Nutcracker set to bring Killerton alive

Killerton will continue its tradition of festive fun in a bigger way than ever when the estate throws open its doors to the public from Saturday 22 November until Sunday 4 January, 11am-4pm.

Visitors will be greeted by the beautifully transformed house themed on the classic Nutcracker story. The outdoors will also have a festive feel with family activities in the historic, twinkling parkland.

The National Trust property, just outside of Exeter, invites visitors on a fairy tale journey to discover the story of The Nutcracker. Each room in the historic house will be adorned with elaborate, colourful decorations and sparkling displays.

Since May, an army of volunteers have been busy making stunning decorations which will embellish the stately rooms; each reflecting a country from The Nutcracker tale. The Christmas theme extends upstairs, where visitors have the last chance to see the 2014 Nature of Fashion costume exhibition which will be complemented by displays themed on the Land of Flowers.

A Victorian Father Christmas will be visiting on Saturday 6, 13 and 20 December dressed in his traditional green suit.

The house’s dream-like transformation is no small feat. A team of committed volunteers have been working heard since May to create handmade decorations themed on the classic fairy tale, including glittering nutcrackers, giant overflowing boxes of sweets and flower garlands undulating from high ceilings.

This year 50 strings of fairy lights, 90 nutcrackers, 1500 baubles, 70 Chinese spoons, 30 Christmas trees and a whole lot of glitter will be carefully placed around the property to recreate the journey from The Nutcracker tale. The volunteers have also used their creativity to construct sweets and candy canes out of 54 pool noodles to construct a magical setting for visitors.

Emma Wakeman, Volunteer Development Manager at Killerton said: “We really appreciate the time and effort our Christmas volunteers put into creating this festive masterpiece. They are integral to creating a magical setting for our visitors enjoy Christmas with us”. 

Marsha Hardy, one of Killerton’s Christmas volunteers said: “Making the decorations by hand and transforming the house is a pleasure and it’s a great way to get into the festive spirit and be part of Christmas at Killerton”.

Outside the house, visitors are encouraged to wrap up warm and discover the grounds after dark, where the garden and parkland will twinkle under Christmas lights, host family trails, willow reindeer and provide a magical setting for the new Killerton Night Run event on 22 November. Stately 20ft Christmas trees will tower over visitors and the atmospheric chapel will showcase ten beautiful trees decorated by local community groups especially for the festive season.

Bryony Wilde, Visitor Services Officer said: “We can’t wait for Christmas at Killerton this year and we’re really looking forward to welcoming visitors to experience the Christmas magic with us. Bring the family along and feel festive in the transformed, Nutcracker-themed house and explore our dazzling parkland”.

On Fridays and Saturdays in December on the run up to Christmas, Killerton house will stay open until 6pm for visitors wishing to soak up the atmosphere and fall in love with the parkland at dusk.

Daily festive treats will be available in the café and restaurant throughout December and enjoy three special evening Dine Out events on 3, 10 and 17 December. Visitors can buy beautiful festive gifts in the shop, local Christmas trees from the plant centre and stock up on tempting local produce at the Christmas farmers’ market on Saturday 20 December.