Jane Austen’s House unveils a festive season of Christmas crafts, music and tours

Step into Jane Austen’s world this Christmas as her former home in Chawton is transformed with Regency-inspired decorations, family trails, candlelit concerts and special events celebrating the author’s life and novels.

Unwrap the festive season with Christmas Presents and Pages at Jane Austen’s House in Chawton, where visitors can enjoy seasonal decorations, family trails, workshops, tours, music and more.

From 18 November to 30 December 2026, the house will be dressed for Christmas, offering a glimpse of how Jane Austen might have experienced the festive season.

Throughout the house, evergreen garlands, ribbons and handmade paper decorations will create a seasonal atmosphere. The paper decorations have been crafted from old, discarded copies of Jane’s novels, giving the much-loved books a new lease of life.

In the Dining Room, the table will be set for a festive feast, while seasonal music and audio throughout the house will bring Christmas scenes from Austen’s novels to life. Visitors can hear echoes of the Christmas Eve dinner at Randalls in Emma and Anne’s Christmas visit to Uppercross in Persuasion.

Families can follow Jane Austen’s House Birthday Present Trail, discovering gifts given to Jane and her family, as well as presents featured in her novels. Hidden throughout the rooms, these include everything from a slice of cheese to a lock of hair and an embroidered handkerchief.

Visitors can pick up a free trail and explore the house while discovering more about Austen’s life and the stories that continue to delight readers today.

Jane’s birthday will be celebrated on 16 December. Visitors are invited to drop in and write a message in her Birthday Book to mark the occasion.

For Austen fans around the world, the annual Jane Austen’s Virtual Birthday Party offers another way to join the celebrations. Guests are encouraged to don their finest Regency attire and take part in this online fundraising event, featuring fascinating talks, lively readings, music, games and other activities inspired by Jane Austen and her family. Special guests will also be joining the celebrations.

Visitors can discover more about the house and its history on an expert-led Twilight Tour, running on Friday and Saturday evenings. The tours explore the Austen family’s traditions, favourite pastimes and life in the house.

The candlelit atmosphere continues on December 5 with an intimate Christmas concert by candlelight. The evening begins with mulled wine in the kitchen before moving to the Drawing Room for a recital featuring music from Jane Austen’s own music books, alongside festive songs she would have known.

The event will also explore Regency Christmas traditions and share stories and favourite extracts from Austen’s novels, offering a seasonal celebration of the author’s life and work.

To find out more about Christmas events at Jane Austen’s House, visit janeaustens.house/visit/whats-on/christmas.

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