Discover Festive Traditions of Christmas Past at Stansted House This December
Step inside Stansted House this December and enjoy a festive day out as you explore the Edwardian mansion after it has been beautifully decorated for Christmas. Discover how the Earls of Bessborough and their family celebrated Christmas through the centuries as you visit the beautiful State Rooms before venturing downstairs to discover what it was like to be a servant at Christmas. Every Sunday, an incredible choir will be performing in the Music Room, bringing festive cheer to this beautiful historic house. The Chapel of St Paul will also be open during House opening.
Stansted House will be open for self-guided visits on Sunday 6th, Sunday 13th, Sunday 20th, Monday 21st and Tuesday 22nd December from 11am-4pm, with last admission at 3pm. Our friendly volunteer House Stewards will be on hand to tell you more about Stansted Parks fascinating history.
Tickets to visit Christmas at Stansted House can be prebooked via our website or purchased on the day at the House.
Discover our festive events programme:
Christmas Calligraphy Workshop with Jodie Rose Calligraphy
Friday 20th November 2026, 10am
Join the incredible Jodie Rose for a Christmas Calligraphy workshop in Stansted Houses stunning Blue Drawing Room. Learn the basic pen strokes and discover how to add simple flourishes to elevate your writing before creating a beautiful handwritten Christmas themed greeting card. With delicious refreshments throughout, this is the perfect workshop to get you in the festive spirit.
Thursday 26th, Friday 27th & Saturday 28th November 2026, 10:30am or 2pm
Join Jane from Hartley Food & Flowers and Helen from Bonny Blue Florist for a Christmas Wreath Workshop in Stansted Houses Blue Drawing Room. Create your own beautiful wreath using foliage collected from the historic woodlands that surround Stansted House. All materials are provided but you are welcome to bring along your own ribbons and decorations to make your wreath truly unique to you!
Meet Father Christmas at Stansted House
Friday 27th, Saturday 28th & Sunday 29th November 2026, 9:30am to 4pm
Bring along all the family for a fun filled festive experience as Father Christmas arrives at Stansted House. Enjoy arts and crafts with the cheeky elves before gathering round to listen to Father Christmas tell a special story. You will then have the chance to tell him all your Christmas wishes and receive a special gift from Father Christmas and his elves.
Evening Christmas Tour of Stansted House
Thursday 3rd December 2026, 5:30pm
Step inside Stansted House after the sun has set and enjoy an evening tour of the beautiful Edwardian mansion. Your evening will start with a glass of fizz by the fire as our pianist performs in the Music Room before you join your tour guide for an upstairs, downstairs experience. Discover how the Earls of Bessborough celebrated Christmas and what life was like for the servants during the festive season.
Friday 4th & Saturday 5th December 2026, 7pm, 7:30pm, 8pm & 8:30pm
Enjoy an immersive festive experience as Charles Dickens classic novel A Christmas Carol is brought to life at Stansted House. Mrs Dickens is not convinced by her husbands latest novel, but she has invited some friends to hear her read the first draft. But as she does, the stories come to life, with the characters recounting Scrooges experiences as you move through the House. The event will conclude in the Servants Quarters for carols, mince pies and mulled wine.
