This festive season, the National Trust is inviting visitors to experience the magic of Christmas at its places across Norfolk. From historic houses dressed in festive finery to enchanting trails through winter landscapes, visitors can enjoy a season full of wonder and tradition.
Highlights include:
· Historic houses transformed for Christmas
· Fairytales and seasonal stories brought to life
· Late-night openings and atmospheric twilight walks
· Winter trails for crisp outdoor adventures
As the nights draw in and the air turns colder, National Trust places provide the perfect setting to celebrate the season. There’s no better way to embrace the festive spirit than by exploring these special places with friends and family.
Discover some of the most memorable Christmas events in Norfolk this season.
Events are correct at the time of publication. Please check individual property webpages for full details and availability.
Blickling Estate
Blickling’s Garden of Lights | 6 December – 21 December, 5pm – 8pm
As darkness falls, the gardens of Blickling Estate will come alive with light and wonder. See the landscape transformed with bold, playful displays of colour and sound. Explore creative illuminations and interactive moments set against the backdrop of the beautiful historic hall and gardens. Warm hands with mulled drinks, savour seasonal bites, and indulge in sweet treats. Share the magic with family and friends and start the festive season with sparkle and joy.
Garden of Lights Paws evening | Tuesday 9 December
For one night only, four-legged friends can come to the Garden of Lights event too.
Blickling’s Garden of Lights Relaxed Evening | Wednesday 10 December
A reduced capacity event for those who would like a quieter atmosphere.
This is Blickling’s biggest fundraising event of the year and helps to ensure that the National Trust can continue to care for this special place. For more information, ticket prices and to book tickets, go to Blickling’s Garden of Lights (2025) | National Trust
A Mouse’s Christmas at Blickling Hall | 29 November – 4 January, 11am – 3pm
This year, Blickling’s festive decorations come with a delightful twist, mice! These tiny characters are busy decking the halls and preparing for the big day. Visitors can look out for them as they explore and keep an eye out for the clues they hold to help solve the mystery of who stole Lord Lothian’s cheese. There’s also hands-on craft activities and the chance to snuggle up with a book in the festive reading nook. Quiet hours will take place every Tuesday and Saturday between 2pm – 3pm for those who would like a calmer atmosphere.
This event is free for National Trust members, normal admission charges apply for non-members. Closed on 24 and 25 December.
Felbrigg Estate
Felbrigg Hall is open 21 November – 15 December, Friday – Monday, 11am – 3pm
Experience the downstairs of Felbrigg Hall delightfully decked out with Christmas trees, twinkling lights and greenery from the estate. Walk through a series of opulent yet homely showrooms and find them full of added sparkle. Existing features, from gleaming copper, crimson silk-lined walls and ornate plasterwork, will be complimented by joyful decorations to get you in the mood for the festive season. Families can try craft activities while themed treats and hot chocolates from the Squire’s Pantry tea-room are available to top-off the experience. Those hunting for stocking fillers and gifts will find the shop and second-hand bookshop chock-full of options.
Opening hours:Felbrigg Hall, the tea-room, shops and Walled Garden will be closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Felbrigg Estate remains open throughout the festive period, from dawn-dusk.
For more information and to plan a visit go to Felbrigg Hall, Gardens and Estate | Norfolk | National Trust
Oxburgh Estate
Saturday 23 November – Sunday 4 January, open daily, 10:30am – 3pm
Step into the sparkle of Christmas at Oxburgh Estate this December. The Hall will be festively dressed in traditional decorations throughout the downstairs rooms. And the magic of the season will be brought to life through an enchanting woodland creatures winter tale, ‘A Home for Christmas’. Father Christmas will be in residence in The Potting Shed bookshop delivering Christmas stories for little ones.
Inside the Hall – ‘A Home for Christmas’ | National Trust
Follow Sybil Swan on her Christmas Eve journey as she braves an approaching snowstorm to check on her woodland friends. Wander through the decorated Hall and look out for Felix Fox, Oscar Otter, Barty Barn Owl, Violet Water Vole, and Holly Hedgehog, each tucked away safely into their winter homes ready for Christmas. This enchanting woodland creature winter tale is a magical story of kindness, friendship and the joy of finding ‘A Home for Christmas’.
Storytelling with Father Christmas | National Trust
Join Father Christmas and settle in for a yuletide tale in Oxburgh’s festively decorated second-hand bookshop and afterwards receive a small gift to take home.
Tickets must be booked in advance, £7.50 per child (2-8years) and adult.
On Saturday 6 and Sunday 14 December there will be opportunities for individuals with autism, those who are neurodivergent, or anyone with sensory needs, to join Father Christmas for a story and receive a small gift to take home. These sessions are held in a calmer and more comfortable setting which less people, raised light levels and a reduction in loud noises. Sensory items and touch bean bags will also be available. For more information and to book tickets go to Storytelling with Father Christmas (SEN Event) | National Trust
Festive Family Crafts | National Trust
Embrace the spirit of Christmas with a range of festive crafts. Come along and create beautiful decorations together as a family, to take home and treasure.
To find out more and plan a visit go to Christmas | Oxburgh Estate | Norfolk | National Trust
