Christmas Opening at Burton Agnes Hall & Gardens

Christmas Opening and Events
14 November 2019 - 23 December 2019
Experience the magic of a handmade Christmas at Burton Agnes Hall

Each year, visitors flock to Burton Agnes Hall to see how its stunning gardens provide some of the loveliest natural decorations imaginable.

Simon and Olivia Cunliffe-Lister, with the keen help of their five children and a small army of local supporters, decorate their Elizabethan home to create a wonderland with traditional and contemporary handmade decorations.

Their passion for all things Christmassy and eye for detail creates a truly unique festive experience.

‘We love thinking of creative ways to embellish the Hall for the coming Christmas, and spend many months dreaming up and handmaking quirky, original decorations.

Young visitors are especially welcome, and are encouraged to find homemade felt snowman dolls, hidden in each room by the Cunliffe-Lister children. When dusk falls, Christmas cheer abounds: with Christmas-light-strewn topiary bushes, the Great Hall’s fire glowing warmly and twinkling lights throughout, visitors will be infused with the many joys of Christmas.

Visitors can take newfound inspiration to the courtyard, enjoying festive treats in the café and unusual decorations and Christmas presents in the courtyard shops. Little ones can also visit Father Christmas in his courtyard grotto every Christmas opening weekend.


This Christmas, Burton Agnes Hall is hosting these Christmas events:

Christmas craft Wednesdays
Every Wednesday in the Hall, guides will demonstrate how to make the crafts that you see at Christmas time and reveal the secrets behind the handmade decorations in the Hall. Normal Hall admission applies.

Talk: Christmas through the ages at Burton Agnes Hall
On Thursday 5th December at 2pm, discover the secrets of Christmases past at this talk with Head Guide Pauline Waslin. Normal Hall admission applies.

Christmas twilight weekend
Join us on the weekend of the 6th, 7th and 8th December for our inaugural Christmas twilight weekend. Enjoy the bountifully decorated Hall with an extended opening until 9pm on Friday and Saturday evenings. Every visitor will receive a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie on arrival. During the weekend, children can visit Father Christmas in his courtyard grotto and everyone can enjoy carols in the Hall as well as relishing the Hall’s decorations twinkling in the twilight. Normal Hall admission applies.

Twilight carols by the fireside
On Thursday 19th December, 5-9pm, join Simon Cunliffe-Lister for grand piano-led carols by the fireside and enjoy mulled wine, mince pies, Christmas shopping and the Hall’s decorations twinkling in the twilight. Normal Hall admission applies.

Christmas Activities and Events for Children
Christmas Hall Trail
Children are invited to enjoy a festive trail around the Hall, seeking snowmen and hunting for clues as they visit each room.


Meet Father Christmas in his courtyard grotto
Visit Father Christmas in his courtyard grotto, where every child will receive a special Christmas gift. Weekends in December (except 1st, 28th and 29th) from 12-4pm. £5.00 per child; booking is not essential.

An Audience with Father Christmas and his Head Elf
Saturdays 7th, 14th and 21st, and Sunday 22nd December. Performances at 10.30am, 12.30pm and 2.30pm.
Join Father Christmas, Mrs Christmas and Jingles the Magic Elf for a performance of magic and song, a special gift and photographs.
£12.50 child, £11.00 Adult, £10.50 Senior
Booking essential.

Admission Prices
Adults £11.00, Seniors £10.50, Children £5.50, Under 4's FREE