Festive merriments

Immerse yourself in Christmas cheer by visiting one of these spectacular Yuletide events

Chatsworth House, Derbyshire

As winter draws in each year, Chatsworth is transformed into a wonderland, capturing the essence of Christmas and bringing it to life with elaborately themed decorations. 2021 marks two decades of this magical tradition and to celebrate, the house is bringing back its favourite and most elaborate designs. From fairy-tale dreams and storybook characters to celebrations from around the globe, each room will be a riot of colour, music and drama. 6 Nov – 9 Jan; entry, adult, £26; child, £15. (chatsworth.org)

Victorian Christmas at Blists Hill, Ironbridge

The Victorians are seen as the inventors of the modern-day Christmas, shaping many popular traditions – from trees and wreaths to cards and carols. Discover the stories behind these much-loved festive rituals as you step into the Victorian town of Blists Hill, which offers an immersive experience of life in the 19th century. Hear tales of the residents’ preparations, enjoy the beautiful traditional decorations, don skates and take to the ice, then sample traditional festive treats from the bakery and sweet shop. Select dates between 27 Nov and 2 Jan; entry adult, £20; child, £13. (ironbridge.org.uk)

Gingerbread City Exhibition, London

Sugar, spice and all things nice are the order of the season in Belgravia this year, as a miniature city, crafted entirely from gingerbread, will be erected and showcased at one of its pop-up venues. The gingerbread city is the brainchild of architects, designers and engineers, and this year is centred around the idea of nature in the city. Trading concrete and glass for dough, sweets and icing, enjoy this awe-inspiring masterpiece of edible buildings.

4 Dec – 9 Jan; entry adult, £14; child, £8.50. (thegingerbreadcity.com)

Lauriston Castle, Edinburgh

It was only in 1958 that Christmas became a public holiday in Scotland, but that didn’t stop it from being a celebration. Take a trip back to 1910 from the comfort of your own home, as Edinburgh Living History brings an Edwardian Christmas to life in a virtual tour of Lauriston Castle. Each room tells part of the tale, from the conflicts over the commercialisation of Christmas, to the English effect on the Protestant values of the Scottish people. Every scene is designed to be as historically accurate as possible and is combined with family drama and a good dose of humour. History has never been so captivating. 5 Dec; free (edinburghmuseums.org.uk)

Belvoir Castle, Grantham

Passing through the grand threshold of Belvoir Castle, you’ll find yourself whisked into a world of cordial Regency grandeur. Dressed for celebrations fit for a queen, the house has been frozen in time, depicting scenes of glamorous balls and intimate suppers. The air is filled with magic, and it is as if the house is waiting for guests to arrive so that the party can finally begin. From 15 Nov - 2 Jan; entry, adult, £21; child £12. (belvoir christmas.com)

Carols by Candlelight, Fountains Abbey in Ripon

The air will be filled with song and light at Fountains Abbey’s Carols by Candlelight event, housed in the atmospheric ruins of one of England’s best preserved Cistercian monasteries. Over 1,000 flickering flames and the harmonies of beloved carols will bring to life the cellarium, with its atmospheric archways. The event will brighten even the darkest evening and cannot fail to fill the heart with festive cheer. 5 & 12 Dec; entry, adult, £17; child, £8.50. (nationaltrust.org.uk)

Strawberry Hill, Twickenham

There are hundreds of Christmas markets taking place up and down the country, but Strawberry Hill promises a special experience. Offering toys, cards, delicious food, jewellery and accessories crafted by over 40 artisan makers and designers, it is the perfect place to kick-start your Christmas shopping. Alongside the fair, Horace Walpole’s magical neo-gothic castle is also playing host to The Décorcafé, where you can sign up for how-to demonstrations. Be inspired by amazing ideas from leading designers on how to style your own home into a winter wonderland. 27 - 28 Nov; entry, adult, £7.50 (£16 including festive demos). (strawberryhillhouse.org.uk)

The Nutcracker Ballet at St David’s Hall, Cardiff

As the clock strikes midnight on Christmas Eve, the magic begins to unfold on stage at St David’s Hall when the Russian State Ballet brings the story of The Nutcracker to life. Find yourself shrunk down to the size of a toy, as Tchaikovsky’s Mouseking battles the Nutcracker Prince in a bewitching display of dance, costume and scenery, combining to tell the captivating tale of Clara’s magical present. 20 - 24 Dec; entry, adult from £19.50; child from £9.75. (stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk)

The Child in the Snow at Wilton’s Music Hall, London

Fancy exploring the darker side of Christmas? Building upon the success of its show-stopping performance of A Christmas Carol in 2019 and The Box of Delights in 2020, Wilton’s Music Hall presents The Child in the Snow, a new play based on Elizabeth Gaskell’s The Old Nurse’s Story. A seasonal ghost story, not suitable for those of a more nervous disposition, it is sure to delight lovers of chilling tales. The plot is equal parts haunting and thrilling, as we follow a nurse who, having returned from war in 1918, finds herself at a séance where dark secrets and long forgotten memories bubble to the surface once more.

26 Nov - 31 Dec; entry, adult from £12.50. (wiltons.org.uk)