Festive drone shows, marshmallow toasting and a new marquee seating area will bring fresh seasonal experiences to the cobbled courtyards and grounds of England’s greatest Elizabethan house this Christmas.
Returning on 27 November, the region’s largest Christmas Fair – set against the dramatic backdrop of Lincolnshire’s Burghley House – will feature over 150 stalls selling festive favourites and artisan gifts, plus some brand-new additions for 2025.
Along with the popular mix of seasonal shopping, festive ‘selfie’ spots, Christmas music and ‘snowflake’ flurries, this year’s four-day Fair will offer visitors even more, including a new grand tented space, The Pavilion, featuring covered seating, food and drink stalls and a daily programme of live music.
Adding an extra touch of seasonal magic will be a festive drone show each day, while new marshmallow toasting stations will offer visitors a chance to enjoy a cosy winter tradition. Festive favourites return, too, with the event again featuring traditional chalets and a large, heated marquee, along with an avenue of pagodas all bedecked in Christmas decorations and lights.
Also back will be a large Victorian carousel, lit up for the season, while festive music will add to the atmosphere throughout the site… plus there will be the chance of a few snow flurries, whatever the weather.
As well as the usual opening hours of 9.30am – 4pm on the Thursday and Sunday, visitors will be able to shop into the evening over the weekend, with the Fair open until 7.30pm on both the Friday and Saturday. With live singers on both nights, festive fizz and cocktails – along with thousands of twinkling lights – the evening shopping sessions aim to add even more seasonal sparkle and Christmas cheer.
Admission needs to be booked online in advance, and a limited number of Flexi Tickets are available, giving access on any one date during the Fair, while there is also a Priority Parking option.
With free parking, tickets cost £12 adults and £5 children (3-15 years). The Flexi Ticket costs £18 for adults and £8 children. Priority Parking is available at £8 per car, all booked in advance.
For even more seasonal sparkle, Burghley’s Christmas Fair will again include the Great Hall Afternoon Teas, featuring a festive menu served in the House’s oak-panelled room warmed by a roaring fire in its stunning Tudor fireplace, a room where Queen Victoria and Prince Albert dined during a visit in 1844. The Teas will be available to book each day of the Fair.
For an extra special treat, Carols, Cocktails & Canapes in the Great Hall will be on offer on the Friday and Saturday evenings, complete with a singer serenading guests with festive favourites. It also includes a glass of fizz on arrival plus a selection of Christmas and classic cocktails and mocktails.
Both experiences – which each cost £49.50 per person – need to be booked in advance.
The Burghley Christmas Fair is run in association with the Angel Committee to raise funds for the Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice in Peterborough.
For full details, visit www.burghley.co.uk
