Christmas
revised dates 3 Dec 2020 – 3 Jan 2021
Also Mon 21 & 28, Tue 22 & 29 Dec
Wed-Sun, 12noon-7.30pm
Closed 24-26 Dec
Grounds
Christmas at Waddesdon is back with magical lights and the gardens aglow. Join us for festive fun with our enchanting outdoor extravaganza that will brighten the end of your year. Winter lights and illuminations look their best after dark.
Your Grounds admission ticket for Christmas at Waddesdon includes access to:
- Christmas Fair (until 23 Dec)
- Winter Light trail
- Manor illuminations
- When You Wish Upon a Star trail
- Parallels immersive performance in the Coach House
The House and Cellars will not be open this Christmas due to social distancing.
Waddesdon will be in Tier 2, so visitors to our outdoor event may meet people from other households so long as groups observe the Rule of 6 while here. Please respect other visitors and our covid safety measures especially on buses, cafes and in the Christmas Fair.
If you have booked tickets but live in a Tier 3 area and cannot travel to Waddesdon, or have booked an afternoon tea for a mixed household group please see our cancellations and refunds information on our information page or contact SeeTickets customer services team.
Everything you need to know about Christmas>
SeeTickets customer service team >
Christmas Fair
Soak up the sights, smells and sounds of Christmas with 70 hand-selected stalls all housed in charming wooden chalets, surrounded by twinkling trees. 3-23 Dec 2020, Wed-Sun, 12noon-7pm
Later opening for Winter Light
This year we’re staying open until 7.30pm, so as twilight falls you’ll see the gardens sparkle even more brightly with spectacular light displays bringing our extraordinary landscape to life.
The Winter Light trail will transform the Pleasure Grounds with dramatic colour and playful installations. Stroll under the stars beneath magically illuminated tree canopies transformed by moving light. From dusk, look out for the valley of flickering flames creating a sea of fire, and dozens of suspended orbs in a walk-through musical light show.
Manor illuminations
As the sun goes down, watch the spectacle of the Manor’s façade illuminated with dancing lights set to sequenced music.
When you wish upon a star
On this trail, walk down Miss Alice’s Drive, from the Woodland Café to the Stables to see a display of lanterns and stars decorated by local schoolchildren on a theme of hope, and our annual schools lightbox competition.
Parallels in the Coach House
Encounter Parallels, a light in motion creation of colourful pipes that twist and turn in an immersive performance set to a soundscape, at the Stables, 12noon-7pm.
Baubles at the Stables
Step inside giant twinkling LED baubles and capture a special festive moment. The perfect photo opportunity to share and remember.
Begin 2021 with sparkle and bright lights, as we extend our Winter Light programme into the new year for you to enjoy. See Winter Light in January event>
Christmas food, drink & shopping
Christmas food and drink
We’ve plenty of options for eating and drinking this Christmas.
Christmas shopping
Find unique and unusual gifts exclusive to Waddesdon and a selection of wines.
Booking
All visitors must book in advance. We recommend you book your shuttle bus tickets or premium parking space with your grounds admission online. All visitors must have their own valid tickets, which must be produced, along with any valid National Trust, Art Fund, RHS, HHA or local residents’ membership card, to gain entry.
Please choose your arrival time slot carefully, they have been staggered to avoid overcrowding. You will not be admitted earlier than your booked arrival time.
Weekdays
£16 Adult, £8 Child,
£40 Family (up to 2 adults + 3 children)
National Trust: £5 Adult, £2.50 Child
Weekends
£18.50 Adult, £9.25 Child,
£46.25 Family (up to 2 adults + 3 children)
National Trust: £7.50 Adult, £3.75 Child
Group visits
We are only able to accommodate Group bookings for Grounds visits on weekdays (Wed-Fri), this Christmas due to Covid-19 measures to cap numbers and limit crowding. Unfortunately, the house and wine cellars will not be open and we are unable to offer any group catering in our Manor Restaurant or Hotel this year. There will be hot take away food available in the Christmas Fair (until 23 Dec) and at our own outlets in the Stables, Woodland Cafe and near the Manor.
Please email [email protected] with details of your group (over 15 guests), date you’d like to visit, phone and email contact details and any catering requests.
Accessibility at Christmas
Here are a few visiting tips to help you get around during our Christmas opening. Accompanying Carers receive free entry.