The Christmas Trail will now be in place in the house and gardens. Children need to follow the clues in the house to find where the elves have hidden the Partridge from the Pear tree and get a chocolate treat once completed.
Outside in the Pleasure Gardens, visitors can search for the festive signs with a themed activity that everyone can take part in.
As part of a programme of activities provided by the council’s museum team, visitors will have an opportunity to get to grips with some of the site’s artefacts. Toys, Kitchenalia and even some Prehistoric items will be out for people to see and touch and the volunteers will be on hand to chat and provide explanations for the items on Wednesday, 7 December at 11.30am and 1pm.
On Friday, 9 December, children can enjoy an interactive Christmas themed session especially for those aged five and under; listen to a story about Christmas, make a Christmas angel and sing some Christmas songs – older siblings are allowed too. Times are 11am, 1pm and 3pm and while this activity is free, places are limited and must be booked via the Welcome Centre.
The very first Rusticus Christmas Adventure takes place on Saturday, 10 December. Wrap up in your warmest woollens for some crazy Christmas Carolling. You’ll gather fuel with Good King Wenceslas, meet a nutty squirrel, and dance with a real snowflake. Two magical outdoor performances take place at 12.30pm and 2.30pm with activities lasting approximately 45 minutes.
This activity costs £5 per child plus one free adult. Places limited to forty children per session and pre-booking and payment are required via the Welcome Centre. Please be aware that this activity is not free to annual pass holders.
Also on Saturday, 10 December there will be a lecture by Rob Chester taking place at 2pm.
Entitled “Tales of Christmas Past”, the talk will explore how our ancestors celebrated and enjoyed Christmas before the reign of Queen Victoria. Places are limited and booking is advised; the cost is £3 per person.
Rounding the week off on Sunday, 11 December there will be an afternoon of Christmas songs with Rat Pack Vocalist, Frank Martin at 1.30pm in the Orangery. Also on Sunday, visitors can join in the Sewerby servant’s Christmas celebrations, making a decoupage Christmas card, decorating edible Christmas tree
decorations or trying some traditional mulled apple.
The separate admission charges for the zoo and house are £3 for adults, £2 for children (three – 15 years old) and £9 for a family (two adults and two children). A discounted combination ticket for the house and the zoo is also available.
There is no extra charge to attend any activities unless stated.
