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20 Dec 2025

A Nutcracker Christmas brings festive magic to Arlington Court

The National Trust’s Arlington Court has been given a Nutcracker makeover for Christmas

Arlington Christmas credit Steve Haywood 1

Staff decorating the trees at Arlington Court. Credit: Steve Haywood

Arlington Court has been transformed into a festive wonderland inspired by the classic tale of The Nutcracker. 

Visitors can wander through rooms dressed in shimmering snow, blooming flowers, twinkling lights and sweet delights - all created using dried flowers from the garden and handcrafted decorations. 

Outdoors, the magic continues with a mince pie mystery trail around the Old Lake walk, a playful Twelve Days of Christmas critters display and a quirky bauble display.

Enjoy festive treats in the tea-room, browse for gifts in the shop and make the most of evening openings for a truly atmospheric experience. 

Ellie McCarthy, visitor experience officer at Arlington Court said:  “We can’t wait to welcome everyone to Christmas at Arlington this year. It’s one of our favourite times of year, and the excitement starts months in advance.

“A team of brilliant volunteers and staff have been busy handcrafting gingerbread houses, sewing tiny mice, drying flowers from the garden, and preparing hundreds of baubles and lights to make the house truly magical for the festive season.” 

Christmas at Arlington runs daily from today (December 19) to January 4 (closed December 24-26). To find out more about Christmas events and opening times, please visit: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/arlington-court

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