‘Tis the season for Christmas shopping, but it doesn’t have to be hectic when getting your gifts this year. If you’d rather leisurely peruse stalls brimming with unique gifts all under one magnificent roof than sprint in and out of shops in the cold and dodge the swarms of people, then this festive fair might be worth a visit. The only thing you need to be quick about is getting there, as it’s only around for this weekend.
The Christmas gift fair can be found at the historic estate of Tatton Park in Knutsford, Cheshire, just a 40-minute drive from Manchester city centre and a short train journey away. Set within 1,000 acres of parkland, Tatton Park boasts a grand mansion, 50 acres of gardens, a working farm, and hosts over 100 events annually, including this festive gift fair.
Tatton Park Christmas Gift Fair
Showcasing over 40 stalls, the wonderful shopping experience is free to enter and is held inside the Mansion’s Tenants Hall – a wing of the house not usually open to the public. Tatton Christmas Gift Fair will be open from 10am – 4pm (last entry 3.30pm) between Thursday 27th November and Sunday 30th November.
Visitors can get an exclusive look at the hall as they browse everything from Christmas crafts and doggie treats to beautiful handmade jewellery, botanical gins, and so much more that you won’t find on the high street. As you admire all the unique gifts on offer, you can also enjoy carols and festive tunes from local choirs performing. Plus, if you’re looking to take a break from shopping, you can grab some lunch or a tasty treat from one of the pop-up food vendors located in the courtyard of Tatton Park, just outside of the Christmas gift fair.
Once Upon a Christmas at the Mansion
As well as hosting a Christmas gift fair this festive season, Tatton Park’s grand mansion is also inviting visitors to step through the pages of classic festive tales. The annual Christmas Mansion event transforms the state rooms and servants’ quarters into immersive scenes from beloved stories such as The Nutcracker, The Snow Queen, and A Christmas Carol.
Guests can expect a magical journey filled with beautiful decorations, seasonal music, twinkling lights, and entertaining costumed characters. It’s a chance for all ages to enjoy the festive atmosphere of this iconic Cheshire historic home.
Tickets cost £15 for adults, £11 for children aged 2 to 15 years old and under 2s go free. Groups of 15 or more can enter for £14 per person. Once Upon a Christmas at the Mansion is available to visit during the following dates: November 27-30, December 2-7, December 12-14, December 19-23, December 27-28 and December 30-31.
Yuletide: an enchanting winter folklore experience
And if you fancy venturing outside on your visit to Tatton Park, you can also discover the park’s enchanting winter folklore experience, Yuletide, within the gardens. This year features a fresh adventure along the Glittering Trail, complete with breathtaking lights, interactive performances, music, and puppets.
Families can immerse themselves by night, meeting delightful characters and enjoying live music. Adding to the magical experience, you can also roast marshmallows, warm up with a hot chocolate, and be captivated by a traditional storyteller.
Tickets start from £19 for adults, £11 for children aged 2 to 15 years old and under 2s go free. There will be no charge for parking at Tatton Park from 2pm on the day you visit. Yuletide runs from November 15 until December 23, and you can buy tickets here.
Tatton Park opening times and location
The Mansion is open on selected dates for Once Upon a Christmas event. The Parkland is open Tuesday – Sunday, 10am- 5pm (last entry 4pm).
The Gardens are open Tuesday – Sunday 10am – 4pm (last entry 3pm). On Yuletide dates, the gardens will be closing at 3pm (last entry 2pm) on November 29 and 30, December 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 22 and 23.
The farm is open weekends (Saturday and Sunday) only 11am – 4pm (last entry 3pm). Closed 25 and 26 December. Open 27 and 28 December. Closed 29 December. Open 30 December – 4 January.
All open (mansion, parkland, gardens and farm) on Monday 22nd December. You can find all the opening times here.
Find Tatton Park in Knutsford, Cheshire, WA16 6QN (Sat Nav WA16 6SG).
Parking at Tatton Park
Vehicle entry to the Parkland is completely free on Thursday and Friday, but still applies at the weekend. You can book your weekend Parkland entry online for a 10% discount here.
