West Horsley Place unveils festive season of Christmas magic, music and family fun

From an independent makers’ Christmas fair and immersive ballet to 1930s festive traditions and a magical manor experience, West Horsley Place is inviting visitors to step into a season of stories, creativity and Christmas celebrations throughout November and December.

West Horsley Place is preparing for a festive season filled with music, storytelling, family activities and seasonal magic, bringing the historic house and its rich artistic heritage to life.

From the legacy of the Crewe family to traditional Christmas customs and a celebration of independent makers, the Grade I listed manor house will host a varied programme of events throughout November and December.

The festivities begin with the Arts and Artisans Christmas Fair, running from 20 to 22 November 2026. Independent makers, craftspeople and food producers will come together across the estate for three days of festive shopping, food and discovery.

Visitors can browse distinctive gifts with a story behind them, meet the people who created them and enjoy seasonal food and treats celebrating creativity and craftsmanship.

On 28 and 29 November, Crewe’s Christmas will transport visitors back to West Horsley Place in 1939, during the early months of the Second World War. The immersive experience will feature ballet, music, family stories and handmade decorations inspired by Christmases of the period.

At its heart will be a celebration of Lord and Lady Crewe’s role as patrons of the arts, with intimate performances of Swan Lake taking place in the atmospheric surroundings of the Stone Hall.

The weekend will also explore the stories of the 40 evacuee children who spent Christmas 1939 at West Horsley Place. Visitors will have the opportunity to read letters connected with the children and learn more about their experiences.

The historic rooms will be decorated with handmade creations, including newsprint paper chains and embossed-foil ornaments. Families can take part in craft workshops inspired by the creativity and simplicity of Christmases past, while Jane’s Historical Kitchen will offer authentic festive dishes inspired by the food and traditions of the 1930s.

“Crewe’s Christmas offers a wonderful opportunity to experience West Horsley Place through the stories, music and traditions of another generation,” says Clare Clinton, deputy director of West Horsley Place.

“Alongside the real stories of the children who stayed here in 1939, visitors can discover the Crewes’ love of the arts, enjoy immersive ballet in the historic house and take inspiration from the handmade decorations, food and simple pleasures of Christmases past.”

In December, Magical Manor will capture the enchantment of a traditional country-house Christmas, with storytelling, gingerbread making, festive surprises and a visit to Father Christmas.

The festive programme continues throughout the winter, with activities and hands-on workshops offering opportunities for visitors to get creative, learn something new and enjoy the historic house in a relaxed seasonal setting.

Clare added: “From the stories, music and immersive ballet of Crewe’s Christmas to Father Christmas, family activities, crafts and independent makers, Christmas at West Horsley Place brings together different generations of festive traditions throughout November and December.”

Find out more and book tickets at westhorsleyplace.org/whats-on.

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