Burghley House has unveiled more details about its 2024 Christmas Fair, including a chance to soak up weekend seasonal cheer later into the evening.
Returning on 28 November, the four-day event will feature over 150 stalls selling festive favourites and gifts spread across the Elizabethan house's stately surroundings, including its cobbled courtyards.
The region's largest Christmas Fair, set against the backdrop of one of England's greatest Elizabethan houses, attracts 25,000 visitors each year.
As well as the usual opening hours of 9.30am - 4pm on the Thursday and Sunday, this year visitors will be able to shop into the evening over the weekend, with the Fair open until 7.30pm on both the Friday and Saturday. With live singers on both nights, festive fizz and cocktails - along with thousands of twinkling lights - the evening shopping sessions aim to add even more seasonal sparkle and Christmas cheer.
And while tickets need to be booked online in advance, this year sees a new Flexi Ticket option, giving access on any one date during the Fair.
With the historic house as a stunning backdrop, the event will again feature traditional chalets and a large heated marquee, along with an avenue of pagodas all bedecked in Christmas decorations and lights. Also back by popular demand will be a large Victorian carousel, lit up for the season, while festive music will add to the atmosphere throughout the site… plus there will be the chance of a few snow flurries, whatever the weather.
Along with stalls selling a wide selection of products, many from artisan makers - including a range of stocking fillers, luxury gifts, handmade decorations, winter clothing and homewares - Burghley's Christmas Shop will also be open throughout the Fair.
Additional chalets will fill the 'Garden Courtyard', which was new last year, and among food and drink will be everything from traditional mulled wine and indulgent hot chocolate to warming raclette and tempting sweet and savoury crepês.
With free parking, tickets cost £10 adults and £5 children (3-15 years), and must be booked in advance, with no ticket sales on the gate. Visitors will also be able to book an arrival timeslot to minimise queues and crowds. The new Flexi Ticket costs £15 for adults and £7.50 children.
For full details, visit www.burghley.co.uk.