Delapré Abbey is preparing for its Christmas season with a programme of events designed to attract visitors to the Northampton heritage attraction, support local independent traders and raise funds for the restoration of its historic buildings.
The Grade II listed Abbey will host a Christmas Fair, illuminated woodland trail, Victorian tours, theatre performances and family activities between November and early January, alongside a fundraising initiative linked to the restoration of its 19th-century Stables.
Amanda Nicols-Polinska, Deputy Chief Executive at Delapré Abbey, said: “Christmas is an important time for Delapré Abbey. Our festive programme brings people into the historic house and grounds, creates opportunities for local independent businesses and helps support the ongoing care of the Abbey.
“We want people to enjoy everything the Abbey has to offer at Christmas, while recognising the importance of protecting its heritage and making sure it remains part of Northampton’s community for generations to come.”
The programme begins on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 November with the Abbey’s annual Christmas Fair, bringing together local makers and independent businesses selling handmade gifts, crafts, food and drink.
Running from 10am to 5pm on both days, the fair will also feature live music, workshops and children’s activities. A quieter visiting period, with limited ticket availability, is planned between 3.30pm and 5pm.
One of the main attractions will be the return of the Winter Light Trail on Friday 27 November. Running until Sunday 3 January 2027, the event will feature a new route through the Abbey’s grounds and woodland, with light installations, soundscapes and interactive displays.
Independent food vendors will also be part of the event, providing refreshments and seasonal food throughout the trail.
The Christmas programme makes use of the Abbey’s historic interiors as well as its extensive grounds. The house will open for Christmas on 26 and 27 November, with rooms decorated for the season and guided tours exploring Victorian Christmas traditions.
Further evening tours on 7 and 8 December will take visitors through the historic building by candlelight, followed by port and cheese in the Abbey’s dining room.
Families will be able to visit Santa’s Grotto between 28 November and 22 December. The programme also includes SENDta’s Grotto, offering a quieter experience for children with additional needs, and Santa Paws, which allows visitors to bring their dogs to meet Father Christmas.
The Abbey’s 18th-century wine cellars will provide the setting for performances of A Christmas Carol by Don’t Go into the Cellar Theatre on 7 and 20 December.
Quantum Theatre will present The Nutcracker and the Mouse King on 19 December, with performances at 3pm and 6pm.
The Orangery will also offer Dickensian Afternoon Tea from 12 to 24 December, served in the Abbey’s decorated Victorian Library.
Alongside the seasonal attractions, Delapré Abbey is promoting its Stable Stories campaign, which gives supporters the opportunity to contribute to the future of the historic site.
The initiative allows individuals and businesses to purchase personalised embossed name plates, which will be incorporated into new pathways within the restored 19th-century Stables complex.
The project forms part of plans to bring the historic buildings back into use as an accessible community hub.
Supporters can dedicate a plate to themselves, a loved one or someone they wish to commemorate, creating a permanent connection with the Abbey and its restoration.
The charity is also offering Christmas gift vouchers for experiences including admission to the historic house, afternoon teas, Sunday lunches and dining at Hibiscus.
Delapré Abbey reopened to the public in March 2018, welcoming visitors into the historic property for the first time in 900 years. Its Christmas programme combines seasonal attractions with opportunities for local businesses to trade and visitors to support the conservation of the site.
Full details of the programme, ticket bookings and gift options are available at delapreabbey.org/christmas-at-delapre-abbey.
Main image credit: Kirsty Edmonds.
