Christmas at Waddesdon Manor, One of the UK's Top Stately Homes to Visit

The National Trust's "French" Chateau in Buckinghamshire celebrates the holidays

Christmas at Waddesdon Manor is a series of festive events befitting a house that was created for showing off and entertaining. Built in the late 19th century by Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild, this stately home near Aylesbury in Buckinghamshire, masquerades as a 16th century French Chateau. It was created by Rothschild to house his collection of 18th century French art and to entertain his fashionable friends. Today it is owned by the National Trust and maintained by them along with Rothschild family trusts.

Holiday Events at Waddesdon

Although the grounds and shops are open throughout the year, the house itself closes during the winter months. But from mid November to December 23, one wing is decorated with themed holiday decorations arranged by Waddesdon's in-house design team and opened to the public. Throughout the Christmas opening season, other events, such as food and wine fairs, floodlit evening openings, special holiday teas and luncheons are scheduled every year.

Christmas Highlights for 2007

• East Wing Decorations inspired by the stories of Hans Christian Anderson, in association with the English National Ballet. Advance booking for the timed entry tickets is advisable.
• Wine Fair More than 50 Rothschild and international selected wines will be available for tasting in the Coach House at the Waddesdon Stables. on Saturday and Sunday, December 1 and 2. Entry to the wine fair is free with a normal Garden admission ticket.
• Christmas Food Market Daily from Saturday December 8 to Sunday December 16 (except Monday and Tuesday, December 10 and 11). Stalls will include locally grown farm produce and products - cheese, fresh ducks, oak-smoked chickens, jellies and marmelades, chocolates, cakes, oils and spices, teas, coffees and sweets.
• Christmas Carols
• Floodlit Evening openings
• Storytelling and table decorating events for children

Find out what's happening at Waddesdon for Christmas this year
Visit their website for ticket prices, opening hours and directions