All is bright and full of light at Lacock Abbey this festive season, with a programme of Christmas events and activities running from November 25 until January 6. Both village and Abbey will be getting into the spirit of the season. (Pictures by James Dobson)
The festive atmosphere begins in the village with a reindeer trail inspired by the Aurora Borealis. As with previous years, visitors can collect a trail sheet from Visitor Reception by the Fox Talbot Museum (£2, includes a prize) and follow the map around village businesses and inside the abbey gardens where 9 different activities can be found. The National Trust Christmas Pop Up Shop also returns to the Manger Barn from 18 November – 3 December, with meet the maker events and tasting sessions.
Father Christmas parks his sleigh near the 20ft Christmas tree in the historic courtyard from 25 November, he’s left a post box in the Tudor Bakehouse for letters destined for the North Pole. Visitors can pose for a photo in the sleigh while he’s off on his errands, and can head into the Courtyard café for a hot chocolate and Craft with a Cuppa activity (open 10am – 4pm during the holidays).
The decorations continue into the Cloister, which once again hosts the Community Christmas Tree festival. From 25 November - 24 December visitors will find the trees decorated by local community groups and be able to vote for their favourite. This year the theme is ‘Light Struck’ inspired by the current exhibition in the Fox Talbot Museum, by photographer and artist Ellen Carey.
Carrie Wierszycki, Volunteer and Community Officer said: ‘We’re really looking forward to Christmas at Lacock this year, the return of the Community Christmas Tree festival is always a highlight. The festival is a chance to celebrate some of the amazing support and connections available within our community, and the Cloister has been busy with the different community groups decorating the trees. The groups have embraced the festivals’ theme of Aurora Borealis, inspired by ‘Light Struck’, and the trees are vibrant with colour.'
For younger visitors be sure to book a Storytime with Mother Christmas. Running weekends from 8 – 17 December. Booking is essential, via the National Trust website, and costs £10 per child (includes gift), no fee for adults but normal admission applies. Toddler Time sessions run on Fridays 8 and 15 December.
The Abbey rooms are closed for the winter deep clean, but for Christmas time only the Great Hall re-opens with a festive makeover. Find traditional decorations and a glimpse into the abbey’s 800-year-old story hidden amongst them. Open 25 November – 24 December.
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