Waddesdon Manor Announce Their Christmas Theme
A European Tour at WaddesdonThis 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 knew and loved, blending local heritage with seasonal customs and links to Waddesdon’s famous art collection.
As you approach…
Be fully immersed in a world of light and sound as the magnificent Manor façade and setting are transformed, taking you on your very own Grand Tour, without leaving Buckinghamshire. Specially created projection mapping will bring the Manor’s unique architecture to life reflecting the various locations inspired by Ferdinand’s travels, featuring some of the same destinations spotlighted in the House.
The grand trees and specimen planting flanking the North Front will also be dynamically illuminated and the expansive lawns below bathed in a colour-changing light display. 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.
Specially created projection mapping will animate the Manor’s unique architecture to reflect the various
locations inspired by Ferdinand’s travels, featuring some of the same destinations spotlighted in the House. The trees cloaking the North Front will also be dynamically lit and the expansive lawns bathed in an extraordinary new first of its kind fully immersive light show, featuring specially commissioned digital projections, lighting effects and sound all choreographed to wrap around you. Each light show will last for
approximately 25 minutes, so there’s plenty of time and chances to take photos and capture magical
moments.
Inside the House
The opulent interiors of Baron Ferdinand’s beautiful Manor will have an extra ‘wow!’ factor in selected rooms, with lavish decorations alongside delightful light and sound installations bringing the Grand Festive Tour to life. Creating a completely immersive effect as you embark on a magical Christmas journey, each stop along the way represents a European destination once visited by Ferdinand, with highlights including Venice (in the East gallery), Paris (in the Dining Room), Geneva (in the White Drawing Room), Bavaria (in the Billiard Room) and Vienna (in the Breakfast Room). There’s a further delight in store as guests encounter a giant snow globe as a memorable finale to their unforgettable festive journey.
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 Market (22 November – 14 December)
For 2025 the popular Christmas Market 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 market, 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. 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 baronial 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!
Stay
The only way to make the experience even more magical is by making a weekend of it and checking into the elegant Five Arrows Hotel, or enjoying a restorative drink at the charming Bow pub.
All stays at The Five Arrows during the festive season include tickets to Christmas at Waddesdon, with
packages starting from £175. Meanwhile, at The Bow, guests can expect roaring fires, hearty food and good cheer all round. The menu is full of comforting winter dishes and creative twists on Christmas classics. For the ultimate treat, The Bow is also offering a four-course lunch on Christmas Day priced at £90 per person.
As Waddesdon Manor was originally conceived by Baron Ferdinand as a weekend retreat and a luxurious
setting for house parties, it’s only appropriate that today’s grown-up guests can fully immerse themselves in the Christmas spirit with a selection of festive event packages.
OPENING DATES, TIMES AND TICKETS
All visits to the grounds and House must be pre-booked online to avoid disappointment, including National
Trust members.
Waddesdon Manor, Aylesbury, Bucks HP18 0JH England | www.waddesdon.org.uk
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 Market
Until 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: 12.30–7pm
