27/11/2024 - 07/12/2024
Join us for our Real Christmas Wreath Making Workshop, situated in one of our heated glasshouses.
Take time to enjoy a traditional Christmas atmosphere in Rutland, with an array of festive food to savour and a laid back shopping experience.
As the grass begins to turn a beautiful glistening white, the leaves start to crunch under your feet and the robins take centre stage, it’s the ideal time to explore the beauty of Rutland by getting out and about to experience the county in its festive form. Check our our festive events and experiences blog.
The Run up to Christmas
Christmas began in October at Gates Garden Centre, with their impressive Christmas displays. You could get all your shopping done here, with gift options for just about everyone; including planting and garden related pieces, the extensive range of gifts, homes accessories, children’s toys, footwear, clothing, aquatics centre and their very own farm shop full of tempting goodies and local produce.
Get inspiration from the festive displays at Rutland Nursery, Welland Vale and Rutland Garden Village (all with excellent cafe’s!). Plus there is a host of festive events available (listed at the bottom of this page).
Festive Food!
A great way to get in the Christmas Spirit is to enjoy fabulous local seasonal food available throughout the county… See below our handy festive menu directory! coming soon…
Great gifts without leaving the house
Think outside the box and get a gift that fits inside an envelope! Experiences and annual passes make for fantastic, thoughtful gifts (and can be purchased last minute without having to leave you house!).
Barnsdale Gardens, Rutland Water Nature Reserve & Burghley House offer annual passes. As do Anglian Water with their handy parking permit.
Gift vouchers are available for activities such as golf – One Way Out Escape Rooms – fly fishing – and courses at Hoggy’s Grill Cookery School – or experiences such as train driving, SUP boarding and sailing. Many restaurants also have gift vouchers available, where you can treat a loved one to an afternoon tea or meal out.
Tickets to Tolethorpe summer theatre, Stamford Corn Exchange or other local theatres are also a great thing to look forward to.
#ShopRutland
Our small market towns of Oakham and Uppingham are abundant with shops offering a personal laid back service. Browse for artworks, antiques, jewellery, gifts, local produce and much more besides… don’t let Christmas shopping become stressful!
Christmas Events – take a look at the list below to see some fabulous festive events…
22/11/2024 - 23/12/2024
Make your little one’s Christmas one to remember with our magical Santa Experience.
23/11/2024 - 24/12/2024
Make your little one’s Christmas one to remember with our magical Santa Experience.
22/11/2024
Come join us on the evening of Friday 22nd November from 4pm-8pm for our mini Christmas market. We have a range of different stalls from a Christmas themed photo booth to a massage therapist to homemade soaps and cosmetics and much more, there is something for everybody!
26/11/2024
A fun, hands-on session, weaving natural festive decorations. Starting with a brief overview of the lifecycle of willow during which you make a wreath ring (great for creating your own natural wreath at home). This is followed by making an angel and then a mini-reindeer. Depending on the time left, you could then make a Christmas tree or a take the challenge of “One piece of Willow, One Minute – One Star!”
28/11/2024
Late Night Shopping Evening: Join us on Thursday 28th November for our annual magical evening of late-night shopping.
29/11/2024
Join us for a jingle and mingle at our festive Eats + Beats at The View, Rutland Nursery.
30/11/2024
Preston village will be holding a Christmas Market on Saturday 30th November in their village hall. The event will have a variety of exciting stalls with Christmas gifts, artwork, wooden crafts with a licensed bar, teas, coffee, mince pies and cakes.Other Listings
30/11/2024
Vicky Daws from Inviting Writing will teach you the basics of calligraphy and how to adapt your skills to rounded surfaces, and by the end of the workshop, you’ll have your own custom baubles—perfect to keep or give as gifts.
30/11/2024
Step Into Christmas with a Tribute Night Experience! 🎄🎉
01/12/2024
Escape for an evening of festive wreath-making in the peaceful surroundings of The Loft, nestled within our upper courtyard, and immerse yourself in the art of wreath-making.
01/12/2024
Come and join us for a festive wreath making workshop overlooking the stunning Rutland Water We will be making and decorating a beautiful fresh Christmas wreath using locally sourced foliage from our reserve and the surrounding Rutland countryside. The wreaths will be made on hazel and willow hoop bases using whips which have been cut right from our doorstep.
01/12/2024
Escape for an afternoon of festive wreath-making in the peaceful surroundings of The Loft, nestled within our upper courtyard, and immerse yourself in the art of wreath-making.
02/12/2024
Escape for an afternoon of festive wreath-making in the peaceful surroundings of The Loft, nestled within our upper courtyard, and immerse yourself in the art of wreath-making.
05/12/2024
Join us on Thursday 5th December for a magical evening of late-night shopping, followed by a two-course dinner. £45 per person.
06/12/2024
Create a luxurious, 100% compostable wreath using locally sourced materials. All tools, aprons, and supplies will be provided.