A visit to Belton this Christmas is all about enjoying traditional delights of the festive season, both old and new. Whether it’s tucking in to a Christmas lunch with loved ones, shopping for pressies, singing carols, adding to the decorations or paying a visit to Santa, Belton will be celebrating everything most loved about this special time of year.
Santa will be a special guest at Belton’s carol services in the Marble Hall on 13 and 20 December, and will be handing out gifts Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in December in the Stables. There’s also the chance for visitors young and old to have breakfast with the man himself at a special event on 19 and 22 December.
Families can drop into the lantern making workshops on 22 and 23 November, and join the Belton Lantern Procession and Carols on 22 November.
Following the clues on the Yuletide Trail is a chance to find out more about Christmas and Yuletide traditions. Throughout December visitors can also help to decorate Belton by adding to the garland of greenery, finding hidden jingle bells in the gardens and sharing Christmas wishes and favourite traditions.
As an escape from the high street, visitors can do their Christmas shopping in the historic and atmospheric surroundings of Belton. Full of great gift ideas, Belton’s shops will be open every day except December 25. National Trust members can also come along to a special Christmas shopping evening on 3 December.
There will be traditional Christmas lunches to enjoy every day up until Christmas Eve in the restaurant between 12noon and 2pm.
Marketing and Events Officer Sam Gee said: “Belton has hosted Christmas celebrations for centuries and it’s fantastic to be able to welcome visitors to come and continue that tradition.
“Whatever your favourite aspect may be, the presents, the food, the carols, the decorations, just spending time with loved ones or a little of everything, you’ll find a Christmas tradition to enjoy.
“Last but certainly not least, we’re delighted that Santa has agreed to visit us again after being so popular last year!”
For more information on Belton’s Christmas happenings, including times, dates and details of all events, visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/belton-house or call 01476 566116.
Dates for your diary
Lantern Workshops Saturday 22 & Sunday 23 November 12.30pm – 3pm
Drop by the Discovery Centre to make your own lantern. £3 per person for materials.
Lantern Procession & Carols Saturday 22 November: 3.45pm– 4.30pm
Bring a lantern or torch and join local singers and Father Christmas for a stroll through the Pleasure Grounds with carols along the way. Ride Café & Garden Shop open to 5pm.
St Nicholas & The Wishing Tree With The Fools Puppet Theatre Companie Sunday 30 November 9.30am – 4pm
A medley of games, music, dancing and drop-in puppet theatre. Performances at intervals through the day in the Cricket Pavilion. Donations are welcome.
Yuletide Trail 1–31 December 10.30am – 3pm
Follow clues around the Stableyard and Garden to discover more about Christmas and Yuletide traditions. £1.50 per trail.
Members’ Late Night Shopping Wednesday 3 December 5pm – 8pm
Exclusive late night opening of the Gift and Garden Shops for National Trust members. Enjoy complimentary mulled wine and tasters of local produce. Local musicians performing in the Stableyard and outdoor hot food bar.
Santa in the Stables Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays
5, 6 & 7; 12, 13 & 14; 19, 20 & 21 December 12noon – 3pm Timed tickets
Meet Father Christmas in Belton’s stables.
£3.50 (includes gift).
Picture Postcard Railway Rambles: Derbyshire Lecture lunch with Stephen Gay Tuesday 9 December 10.15am – 1pm
Join us in the Stables Restaurant to follow Stephen and his dog Wrawby on another fascinating railway adventure across the beautiful Hope Valley. Enjoy stunning scenery without even leaving your seat!
£29.50 (Incl coffee and two course lunch) B
Christmas Carols in the Marble Hall Saturday 13 & 20 December 6pm – 8pm
An evening of carols and Christmas cheer with mulled wine & mince pies plus a gift from Father Christmas for children. Adult: £9.50 Child: £6.50 B
Breakfast with Father Christmas Friday 19 and Monday 22 December 8am – 10am
Come to the Ride for a festive party with Father Christmas. Ticket price includes breakfast for everyone and a gift for children. Adult: £6 Child: £12 B
Jane Austen’s Clothes Costumed Talk with Gillian Stapleton Tuesday 16 December
Discover more about the designs and fashions of the day and the vital role that clothes played in portraying personalities, status and fashion in Jane Austen’s England. £34.50 (incl coffee and two course lunch) B
B = Booking essential for this event
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