Bah-humbug! Killerton celebrates Dickens’ Christmas

Set to celebrate Christmas’ past, present and yet to come, Killerton is preparing to charm visitors with displays depicting Dickens’ timeless classic A Christmas Carol throughout the house and estate.

Killerton invites visitors to imagine Ebenezer Scrooge journeying through time to learn the meaning of Christmas.

Displays in the eighteenth century family home range from lavish Victorian shop-fronts lining the corridors, to old-fashioned silhouettes and wreath decorations setting the scene.

Stately rooms are decorated to capture both the traditional and the modern, with each one taking visitors on a tour through different Christmas’ - much like Dickens’ festive tale. Children will also have the chance to take part in an indoor trail to mark the occasion.

This year’s theme based on the famous novel coincides with Killerton opening its doors earlier to members of the public from Saturday 23 November, with late nights every Friday and Saturday throughout December.

Christina Le Fley, House Steward said of the events said: We’ve really enjoyed trying to get across Christmas past, present and yet to come through our props and designs – but it’s been a difficult yet interesting challenge."

All the displays within the house have been prepared by a team of dedicated National Trust volunteers, building sets and preparing artwork, even creating a mock Victorian Christmas dinner for visitors to enjoy.

She added: "It’s been hectic, but there’s lots of new and exciting things for visitors to see and do this year related to A Christmas Carol – we’re really happy with the overall result."

Christmas festivities extend upstairs, where visitors will have the last chance to see this year’s costume exhibition Objects of Desire. The display showcases glamorous party frocks and accessories from the 1920s to the 1970s for the festive season.

Outside, families can explore a special outdoor activity trail for the occasion. Children will have the chance to take part in numerous games and challenges along the route based on A Christmas Carol. 

Families on a day out can also expect to see reindeer sculptures in the parkland as well as a Christmas tree festival of decorations in the Chapel, where trees have been designed by local schools and community groups.

Suzie Edwards, Visitor Services Officer remarked on the festivities said: "Christmas 2013 has been a really collaborative effort, we’re really excited to share our run-up to Christmas with the public – we’re hoping these seasonal activities prove to be our best yet."

Christmas at Killerton is open daily from now until Sunday 5 January, 11am-4pm, closed Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.

Special late night evenings on Friday 6 and Saturday 7, Friday 13 and Saturday 14, Friday 20 and Saturday 21 December when the house, shop and restaurant will be open until 6.30pm.