22 November 2025 – 4 January 2026

This Christmas, Waddesdon Manor will take you and your loved ones on a very, very special journey…

Join Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild, and his beloved poodle Poupon, for a delightful tour through the Manor exploring the festive traditions that light up the winter season across Europe. Each stop on the way is inspired by cities which Ferdinand visited and loved, blending travel with seasonal customs and links to Waddesdon’s famous art collection.

Christmas at Waddesdon, Winter Light © Waddesdon, A Rothschild House & Gardens.

Photo Chris Lacey

As you approach…

Outside, the beautiful façade and surrounding gardens will be bathed in an extraordinary new, first of its kind, fully immersive light show curated by Woodroffe Bassett Design. Featuring specially commissioned digital projections, lighting effects and sound all choreographed to wrap around you. Walk through a world of light and sound as the magnificent Manor and its setting are transformed, taking you on your very own Grand Tour, without leaving Buckinghamshire.

Specially created projection mapping and music will bring the Manor’s unique architecture to life as it transports you through Europe, following in Ferdinand and Poupon’s footsteps from the canals of Delft to Lake Geneva via Venice and Paris – destinations which are also featured inside the House. The grand trees will be dynamically illuminated and the expansive lawns below bathed in a colour-changing light display, choreographed to wrap you in music.

This year the light show will run continuously from dusk, so there’s plenty of time and chances to take photos and capture magical moments.

Christmas at Waddesdon 2022, Immersed in Light © Waddesdon, A Rothschild House & Gardens. Photo Chris Lacey

Inside the House

The opulent interiors will have an extra ‘wow!’ factor this year, as we follow in the footsteps of Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild, the creator of Waddesdon Manor and a keen traveller. He took regular trips to Europe, visiting friends and family, enjoying local culture and sightseeing as he went. 

This Christmas, we join Ferdinand in the spirit of discovery and embark upon a special journey exploring festive traditions from across the continent. From Sweden’s candle crowns to sugared delicacies in Paris and the beautiful lakes of Switzerland, each stop reveals a different way of celebrating the season. Ferdinand’s faithful canine companion, Poupon, is never far behind – although he’s far more interested in treats than traditions and is forever misplacing his red cricket ball wherever he goes. 

There’s a further delight in store as guests encounter a giant snow globe as a memorable finale to their unforgettable festive journey.

Christmas at Waddesdon 2022, Light Trail © Waddesdon Manor, National Trust.

Photo Hugh Mothersole

The Light Trail

Winding through the colour-drenched woodland outside, you’ll discover a mesmerising light trail featuring new installations alongside seasonal favourites. Highlights include a tunnel of lights, a series of interactive installations powered by sound and movement and, back by popular demand, the spectacular shooting star, which was a hit with visitors in 2023.

Additional installations include an 8-metre-tall Pole Tree and giant illuminated gold presents, creating the perfect selfie spot. Bringing a classic touch of Christmas, the pole tree will be fully programmed with lighting effects to mimic twinkling fairy lights, candy cane stripes, and other festive patterns.

Christmas Fair (22 November – 14 December)

For 2025 the popular Christmas Fair moves to the South side of the Manor, overlooking the Parterre. This is the perfect place to pause and savour a superb selection of festive goodies from hand-picked makers and producers, and the chance to buy unique artisan gifts and local produce to make Christmas extra special.

To complement the fair, there will be a seasonal selection of takeaway food and drink to enjoy whilst exploring the light trail and immersive light show.

Shopping

There will also be an exclusive assortment of homeware, food, gifts and world-renowned Rothschild wines to purchase in the Waddesdon Wine and Gift Shop, alongside a pop-up Christmas Shop in the Powerhouse offering everything from gifts and tableware to decorations, party supplies, toys, games and stocking fillers.

Christmas for Children in The Coach House

One of the most beloved features of Christmas at Waddesdon is the display in the Coach House at the Stables which will again be transformed by the imagination and creativity of thousands of local school children. Inspired by the theme of Sounds of the Season, the space will be filled with art and installations bringing to life festive music, song and sounds from carols to musical traditions and stories. You may find many familiar friends and some surprises, and it never fails to charm and entertain.

Festive Dining

The Manor Restaurant will once again be serving its signature Festive Afternoon Tea, while the chefs and their talented colleagues in the kitchen have also created a Festive Feast dinner menu, which will be available exclusively on 5, 12 and 19 December. Experience true splendour as the evening begins in the historic wine cellar with sparkling wine and canapés, before sitting down in the atmospheric Manor Restaurant for a five-course dinner showcasing seasonal dishes, each course expertly paired with fine wines. It is an extravagant gift in itself!

Pippa Shirley, Director of Waddesdon, says: “Christmas at Waddesdon is always magical for all ages, and this year, we can’t wait to invite you to join us on a wonderful festive tour inspired by the travels of Baron Ferdinand (accompanied of course by his faithful canine companion, Poupon) and our wealth of European history. The story is told both inside and out, through a wonderful digital projection, designed specifically for Waddesdon and rippling tides of light flowing across the lawns, through the trees and up to the house bringing both the magnificent architecture and our beautiful setting to life.

Our brilliant creative team, including Woodroffe Bassett Design, Luminism, Illuminos, Jane le Bon Creative and BOSUN have worked together to design an experience which is beautiful, imaginative, unique to us and completely immersive. Whether you know Waddesdon well, or you are visiting for the first time, you will see it in new ways, and we promise that you will be entranced.”

Christmas at Waddesdon 2022 © Waddesdon, A Rothschild House & Gardens

OPENING DATES, TIMES AND TICKETS

All visits to the grounds and House must be pre-booked online to avoid disappointment, including National Trust members.

National Trust prices start from £13.00 adults, £6.00 children (off-peak). Full details of prices and online booking information, here www.waddesdon.org.uk/christmas 

Christmas at Waddesdon

Wednesday–Sunday, 22 November 2025–4 January 2026 (plus Monday 22, Tuesday 23, Monday 29 & Tuesday 30 December 2025)

Closed: Thursday 25 & Friday 26 December 2025

Grounds: 12noon–7pm

House: 12.30pm–7pm

Christmas Fair

Saturday 22 November – Sunday 14 December 2025, 12noon–7pm

Included with Grounds or House & Grounds admission

Late night openings

Saturday 22 & 29 November and Saturday 6, 13 & 20 December 2025

Grounds: 12noon–8pm

House: 12.30–8pm

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