Christmas at Waddesdon

15 November 2024 to 5 January 2025 Waddesdon Manor

This Christmas be spirited away to a magical wonderland at Waddesdon inspired by the classic tale of Sleeping Beauty.

Inspired by the tale of Sleeping Beauty, Waddesdon is set to be transformed for a magical festive experience. Enjoy beautifully decorated interiors, new light projections on the Manor façade, a glittering light trail in the gardens and the return of the ever-popular Christmas market.

Successive generations have grown up with the tale of the beautiful princess who, cursed by a wicked fairy, falls into a 100-year slumber from which only the kiss of true love will wake her. The original story, as told by Charles Perrault (1628-1703) and the Brothers Grimm (1785-1859) has inspired countless artists over the years, from Tchaikovsky’s celebrated ballet to Walt Disney’s animated film, Sleeping Beauty is now a cherished classic.

The story also has a special significance for the Rothschild family – who originally built Waddesdon Manor. In 1913, James and Dorothy de Rothschild commissioned the renowned Belarusian artist and stage designer, Léon Bakst (1866-1924) to paint a set of seven panels depicting scenes from Sleeping Beauty for the dining room of their London townhouse.  

Taking this magical story as inspiration, a team of designers and artists are creating Waddesdon’s most enchanting Christmas experience to date with theatrical installations, projections and soundscapes bringing the much-loved fairytale to life in some of the Manor’s grandest rooms. 

This year’s highlights include a captivating installation by theatre designer Tom Piper MBE in the White Drawing Room, which responds directly to Bakst’s artwork.

Watch here: https://youtu.be/v4rrMJVx9Fc

Outside, experience the grounds as never before as the Sleeping Beauty story is celebrated with projections on the Manor façade and the spectacular landscape is transformed into a kaleidoscope of colour, lights and music.

Waddesdon’s popular Christmas Fair (15 Nov – 22 Dec) is also back, guaranteeing a festive shopping experience that’s not to be missed. Revel in the sights, scents and sounds of Christmas as you wander amongst specially selected artisan stalls, housed in wooden chalets. Complementing the traditional market, a dedicated Food Village will be offering visitors a tasty selection of takeaway food and drink to enjoy whilst exploring the grounds.

There are also late night openings on Fri 22 & 29 Nov and 6, 13 & 20 Dec. The House will be open until 8pm, with last entry at 7.20pm whilst the grounds will be open until 9pm, with last entry at 8pm.

Christmas at Waddesdon: Wednesday–Sunday, 15 November 2024–5 January 2025 

Waddesdon Manor, Waddesdon, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP18 0JH

Closed Monday 23–Thursday 26 December 2024

Grounds: 12noon–7pm; House: 12.30pm–7pm

Christmas Fair & Food Village: Until 22 December 2024, 12noon–7pm 

Prices from: £22 Adult, £10 Child (Grounds only) | £35.50 Adult, £16.50 Child (House & Grounds)

Full details and online booking information here: www.waddesdon.org.uk/christmas