Christmas at Staffordshire's National Trust Properties: Festive Days Out for 2026

Discover festive days out at Staffordshire's National Trust properties this Christmas, from illuminated gardens at Biddulph Grange to Father Christmas at Kinver, historic celebrations at Moseley Old Hall and a woolly adventure at Shugborough.

From illuminated gardens and historic Christmas traditions to storytelling with Father Christmas and a festive adventure with a mischievous lamb, Staffordshire's National Trust properties are preparing for a magical Christmas season.

There is something rather special about visiting Staffordshire's historic houses and gardens at Christmas. Rooms filled with festive greenery, the glow of twinkling lights and the warmth of a roaring fire offer a welcome escape from the winter chill.

This year, the National Trust is bringing a little extra festive magic to four of its Staffordshire properties, with everything from Christmas trails and traditional decorations to seasonal performances, family crafts and visits from Father Christmas.

Whether you fancy wrapping up for an illuminated evening stroll, discovering how Christmas was celebrated centuries ago or making memories with the children, there is plenty to look forward to.

Here is what is happening across Staffordshire this Christmas.

Biddulph Grange Garden: Illuminated Gardens and Christmas Adventures

5 December 2026 to 3 January 2027, with activities on selected dates

Biddulph Grange Garden is preparing for a Christmas filled with colourful lights, festive trails and seasonal entertainment.

The popular Festive Lights experience returns with illuminated displays transforming the gardens after dark. Visitors can wander through the Candy Cane Terrace, explore the Nutcracker steps and discover the illuminated reindeer forest before stopping for a photograph in the Christmas sleigh.

Father Christmas will also be making appearances on Friday and Sunday evenings up to 20 December.

Festive Lights takes place on selected dates between 5 and 29 December, with bookable arrival slots between 4.30pm and 7.30pm. Tickets cost £15 for adults and £10 for children, with a complimentary hot drink included for visitors aged over three.

During the daytime, families can enjoy the 12 Days of Christmas Gardening Trail, running from 5 December to 1 January. The £3.50 trail includes gardening challenges, from spotting hidden robins to racing wheelbarrows, with a prize for those who complete it.

There is also a programme of seasonal entertainment, including a performance of A Christmas Carol on 9 December and Christmas wreath making workshops on 1, 2 and 3 December.

After exploring, visitors can warm up beside the log fire in the Drawing Room or enjoy something from the tea room's winter menu.

Booking: Essential for Festive Lights, performances and wreath workshops. The daytime gardening trail does not require booking.

Kinver Edge and the Rock Houses: Christmas Stories Beside the Fire

Selected dates throughout December 2026

For a Christmas experience with a difference, Kinver Edge and the Rock Houses will welcome Father and Mother Christmas to their unusual historic setting.

Dressed in traditional green robes, the festive visitors will greet families inside the cosy Rock Houses, where a wood fire and seasonal activities create a welcoming winter atmosphere.

Children can meet Father Christmas, have their photograph taken and make magic reindeer food ready for Christmas Eve.

The experience costs £12.50 for one child and an accompanying adult, with booking essential. Admission to the Rock Houses is charged separately for non members.

For those who enjoy a Christmas story, Wintry Stories with Father Christmas takes place on 6, 13 and 20 December, from 8.30am until 10am.

Families will be guided along the woodland path by Woodland Elves before settling down for breakfast pastries, Christmas songs and magical tales. Each child will receive a gift from Father Christmas.

Tickets cost £13.50 for children and £6 for adults.

Even four legged family members can join the celebrations. On 11 December, the Rock Houses will host Santa Paws, when dogs can explore areas usually closed to them, meet Father Christmas and receive a special festive treat.

Santa Paws tickets cost £7 per dog, with normal admission charges applying to non members.

Booking: Essential for Father Christmas experiences, Wintry Stories and Santa Paws.

Moseley Old Hall: A Journey Through Christmas Past

28 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, on property opening days

At Moseley Old Hall, visitors can discover how Christmas celebrations have changed over the centuries.

This year's festive displays explore three very different periods in the Hall's history, taking visitors from the traditions of the 17th century through to Christmas in the 1940s and 1980s.

Discover how the Whitgreave family celebrated the Twelve Days of Christmas during the 1660s, how the Wiggin family brought the Hall back to life in the 1940s and what the festive season looked like for David Lee's family, who lived there during the 1980s.

With greenery, seasonal decorations and a roaring fire, the historic rooms will offer a glimpse into Christmases gone by.

Visitors can explore independently or join an informal Christmas house tour when volunteers are available.

Before the main festive programme begins, Moseley Old Hall will also host Stir Up Sunday on 22 November, inviting families to help stir the Christmas pudding. The activity runs from 11am until 2.30pm, with talks and demonstrations at 11.30am and 1.30pm.

Outdoor family crafts with Wild 'N' Well are also planned for 29 November, giving visitors the opportunity to create a Christmas decoration to take home.

And, of course, a winter visit would hardly be complete without a mince pie or warming hot chocolate from the tea room.

Booking: Not required for the Christmas house displays or Stir Up Sunday. Normal admission charges apply. Check opening days before visiting.

Shugborough Estate: A Woolly Christmas Adventure

28 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, on selected opening days

There is a rather unusual festive visitor to look out for at Shugborough Estate this Christmas, although he might be a little difficult to find.

This year's Christmas theme, Seasons Bleatings, brings a playful sheep inspired twist to the estate's traditional decorations.

With Shaun the Sheep due to arrive at Shugborough in February, the estate's own flock is getting into the festive spirit ahead of his visit.

Families can explore beautifully decorated rooms in the Mansion and Servants' Quarters, pose for a photograph on a sheep drawn sleigh and follow a trail in search of Tiny Tim, a mischievous orphan lamb who has wandered off through the house.

On selected days, visitors can also decorate their own star shaped bauble to take home.

Music will be part of the celebrations too, with Christmas carols and seasonal singalongs, including performances by Stafford Prep School and Lichfield Cathedral Chorus on 11, 12 and 13 December.

Shugborough will also offer quieter SEN relaxed sessions for visitors who may find the usual visiting experience overwhelming.

Drop in sessions take place from 2pm to 3pm on 29 November, 1 December and 16 December, while bookable sessions are available from 10am to 11am on 12 and 23 December.

Resources including sensory maps, discovery bags and ear defenders will be available.

The Mansion and Servants' Quarters will open from 11am to 3pm between 28 November and 23 December, and on 27 and 30 December and 2 and 3 January.

Admission: Free for National Trust members, with standard admission charges for non members. Children under five enter free.

Plan Your Staffordshire Christmas Day Out

With Christmas events taking place across November, December and into the New Year, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy Staffordshire's historic places during the festive season.

Some activities are included in normal admission, while special experiences such as illuminated evenings, workshops and Father Christmas visits require additional tickets.

Visitors are encouraged to check individual property websites for opening times, availability and booking arrangements before setting off.

For more festive inspiration, including National Trust events in neighbouring Shropshire, visit the National Trust's Christmas days out guide for Shropshire and Staffordshire.

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