Christmas is coming with the National Trust in Norfolk

As winter settles in and Christmas draws closer, the National Trust in Norfolk is getting ready to welcome visitors for a season filled with festive experiences.

From beautifully decorated houses and atmospheric winter walks to Christmas markets, family trails and visits from Father Christmas, there are plenty of ways to make memories together this year.

Step through the doors of historic houses dressed for Christmas, where glowing lights, seasonal greenery and traditional decorations bring rooms to life. Outside, pull on your winter boots and explore frosty gardens, woodlands and parklands, or settle in for a warming drink and a festive treat.

Here are some of the festive highlights to enjoy in November and December across Norfolk:

Blickling Estate

Shaun the Sheep™ Find the Flock Garden Trail

Get ready for a baa-rilliant day out at Blickling Estate. From 14 November 2026 to 17 January 2027, visitors can discover 12 ewe-niquely designed Shaun the Sheep™ sculptures hidden throughout the gardens.

Created in partnership with Wild in Art and Aardman, the Find the Flock Garden Trail promises fun for the whole family. Standing 160cm tall, each super-sized Shaun sculpture has been individually designed by national and international artists using vibrant colours and bold patterns. Visitors can pick up a trail map and embaa-rk on an artistic adventure through the gardens, discovering more about each artwork and artist along the way. Free for National Trust members, standard admission applies for non-members. There is a suggested donation of £1 per trail map.

A Woolly Winter Adventure at Blickling Hall

From 28 November 2026 to 4 January 2027, a festive woolly wonder will unfold inside Blickling Hall. Beautifully decorated rooms will be filled with traditional Christmas sparkle, twinkling lights and imaginative woolly creations made from 1,876 balls of yarn, donated by Stylecraft and transformed by a dedicated team of volunteers.

This year's Christmas experience sees the return of the much-loved Blickling mice, who are unravelling a tangled tale of mischief and merriment. As families journey through the house, they can follow the golden thread of the story, search for hidden mice, collect clues and solve the mystery behind the woolly magic. Free for National Trust members, standard admission applies for non-members.

Festive evenings and Christmas shopping

Selected dates throughout late November and December will feature extended opening hours, giving visitors the opportunity to enjoy evening access to Blickling Hall and games on the Parterre formal garden, with illuminated Christmas trees along the estate's historic drive.

Visitors can also enjoy seasonal treats at the Stables Café, browse Christmas gifts in the shop and hunt for literary treasures in the second-hand bookshop. Every purchase helps support the conservation of nature, beauty and history at Blickling Estate.

For more information and opening times, visit: Christmas events at Blickling Estate | National Trust

Felbrigg Hall, Gardens and Estate

Friday 20 November to Wednesday 23 December (please note the Hall is closed Thursdays)

Step into the wonder of winter at Felbrigg Hall this Christmas, as the historic house is transformed with twinkling decorations and seasonal displays. Visitors can experience the magic of the season in one of Norfolk's most beautiful country houses, with rooms dressed to celebrate Christmas and winter traditions.

Wrap up warm to enjoy the estate and gardens for a winter walk. Visitors can explore miles of walking routes through parkland and woodland, take in seasonal views and look out for wildlife as the landscape changes with the season.

The Squire's Pantry tea-room will be serving a range of festive drinks and seasonal treats throughout the Christmas season. Find the perfect Christmas gift in the shop or explore the second-hand bookshop for pre-loved treasures and festive stocking fillers.

For more information, visit Christmas at Felbrigg.

Oxburgh Estate

Saturday 22 November to Sunday 3 January (open daily, 10:30am – 2:15pm)

Step into the magic of Christmas at Oxburgh Estate this December. The Hall will be beautifully dressed for the festive season and brought to life with an enchanting winter tale.

Follow Matilda the mouse on her Christmas Eve journey as she returns to Oxburgh following a long journey away from home. Explore decorated rooms and meet familiar characters from last year, like Sybil the Swan, Barty the Barn Owl and Felix the Fox, along with some new members of the estate - Reggie the Rabbit and Sarah the Squirrel, each tucked safely into their winter homes decorated to match the animals.

This magical story of kindness, friendship, and the joy of being ‘Back Home for Christmas’ makes Oxburgh the perfect place to create festive memories with loved ones.

Ebocarum Baroque Christmas – Friday 27 November 5:30pm

Start the festive season with a concert in the atmospheric surroundings of Oxburgh Hall’s chapel with professional singers from Eboracum Baroque.

Journey through centuries of festive music, from the beauty of the medieval world to much-loved Christmas favourites and seasonal music from the present day. The programme will feature works by the great Elizabethan composer William Byrd, whose music is likely to have been sung at Oxburgh in the 16th century.

During the interval a festive drink and mince pies will be served, included in the ticket price.

Storytelling with Father Christmas – selected dates in December

Join Father Christmas and settle in for a yuletide tale in Oxburgh’s festive Potting Shed bookshop. After the story, Father Christmas will have a small gift for children to take home.

Due to the cozy size of the bookshop, each ticket welcomes one child with one accompanying adult for this event only.

Tickets must be booked in advance, £7.50 per child (2-8years) and adult. Book now here.

For more information, see Christmas at Oxburgh Estate.