11 November 2017 – 2 January 2018, Wednesday-Sunday, 11am-6pm
Also open Mon 31 Dec and Tue 1 Jan. Closed 24, 25 & 26 December

Christmas is always a very special time to visit Waddesdon Manor in Buckinghamshire, and 2017 is no exception. The theme for this year’s decorations, Enchanted Menagerie, celebrates the weird and wonderful animals that can be seen throughout Waddesdon’s collections, from an elephant parade inspired by the 18th-century musical automaton to a life-sized zebra and trees decked with colourful birds and mythical beasts!     

From dusk, an extraordinary new light and sound show Waddesdon Imaginarium, created by video design students from the Guildhall School of Music & Drama, will be projected onto the Manor’s ornate façade. Inspired by the architecture, gardens and history of Waddesdon, objects in the collections have been 3D scanned and transformed into detailed animations. Visitors will be dazzled by roaming porcelain animals, dancing musical clocks, fluttering clouds of butterflies and moths and 18th-century portraits creating a fantastical visual story of Waddesdon.

Wrap up warm, head outside and discover light art by American artist Lauren Booth. Electric Menagerie winds from the Aviary to the Stables, illuminating the Rothschilds’ passion for natural history with neon goats, parrots and even a flea circus.

Shop & Eat

Waddesdon’s Christmas Fair, 15 November-10 December, a firm favourite in the festive calendar, is back for 2017 bigger and better than ever, with 80 decorated wooden chalets set against the enchanting backdrop of the floodlit Manor. In a new location on the North Front, there will be high-quality, unique gifts, decorations, crafts and delicious food from local artisan producers and national independent traders.

More festive gifts and beautiful decorations will be found in the Christmas shop at the Stables, incorporating Glow@Waddesdon, a pop-up neon shop with glowing gifts and stocking fillers galore. For those preferring to shop from the comfort of home, Waddesdon’s online shop offers wine, books and gifts, as well as an exclusive new range of homeware, stationery and accessories inspired by the Manor’s collection and this year’s exhibitions. Presents can be delivered to you, or sent directly to the recipient with a gift note.

The Wigwam Café returns with more undercover seating once again located near the top of the woodland playground. Chef Barney Wrobel will be serving tasty street food, homemade cakes, and festive hot chocolate and mulled wine.

For those looking for a Christmas treat, we recommend advance booking for Waddesdon’s famous festive afternoon teas or Christmas lunches in the Manor Restaurant (tel 01296 820414). For something less formal visitors can indulge in sweet and savoury delicacies, including seasonal open sandwiches, burgers, soups and even hot toasted marshmallows at the Treaterie at the Stables.

Admission Grounds

Adult: £10, Child: £5, Family: £25

Free for National Trust and Art Fund members and under 5s

Adult: £25, Child: £12.50 Family: £62.50

National Trust and Art Fund members: Adult: £5, Child: £2.50, Family: £12.50

Bookings 01296 820414 or www.waddesdon.org.uk/christmas

Web page: https://waddesdon.org.uk/your-visit/plan-your-day/christmas-2017/