Christmas at Chawton House
Posted: 26th November 2021
Chawton House, Hampshire, November 2021. Chawton House is reopening its doors for the festive season on Wednesday 1 December. Celebrating Chawton House’s Christmas traditions, visitors will see the House beautifully dressed with traditional decorations created by Chawton House’s volunteers, and trees cut from the Chawton estate.
Discussing the motivations behind this year’s Christmas at Chawton House, Chief Executive, Katie Childs says:
‘During the 2020 lockdowns, Chawton House became a much-loved and appreciated space for the local community to enjoy during their hour’s exercise or for global audiences to access virtually. This year, Christmas at Chawton House celebrates our local festive traditions, from a display on the Knight family tradition of gifting books to the homemade decorations displayed throughout the House. We look forward to welcoming back all those who supported us during the most challenging of times, as they come together to celebrate the festivities, now alongside their friends and family.’
Visitors will also see a new festive installation - The Twelve Knits of Christmas. Celebrating homemade, traditional craftwork, The Twelve Knits of Christmas will both inspire and delight audiences of all ages and has been lovingly handcrafted by Chawton House’s volunteer Christmas Committee. Created with materials that can be found around the home, this installation is an homage to craft - a hobby that many took up during last year’s lockdowns - and the idea of a homemade Christmas.
Chawton House will be open from 1 to 10 December with winter opening hours of 10am to 3.30pm.
The House and Gardens will then remain open late to visitors from 15 December to 2 January, with a new light trail - The Glimmering Gardens - to enjoy. Following on from the success of last year’s trail, The Glimmering Gardens will be even bigger and will bring the Gardens to life. Follow the twinkling lights, spot the woodland creatures that call Chawton House home, and enjoy the Gardens after dark.
The Old Kitchen Tea Room will have a special festive menu and the Shop will be filled with seasonal delights and stocking fillers.
Please note Chawton House will be closed between 11-14 December and on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
Feel festive with these seasonal events:
Festive Wreath Workshop
Saturday 27 November
10.30am-1pm
Join award-winning master florist Rebecca Tiller for this creative Festive Wreath Workshop. This will be a wonderful opportunity to learn a new skill, create something special for Christmas, and spend time with your friends and family in the beautiful surroundings of Chawton House after it has been decorated for Christmas.
£55 per ticket, includes all materials and equipment.
Christmas Photography Workshop
Sunday 28 November
10am-1pm
Join Chawton House’s in-house photographer, Claire Lewis, and take your photography to the next level with this Christmas Photography Workshop. Capture pictures of the House after it has been dressed for Christmas and learn how to photograph those special festive moments.
£45 per person, includes a light lunch and mince pie.
Christmas Ghost Stories at Chawton House
Friday 3 December
7pm-9pm
Visit Chawton House after dark and enjoy a performance of the chilling festive tale ‘The Old Nurse’s Story’ by Elizabeth Gaskell. Performed by Chawton House’s very own General Assistant and Actress, Sasha Dean, the story will be told in three acts throughout the House. Don’t miss this spooky start to the festive season.
£12 per ticket, includes mulled wine and mince pies on arrival.
Christmas Embroidery Workshop with Abigail Rose Creative
Thursday 9 December
6pm-8pm
Enjoy the historic surroundings of Chawton House’s Great Hall and learn to embroider a beautiful wreath under the guidance of Abigail Rose. This is the perfect opportunity to learn a variety of stitches and to create a wreath made up of traditional Christmas elements, including mistletoe, holly and berries.
£55 per person, includes all materials.
Image credit Claire Lewis Photography