or refunded.
This year we are offering a Relaxed House Opening, please find out more here.
Please note, your entry time is the time you can enter the property. Once you have entered, you can stay and explore the grounds until we close.
Groups at Christmas
Christmas is always a special time of year at Waddesdon and the perfect place to bring your group. Step into the festively decorated house, see magical illuminations and follow our enchanting light trail.
Applications for the Fair are now closed. If you would like to be added to the waiting list please fill in this form.
For other enquiries, please contact christmasfair@waddesdon.org.uk
