Delapré Abbey is preparing to welcome the festive season with a packed programme of Christmas events and experiences for all ages. Set within the historic surroundings of the Northampton landmark, this year’s programme offers everything from family-friendly festive adventures and Christmas activities to atmospheric evening entertainment and indulgent seasonal treats.
The celebrations begin with the annual Christmas Fair on Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd November, from 10am to 5pm. Visitors can browse a carefully selected range of stalls from local makers, discover unique handmade gifts and enjoy food and drink, live music, children’s activities, workshops and festive crafts. A quieter visiting hour will also take place from 3.30pm to 5pm, with limited tickets available.
On Thursday 26th and Friday 27th November, the Abbey’s historic house will open for Christmas, inviting visitors to explore the rooms that have been beautifully decorated for the festive season. Twinkling lights, seasonal greenery and elegant festive displays bring the historic interiors to life, offering a glimpse into Christmases of the past. Victorian Christmas guided tours are available to book on these days, running at 2pm, to discover stories of 19th-century Christmases at the Abbey.
Visitors can also step back in time in the Victorian Candlelit Tours on the evenings of the 7th and 8th December, guided through the Abbey’s festive history and interiors by candlelight before enjoying port and fine cheeses in the grand dining room.
From Friday 27th November, the ever-popular Winter Light Trail returns to Delapré Abbey, running until Sunday 3rd January 2027. This year’s trail promises a brand-new enchanting route through the grounds and woodland, featuring all-new light installations, captivating soundscapes and interactive experiences. Marshmallow toasting, independent food vendors and warming festive drinks are available to enjoy throughout the experience, too!
Families can make magical memories at Santa’s Grotto, running from 28th November to 22nd December, where children can share their Christmas wishes, receive a special gift and enjoy an arts and crafts activity. SENDta’s Grotto offers a quieter, calmer experience, while Santa Paws gives four-legged family members the chance to meet Santa and receive a dog-friendly gift.
Don’t Go into the Cellar Theatre return for a thrilling production of A Christmas Carol, bringing Dickens’ celebrated tale of ghosts and redemption to the atmospheric 18th-century wine cellars on both the 7th and 20th December.
For something a little less gothic, families can enjoy a performance of another Christmas classic on 19th December, when Quantum Theatre presents The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, with performances at 3pm and 6pm.
Festive dining is also on the menu, with Dickensian Afternoon Tea at The Orangery from 12th to 24th December, featuring sandwiches, pastries, homemade scones and seasonal sweet treats hosted in the elegantly decorated Victorian Library.
For those searching for a meaningful gift to give this Christmas, Delapré Abbey’s Stable Stories campaign offers a unique way to celebrate someone special while supporting the future of local heritage. Through Stable Stories, supporters can purchase a personalised embossed name plate bearing their own name or that of a loved one. The plates will become part of the new pathways within the restored 19th-century Stables complex, creating a lasting connection to a historic Northampton landmark and its future as an accessible community hub.
Delapré Abbey gift vouchers are another way to share the magic, offering recipients the freedom to choose from experiences including house admission, Afternoon Teas, Sunday Lunches, and Hibiscus Fine Dining. Vouchers are available as e-vouchers online or as physical cards from The Orangery.
With so much to discover, Christmas at Delapré Abbey promises a season filled with festive traditions, memorable experiences and opportunities to support a treasured part of Northampton’s heritage. Visitors can explore the full Christmas programme, book tickets and discover gift options at delapreabbey.org/christmas-at-delapre-abbey.
