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From spectacularly decorated houses studded with trees, to fun outdoor family trails with favourite characters there’s plenty of activities to get you in the Christmas mood this year. National Trust sites in Sussex have a whole host of events planned this year for all the family. Richard Grudzinski, experiences curator at the National Trust said: “Our gift to our wonderful visitors at this time of year is everything they want from Christmas in a magical day out.
” Here’s a roundup of some of the National Trust’s best Christmas events in Sussex: Christmas at Nymans: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe Nymans at Christmas (Image: National Trust Images Laurence Perry) November 23 to January 5 Step through the wardrobe into Narnia at Nymans in Handcross this Christmas. Inspired by C.S.
Lewis’s classic tale, The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, the event explores enchanting scenes on a magical, festive journey through the decorated house. A trail in the garden takes families on a voyage to Narnia, from the White Witch’s kingdom to the beavers’ cottage. Find Father Christmas’s sleigh and sit on the throne at Cair Paravel.
In the house you will be greeted with the warmth and sparkle of a 1940s Christmas. Walking with the Snowman at Sheffield Park and Garden, Uckfield Take a picture with The Snowman in Sheffield Park (Image: ©National Trust Images/ Arnhel de Serra) November 30 to January 12 The World of the SnowmanTM is coming to Sheffield Park and Garden for the first time this Christmas. Families are invited on a festive walk, re-living the magic of Raymond Briggs’s heart-warming picture book.
Look out for 12 decorated sculptures of The SnowmanTM, along a winding wintry path, past beautiful lakes and trees. Traditional fairground rides, games and activities add to the fun, then warm up with hot chocolate, mince pies and festive food. December 7, 14 and 21 The SnowmanTM will make personal appearances at intervals throughout the day.
A Christmas Spectacular at Petworth House Petworth at Christmas (Image: National Trust Images/ Megan Taylor) November 30 to January 5 Discover a festive wonderland at Petworth House, where historic state rooms are filled with showstopping trees and twinkling lights, beautiful garlands, and atmospheric lanterns . Mischievous mice have taken over the marble hall and in the chapel you’ll find a beautiful paper-crafted nativity scene among trees waiting for your Christmas wish. Petworth’s Christmas Makers Market (November 30 and December 1) in partnership with Petworth Pop Up will offer artisan and homemade gifts.
On select dates there are festive late openings when the lights sparkle after dark and a choir sings in the courtyard. There are choral performances every weekend too (until December 15), as well as willow wreath-making workshops (December 3,7 and 8). All I Want for Christmas at Standen Christmas at Standen (Image: ©National Trust Images/Laurence Perry) November 16 to January 5 Step inside this imaginatively decorated Arts and Crafts home at Christmas, atmospherically lit and filled with twinkling lights and festive Christmas trees.
The courtyard Christmas Tree this year is designed by TV’s Siobhan Murphy. Be inspired by the centrepiece Christmas tree in the hall, festooned and sumptuously decorated, ready for a family Christmas. There’s fun for all the family with a Christmas surprise trail around the garden.
There will also be twilight openings. Standen House and Garden is at East Grinstead (Image: ©National Trust Images/Laurence Perry) The Jungle Book Christmas at Bateman’s , Burwash November 16 to January 5 Enter the jungle and a world of festive warmth, colour, tradition and creativity. The world-renowned author of The Jungle Book, Rudyard Kipling, lived at Bateman’s for over 30 years.
Discover the animals from his much-loved tale around the house. Little ones can spot the tree monkeys jumping on the bed and Baloo the bear, as well as a special Christmas cake inspired by the story. Christmas trees celebrating Kipling’s love of India will be hung with hand-crafted jewels, birds, fruits and flowers.
A Medieval Christmas at Bodiam Castle The Bodiam Castle sleigh (Image: ©National Trust/ Jennifer Coe) November 30 to January 5 See the castle decorated with natural foliage and greenery for a medieval-style Christmas. Find out about the lavish feasts and celebrations that were a hallmark of a medieval Christmas. Families can get stuck into medieval feast-inspired games and activities on the merry medieval Christmas trail (£3 per trail with prize.
Suitable clothing for outdoors advised). Settle into the cosy, grotto-style tower room for enchanting candle lit tales of dragons, knights and castles on select weekends in December (free with admission)..
