The rooms at Chawton House have been transformed to be spectacularly dressed with hundreds of extraordinarily detailed hand-made decorations to tell five of the best-known Christmas tales.
Each room immerses visitors of all ages in well-loved stories. See the elves and their shoes, join Clara and her Nutcracker to battle the mischievous mice, see if you can spot all the Twelve Days of Christmas in the dining room and wander through the Snow Queen’s parlour.
It’s The Night Before Christmas in the Great Hall, with our enormous tree brought in from the estate, as has happened for 100 years.
Every decoration has been made by the supremely talented Chawton House Christmas committee, a group of brilliantly talented volunteers who have devoted hundreds of hours to making the 2024 festive season so very special.
There is a trail and crafts for younger visitors, while the grown-ups can enjoy a display in the library about Beautiful Bindings.
The magic continues outside with The Glimmering Gardens. Thousands of twinkling fairy lights bring the gardens to life. Follow the lights round the historic gardens and see if you can spot the woodland creatures that call Chawton House home.
Warm up with hot drinks, a festive menu and home-made mince pies in the Old Kitchen Tea Room, and the shop will be filled with unique gifts and stocking fillers.
Chief executive Katie Childs said: “What makes A Storybook Christmas so sensational is how beautiful, detailed and funny it is.
“Even the most committed Scrooge could not fail to be swept up in the magic of Christmas, and smile at the cheeky elves, marvel at knitted reindeer and salute the 6ft tall Nutcracker soldier.
“We look forward to welcoming visitors of all ages here over Christmas and the new year.”
Chawton House will be open from 11am to 6pm from December 11.