Feeling Festive in Rutland
The most wonderful time of the year is just around the corner, and there’s no better moment to start embracing all the magic that the Christmas season has to offer. Whether you’re planning festive decorations, delicious meals or special outings, this blog is your go-to guide for making the most of the season – the weeks ahead are packed with opportunities to create joyful memories, connect with loved ones, and celebrate traditions both old and new.
Deck the halls
There’s something truly magical about exploring Rutland’s local businesses during the holiday season to gather decorations; you’ll find everything you need to create a festive wonderland right in your own home! Discover endless inspiration for your holiday decorating at Gates Garden Centre, Rutland Nursery, Welland Vale, and Rutland Garden Village—each featuring beautiful festive displays as well as fantastic cafés (perfect for a cozy break mid-shop!)
Find your perfect Tree!
Rutland Nursery, Manton
Welland Vale Garden Centre, Uppingham
Rutland Garden Centre, Ashwell
Gates Garden Centre, Cold Overton
Christmas Fairs
Get into the Christmas spirit with warm drinks, cheerful lights, and plenty of seasonal cheer!
Rutland Point Christmas Craft Fair – 1/11/25 & 2/11/25
Rutland Garden Village Festive Fayre – 1/11/25 & 2/11/25
Christmas Art & Craft Fair at Barrowden Village Hub – 15/11/25
Harringworth Christmas Artisan Fair at St John The Baptist, Corby – 15/11/25
Preston Christmas Market – 22/11/25
Christmas Mini Market at Barnsdale Gardens – 22/11/25
Burghley Christmas Fair – 27/11/25-30/11/25
Small Business Christmas Fayre at Ketton – 29/11/25
Rutland Fairtrade Christmas Market – 29/11/25
Oakham Christmas Fair – 7/12/25
Festive Food
Rutland’s local producers are gearing up for a busy Christmas season, working hard to prepare everything you will need for Christmas feasting. Visit one of our local markets, delicatessens, or farm shops to stock your pantry with delicious, seasonal delights. Whether you’re hosting this year or searching for the perfect gifts to share with friends and family, Rutland’s local producers have you covered for a truly scrumptious festive season.
Visiting Santa
Is there anything more magical than seeing a child’s face light up as they meet Santa? There are plenty of chances to share that special moment with the big man himself this festive season:
28/11/2025 – 24/12/2025- Breakfast with Santa at Gates Garden Centre
28/11/2025 – 24/12/2025- Dinner with Santa – Gates Garden Centre
29/11/2025 – 30/12/2025- Magical Night Before Christmas at Belvoir Castle
29/11/2025 – 24/12/2025 – Christmas at the Railway: Santa’s Reindeer Rescue at Nene Valley Railway
29/11/2025 – 28/12/2025 – Search for Santa at Belvoir Castle
4/12/2025 – Storytime with Santa at Normanton Church
6/12/2025 – 23/12/2025 – Visit with Santa at Rutland Garden Village
6/12/2025 – 23/12/2025 – Breakfast with Santa at Rutland Garden Village
6/12/2025 – 21/12/2025 – Santa’s Grotto Experience at Spanhoe Lodge
6/12/2025 – Breakfast with Santa at Barnsdale Gardens
7/12/2025 – 24/12/2025 – Breakfast with Santa at Ferneley’s
17/12/2025 & 19/12/2025 – Christmas Afternoon Tea with Santa at The Grange
20/12/2025 – 24/12/2025 – Storytime with Santa at Wymondham Windmill
Winter Warmers
Rutland, ‘the county of good taste’ is a true haven for food lovers, with local cafés, bakeries, and restaurants serving up festive treats throughout the season. From mince pies and spiced mulled wine to hearty winter roasts; there’s something to satisfy every craving. The calendar this month is full of festive menus, Afternoon Teas, Cooking demonstrations and Christmas party nights so indulge in the flavours of the season by heading out for something delicious. Visit our events page to discover festive food experiences that’ll whet your appetite.
Wine Tasting with a Light Lunch at Hambleton Hall -15/11/25
Festive Cookery Demonstration at The Olive Branch – 20/11/25
Christmas Afternoon Tea at Blossoms, Rutland Hall – 24/11/25- 31/12/25
Christmas Canape Making Demonstration at The Olive Branch- 27/11/25
Raclette Tasting at French Cellar – 28/11/25
Festive Cocktail Making Workshop at Ovation – 7/12/25
Festive Cookery Demonstration at The Olive Branch – 11/12/25
Festive Sparkling Wine Tasting at The Crown – 11/12/25
Wine & Cheese Evening at Rutland Hall Hotel – 12/12/25
Christmas Dinner Pairing at French Cellar– 12/12/25
Christmas Bottomless Brunch at Don Paddy’s – 13/12/25
Christmas Crafting
As the holiday season approaches, crafting handmade Christmas presents and décor offers a relaxing way to celebrate and enjoy the season. Whether it’s a wreath to deck your door or personalised ornaments for your nearest and dearest, these creative projects are perfect for sharing joyful moments and making memories with family and friends.
