A Cinderella Christmas at Mottisfont
22 November to 4 January, a timed ticket for the house upon arrival
This Christmas, Mottisfont sets the stage for Cinderella, as the curtain goes up on a pantomime-inspired celebration of the much-loved fairytale. Step into a world of glittering ballgowns, lost slippers and colourful characters as the house is transformed with theatrical flair, seasonal sparkle and a pinch of fairy godmother magic.
Collect your programme at the ‘Box Office’ then begin your journey, from Cinderella’s kitchen in Hardup Hall to over-the-top party preparations at the Royal Palace. Create your own invitation and find out what your funny panto name is. In the Ugly Sisters’ dressing room, hilarious wigs and gaudy accessories spill across the surfaces. Watch a pumpkin and mice turn magically into a carriage and footmen, then it’s off to the Royal Ball where the clock is about to strike midnight! Outdoors, the fun continues for families with themed games and interactive stations, including a colourful stage for panto performances, and a life-size Cinderella carriage cut-out for photos.
Additional activities:
Pantomime Dame meet and greet: award-winning panto dame Mama G will be mingling with visitors and getting ready for your selfies! 22 & 23 November, set times throughout the day.
Professional storyteller Amanda Kane-Smith brings Cinderella to life with high-energy, interactive performances full of fairytale magic and imaginative fun. 25 November, 4 & 10 December, 11.30am & 2.30pm, free, pre-booking essential at nationaltrust.org.uk/Mottisfont.
Festive-themed crafts for pre-schoolers: your little ones can enjoy our popular free drop-in craft sessions whilst you explore the gardens and grab a coffee. 27 November, 3 & 12 December, 10.15am & 11.45am. No need to book. Free activities.
Entry to the decorated house is free with the usual admission (closed 24 & 25 December)
nationaltrust.org.uk/mottisfont3
A Pantomime Christmas at Hinton Ampner
15 November to 4 January, pre-booking essential – opens 30 October
Discover some of our much-loved pantomimes at Hinton Ampner this Christmas. Each ground floor room reveals a colourful scene from a famous panto, with Jack and the Beanstalk, Aladdin, Snow White and more brought to life with professional light effects and sound – listen out for the giant’s Fee-Fi-Fo-Fum! Outside, little ones are tasked with finding the missing theatre props and then racing back to sit in our Christmas sleigh, parked up in front of the house by wooden reindeer. There are festive games and activities for older kids too, including reindeer hoop-la, plus Santa’s sweetshop, filled with traditional sweets.
Free with usual admission (closed 25 & 26 December). Pre-booking essential (from 30 October)
nationaltrust.org.uk/hinton-ampner
A Fairytale Christmas at The Vyne
22 November to 5 January, timed ticket for the house upon arrival
This festive season, get ready for a magical adventure through favourite fairy tales at The Vyne. There are eight stories to discover on your journey through the house and gardens. Our Fairy family will guide you through rooms illuminated by twinkling trees and atmospheric lighting. Discover The Snow Queen’s icy realm and sit in her regal chair. Look out for Little Red Riding Hood’s wolf lurking in the drawing room and beautiful decorations inspired by Beauty and the Beast. Rapunzel’s golden braid cascades from a tower, and in the historic kitchen, the Three Bears are getting ready for Christmas. Outside, you can pose as fairy royalty with our colourful Fairy King and Queen cut-outs, whilst little ones enjoy our Neverland play area.
Christmas lunch: pre-book Christmas lunch in the Brewhouse, choosing from two or three courses plus hot drinks and mince pies (weekdays from 24 November to 17 December).
Free with usual admission (closed 24 & 25 December). Collect a timed ticket for the house upon arrival; no pre-booking.
Christmas at Uppark
7 to 24 December, Sunday to Wednesday
At grand Uppark on the South Downs, you’ll find a glitzy, glamorous Christmas where decorated trees and piles of prettily wrapped presents take centre stage, backlit by fairylights and sparkling chandeliers. Swathes of bauble-encrusted garlands wind their way up the staircases, and the dining room is transformed into a festive feast scene.
Free with usual admission (Sunday to Wednesday)
A Gingerbread Christmas at Winchester City Mill
20 November to 4 January, Tuesday to Sunday
This historic mill, set in the heart of the city of Winchester, is brimming with the delights of Christmas. Garlands and presents fill this special space with festive cheer. Look out for the richly decorated Christmas tree displaying bright bows, baubles and strings of gingerbread characters – a tribute to the Mill’s flour-producing heritage. In our cosy café, there’s a new festive menu with delights including spiced cake with toffee sauce.
Free to visit (Tuesday to Sunday)
nationaltrust.org.uk/winchestercitymill
Top photo credit: Mottisfont in winter,
©National Trust Image, John Miller
