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 Roomsfly 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…

23/11/2024 - 24/12/2024

Make your little one’s Christmas one to remember with our magical Santa Experience.

26/11/2024 - 24/12/2024

Discover hand-crafted gifts from local artisans, enjoy Breakfast with Father Christmas, or visit Santa’s Grotto with the children. Little ones can also explore the magical Christmas Trail in the Adventure Playground.

22/11/2024 - 23/12/2024

Make your little one’s Christmas one to remember with our magical Santa Experience.

30/11/2024 - 24/12/2024

Get in the festive spirit at Nene Valley Railway with our brand new, never before seen Christmas Special… Christmas at the Railway

26/12/2024

Enjoy a relaxed Boxing Day buffet served in Blossoms restaurant at Rutland Hall Hotel between 12.30 and 3.30pm. Adults £49 pp, Under 12s £24.50.

19/12/2024 - 24/12/2024

Professional pantomime returns, but this time it’s made in Stamford, for Stamford!

22/11/2024 - 01/01/2025

Tickets to Christmas at the National Trust’s beautiful Belton House in Lincolnshire are now on sale for its spectacular seasonal trail.

21/12/2024 - 24/12/2024

Step into the magic of Christmas! The naughty elves have taken over Sacrewell and have stolen the keys to the Present Room, so we need your help! Join our Elf Academy and help us save Christmas…

07/12/2024 - 24/12/2024

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA Ferneley’s  now taking bookings for our breakfast with Santa 2024 – booking is required for this event! The experience will run on advertised dates throughout December, 10am-12pm. Please note that dates will sell out quickly & bookings are being taken on a first come first serve basis.