Christmas isn't cancelled at Waddesdon Manor

Christmas isn't cancelled at Waddesdon Manor

Lots of Christmas events have already been cancelled, but Waddesdon Manor have announced plans to bring some sparkle as usual.

The house will be closed, but organisers have told us to expect light displays and the Christmas market, just with pre-booked tickets to keep crowds low.

This year's event at the popular Buckinghamshire estate will be 30 days long, to manage visitor numbers.

Waddeson Christmas
Waddeson Christmas

Pippa Shirley, Head of Collections & Gardens says:

"Christmas is a magical time at Waddesdon, and this year, we are focusing on making the most of our extraordinary landscape and buildings for visitors to enjoy outdoors without crowding.

"The Manor looks like a fairy-tale castle at the best of times, and at Christmas it is truly enchanting.

"We're looking forward to welcoming families and children to enjoy the unique atmosphere, sparkle, glamour and fun of Waddesdon at this festive time of year."

To make the most of the Winter Light programme after dark, opening hours are shifting back to 12noon-7.30pm.

Waddeson Christmas
Waddeson Christmas

This means that as twilight falls more visitors will be able to see the gardens ablaze with light, using a variety of state-of-the-art effects, combined with bespoke light installations, bringing the extraordinary landscape and woodland to life.

Visitors will also be treated to the spectacle of the façade of the Manor illuminated with dancing lights set to music.

Waddeson Christmas
Waddeson Christmas

From dusk, the Winter Light trail will transform the gardens through the Pleasure Grounds near the Aviary with dramatic colour and playful installations.

Visitors will stroll under the stars beneath magically illuminated tree canopies and bushes draped in sparkle, with the planting transformed by moving light.

Waddeson Christmas
Waddeson Christmas

There are immersive light features such as a valley of flickering flames creating a sea of fire, and dozens of suspended orbs in a sequenced walk-through musical light show.

Wandering down Miss Alice's Drive from the Woodland Café to the Stables, visitors will find the route illuminated with work created by children from around 35 local schools on a theme of hope, called 'When you wish upon a star'.

At the Stables, they'll find Parallels in the Coach House, a light in motion creation of colourful pipes that twist and turn in an immersive installation set to a soundscape, while outside, two giant twinkling baubles, each over six metres tall will offer 'the perfect festive photo opportunity' to share and remember the day.

Unusual gifts will once again be a feature of the popular Christmas Fair (14 Nov - 23 Dec, 12-7pm).

Waddeson Christmas
Waddeson Christmas

Set amongst festooned trees and housed in charming wooden chalets, visitors will be able to browse over 80 hand-selected artisan stalls selling handmade gifts, decorations and food - to eat on the day or to take home.

There will be afternoon teas (pre-bookable) in the Manor Restaurant, and festive food and drinks to enjoy while exploring the grounds.

All visits must be pre-booked online in order to stagger arrivals and minimise crowding.