Tickets released for Christmas at Waddesdon Manor

This year's event will feature an extravaganza of magical lights and gardens, plus a 30-day Christmas fair.
This year's event will feature an extravaganza of magical lights and gardens, plus a 30-day Christmas fairThis year's event will feature an extravaganza of magical lights and gardens, plus a 30-day Christmas fair
This year's event will feature an extravaganza of magical lights and gardens, plus a 30-day Christmas fair

The event, called Winter Light gets underway on Saturday 14 November 2020 and runs Sunday 3 January 2021 (Wed-Sun, 12noon-7.30pm).

Waddesdon have had to make some changes because of the Coronavirus pandemic.

The House is not open this Christmas due to social distancing protocols, so instead Waddesdon have focused on creating an outdoor Winter Light experience that delivers just as much 'magic and sparkle', but in a way visitors can safely enjoy.

Pippa Shirley, Head of Collections & Gardens says: "Christmas is a magical time at Waddesdon, and this year, we are focusing on making the most of our extraordinary landscape and buildings for visitors to enjoy outdoors without crowding.

"The Manor looks like a fairy-tale castle at the best of times, and at Christmas it is truly enchanting. We’re looking forward to welcoming families and children to enjoy the unique atmosphere, sparkle, glamour and fun of Waddesdon at this festive time of year."

Waddesdon say the Gardens will be 'ablaze with light', using a variety of state-of-the-art effects, will bring the extraordinary landscape and woodland to life.

The Manor façade is set to be illuminated with dancing lights, all accompanied by music.

From dusk, the Winter Light trail will transform the gardens through the Pleasure Grounds near the Aviary with dramatic colourful installations.

Visitors will stroll under the stars beneath magically illuminated tree canopies and bushes draped in sparkle, with the planting transformed by moving light.

There are immersive light features such as a valley of flickering flames creating a sea of fire, and dozens of suspended orbs in a sequenced walk-through musical light show.

Wandering down Miss Alice’s Drive from the Woodland Café to the Stables, visitors will find the route illuminated with work created by children from around 35 local schools on a theme of hope, called ‘When you wish upon a star’.

And at the Stables, visitors will find Parallels in the Coach House, a light in motion creation of colourful pipes that twist and turn in an immersive installation set to a soundscape, while

outside, two giant twinkling baubles, each over six metres tall will offer the perfect festive photo opportunity to share and remember the day.

Unusual gifts will once again be a feature of the popular Christmas Fair (14 Nov – 23 Dec, 12-7pm).

Set amongst festooned trees and housed in charming wooden chalets, visitors will be able to browse over 80 hand-selected artisan stalls selling handmade gifts, decorations and scrumptious food - to eat on the day or to take home.

There will be afternoon teas (pre-bookable) in the Manor Restaurant, and festive food and drinks to enjoy while exploring the grounds.