14/11/2025 – Seasonal Design with Elizabeth Stanhope
15/11/2025 – Festive Ceramic Decoration Workshop
21/11/2025 – Bauble Decorating with Catherine Shaw
23/11/2025 – Festive Letterpress Card Printing
25/11/2025 – Willow Weaving Christmas Decorations
26/11/2025 & 3/12/2025 – Christmas Wreath Making at Ferneley’s
26/11/2025 – Wreath Making at The George Inn
27/11/2025 – Wreath Making at Otters Fine Foods
27/11/2025 – Wreath Making at Belvoir Bistro
27/11/2025 – Christmas Wreath Making at Ovation Wine Bar
28/11/2025 – Watercolour Workshop with Stephanie Johnson
28/11/2025 – Luxe Wreath Making Evening at Rutland Nursery
29/11/2025 – Christmas Wreath Making at Ovation Wine Bar
2/12/2025 – Festive Wreath Making at Rockingham Castle
5/12/25 – Wreath Making at Belvoir Bistro
6/12/2025 – Festive Calligraphy Workshop at Rutland Nursery
7/12/2025 – Wet Felted Bag Making at Springboard Arts
10/12/2025 – Luxury Wreath Making Workshop at Tressilian House
12/12/2025 – Christmas Wreath Making Workshop at Rutland Farm Park
12/12/2025 – Festive Candle Workshop at Rutland Garden Village
13/12/2025 – Christmas Wreath Making with Oakham in Bloom
20/12/2025 – 22/12/2025 – Christmas Table Centrepiece Workshop at Gates Garden Centre
21/12/2025 – Robin Nest Box Building
24/12/2025 – Christmas Eve Craft & Play Sessions
Christmas Nights
Make this Christmas unforgettable with a night out designed to bring friends, colleagues, and families together. Whether it’s festive parties, delicious meals, or festive carol concerts, Rutland has everything you need to embrace the holiday spirit.
Jersey Quartet Christmas Tribute at Rutland Hall Hotel – 22/12/25
A Night at the Opera at St. Peter’s Church, Oundle – 22/11/25
Dan Hughes at The Falcon – 28/11/25
Discover Rutland Ball at Rutland Hall Hotel – 30/11/25
Christmas Concert at Hambleton Hall – 3/12/25
Christmas Carols at The Barn at The Barnsdale – 3/12/25
A Christmas Carol, A Ghost Story at Rockingham Castle – 4/12/25
Christmas Party Nights at The Falcon Hotel – 5/12/25 & 13/12/25
Magical Light Walk at Rutland Farm Park – 6/12/25
Christmas Cabaret at Stamford Corn Exchange – 7/12/25
The Colours of Christmas at Uppingham School Chapel – 13/12/25
Christmas Chapel Concert at Burghley House – 14/12/25
Carols in the Great Hall at Burghley House – 16/12/25
A Christmas Carol, A Story Telling at Tolethorpe Hall – 18/12/25
Christmas Sing-a-long at Ovation Wine Bar – 18/12/25
The Christmas Tree Fairy at Laxton All Saints Church – 19/12/25
Black Tie Christmas Ball at The Barnsdale – 19/12/25
The Christmas Quiz at Brightside Ram Jam – 19/12/25
Hashtags at Christmas at Grainstore Brewery – 20/12/25
Magical Light Walk at Rutland Farm Park – 20/12/25
Boxing Day Gala Ball at Rutland Hall Hotel – 26/12/25
New Years Eve Prosecco on the Square at Don Paddy’s – 31/12/25
New Years Eve Masquerade Ball at Rutland Hall – 31/12/25
New Years Eve at Ovation Wine Bar – 31/12/25
For our full events calendar see here.
Late Night Shopping
21/11/25 – Mill Street Late Night Shopping
27/11/25 & 4/12/25 – Festive Late Night Shopping at Rutland Nursery
4/12/25 – Christmas in Uppingham
4/12/25 – Christmas Late-Night Shopping Event at Wymondham Windmill
15/12/25 – Oakham Late Night Shopping
Great gifts without leaving the house
Skip the Christmas shopping stress this year and give thoughtful gifts without even leaving the house. From annual passes to Barnsdale Gardens, Burghley House , and Rutland Water Nature Reserve, to handy Anglian Water parking permits, there are plenty of local options that keep giving all year long. Experience gifts like escape rooms, fly fishing, golf, train driving, and cookery courses at Hoggy’s Grill make for memorable surprises – many available as instant vouchers.
You can also treat someone to an afternoon tea or meal out with restaurant gift cards, or tickets to performances at Tolethorpe Summer Theatre or the Stamford Corn Exchange.
And if you do fancy browsing in person, Rutland’s charming market towns of Oakham and Uppingham are packed with independent shops offering unique gifts, artworks, antiques, jewellery, and delicious local produce – all with relaxed, personal service. For more information see our Rutland Gift Guide Blog.
This Christmas, shop smart, support local, and give the gift of a great Rutland experience.
