Please note, that starting in 2025, our Open Estate Days will change to the second Sunday of every month.
This month’s Open Estate Day will be extra festive in the run up to Christmas!
Here is what’s coming up on Sunday 15 December from 10am to 3pm.
Activities
Step into Father Christmas’s workshop in the Banqueting Room and capture some family photos amongst the festive décor. You may find Santa wandering through the market as he stretches his legs before the big day! While you’re here, get creative with our Christmas crafts—make your own paper snow globe or reindeer headband to take home.
Head over to the Drawing Room and join storyteller Mike Dodsworth for magical performances of A Christmas Carol. Drop in at 10.30am, 11.30am, 12.30pm, or 2pm to enjoy this classic tale brought to life.
In the Library, share your Christmas spirit by writing or drawing your Christmas wishes.
Please note that there will be no guided tours this month, but you’re welcome to explore the ground floor of Hylands House at your leisure and discover its rich history through the informational plaques.
Food & Craft Market
Get into the festive spirit with Urban Food Fest, serving up a mouth-watering array of both seasonal and classic street food and drinks just outside Hylands House—perfect for keeping you warm as you explore the day’s activities.
Inside the Grand Pavilion, you’ll find a bustling indoor craft and gift market packed with local vendors offering unique and thoughtful items for everyone on your Christmas list.
Enjoy the Hot Box DJ set outside the house for some festive tunes to keep the holiday energy going!
The Stables
Our resident artists throw open their studio doors and welcome you to see into their working spaces – explore upstairs as well as downstairs!
Hot Box Live provide the tunes in The Stables courtyard. Join them for live music from 11am.
Browse items #MadeAtHylands in the Artist Shop and uncover treasures in the Friends of Hylands House second-hand bookshop—ideal for thoughtful Christmas presents or one-of-a-kind finds.
Keep an eye out for Hawthorn Heavy Horse carriage rides that start from the front of the House! Pay on the day and take a trip around the Estate with a difference (weather and ground condition dependent).
Visit the Stables Information Point and pick up your handset to explore the Pleasure Gardens in a brand-new way! Our Hylands History & Gardens multimedia tour will be available for you to hire or scan the QR code and listen along with our new tour about the Estate and how it came to be.
Our popular café The Deli will be open at The Stables all day!