WHAT’S ON
CHRISTMAS IN THE NOTSWOLDS
From carol concerts and creative workshops to visits with Santa and festive light switch-ons, there are plenty of ways to celebrate Christmas across the Notswolds. Plan your festive season here.
Festive afternoon tea at Wollaton Hall
Take afternoon tea in Wollaton Hall’s historic salon while the Elizabethan house is dressed for Christmas.
5–6 and 12–13 December 2026 · Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
Christmas open house at Harlaxton Manor
Harlaxton’s richly decorated state rooms open for four festive days, with live music, seasonal shopping and children’s activities.
5–6 and 12–13 December 2026, 10am–5pm · near Grantham, Lincolnshire
Stamford Santa Fun Run at Burghley Park
A joyful procession of runners, walkers and families dressed as Santa takes on one-, two- or three-mile routes through Burghley Park.
6 December 2026, from 10am · Stamford, Lincolnshire
The Christmas Fair at Stamford
More than 100 stalls, independent traders and festive entertainment fill Stamford’s streets for its annual Christmas market.
6 December 2026, 10am–4pm · Stamford town centre, Lincolnshire
Wreath making at Grimsthorpe Castle with Sophie Hermes Design
Make a natural Christmas wreath with Sophie Hermes Design in Grimsthorpe Castle’s vaulted hall, using British-grown foliage.
6 December 2026, 10am–12pm or 2–4pm · near Bourne, Lincolnshire
Christmas music by candlelight at Curve
Ex Cathedra brings its much-loved Christmas Music by Candlelight concert to Curve for an atmospheric December evening.
7 December 2026 · Leicester, Leicestershire
A Christmas Carol in the Cellars at Delapré Abbey
Dickens’s Christmas ghost story is performed in the atmospheric cellars beneath Delapré Abbey.
7 and 20 December 2026, evening performances · Northampton, Northamptonshire
A Victorian Christmas by Candlelight at Delapré Abbey
Explore Delapré Abbey’s decorated Victorian rooms by candlelight before port and cheese in the dining room.
7–8 December 2026, 6pm or 7.30pm · Northampton, Northamptonshire
Carols by Candlelight at Lincoln Cathedral
Traditional Christmas carols by candlelight in the extraordinary setting of Lincoln Cathedral.
7–8 December 2026, 7pm · Lincoln, Lincolnshire
Not Your Average Wreath Workshop at Outbuilding
The Flower Plant joins Outbuilding for a wreath-making evening with artisan cheese and a welcome cocktail.
9 December 2026, 6–10pm · Leicestershire
Christmas wreath making and lunch at The Olive Branch
Make a wreath with the Botanical Flower Studio, followed by a two-course lunch at The Olive Branch.
10 December 2026 · Clipsham, Rutland
Castle by Candlelight at Belvoir Castle
See Belvoir Castle’s Christmas rooms after dark, accompanied by live musicians, candlelight and a glass of fizz.
Selected December evenings, from 6pm · Belvoir, Leicestershire
Festive Eats + Beats at Rutland Nursery
Seasonal sharing plates and music from DJ Hey Mr Wilson make for a lively December evening at Rutland Nursery.
11 December 2026 · Manton, Rutland
A Christmas Carol at Norwood Park
The Three Inch Fools perform Dickens’s ghostly Christmas story in the candlelit atmosphere of Norwood Park’s Long Gallery.
11–12 December 2026, doors 7pm, performance 7.30pm · Southwell, Nottinghamshire
Festive candle making at The William Cecil
Create a botanical soy candle with DOLLY at The William Cecil, with cream tea and prosecco alongside the workshop.
11 and 16 December 2026 · Stamford, Lincolnshire
La Folie après-ski party at The Bull & Swan
The Bull & Swan’s Secret Garden becomes an alpine après-ski party with an alpine atmosphere and food from Hoggy’s Grill.
11 December 2026 · Stamford, Lincolnshire
Christmas concert with Rutland Voices at Uppingham School Chapel
Traditional carols and seasonal music from Rutland Voices in Uppingham School Chapel.
12 December 2026 · Uppingham, Rutland
Christmas Arts & Crafts Exhibitions at Boughton House
Boughton House welcomes artists and craftspeople for two December weekends of prints, ceramics and handmade gifts.
12–13 and 19–20 December 2026, 10am–4pm · Kettering, Northamptonshire
Festive evening tours at Newstead Abbey
Explore Newstead Abbey’s decorated rooms after dark on a special festive evening tour.
12 and 19 December 2026, evening tours · Ravenshead, Nottinghamshire
Christmas Magic at Peterborough Cathedral
Seasonal music fills Peterborough Cathedral at its Christmas Magic concert.
12 December 2026, 2.30pm · Peterborough, Cambridgeshire