As winter settles in and Christmas draws closer, National Trust places in Lincolnshire are getting ready to welcome visitors for a season filled with festive experiences.

There are plenty of ways to make memories together this year at these historic houses.

Emily Rapley, Experiences and Partnerships Curator for the National Trust, said: “This year, visitors can discover houses transformed for Christmas, see much-loved stories brought to life and head outdoors for winter adventures with family favourites.”

Here are some of the festive highlights to enjoy in Lincolnshire:

placeholder image — Belton House decorated for Christmas.

Belton Estate

This festive season, enjoy An Upstairs Downstairs Christmas at Belton Estate, between Sleaford and Grantham, as you're invited to spend a decadent Christmas day with the Brownlows. From November 28 to January 4, the house will be decorated to celebrate yuletide family traditions, from skating on the lake to parlour games in the library, dancing in the saloon, hymns in the chapel, and an opulent festive feast.

Children can help with setting the table for all the party guests too, searching for missing red crackers hidden in each room, all of which have been crafted by a wonderful team of volunteers.

Once visitors have had a taste of the glamourous life upstairs, they'll be able to get an exclusive look at some of Belton’s servant areas, open for the first time in ten years from Saturday, November 21 with special tours running on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

You'll find decorations down there too with a more homemade, authentic feel, emulating how the staff might have dressed them.

You’ll discover Santa’s sleigh within the West Courtyard. Made accessible with space for a wheelchair user, it provides a photo opportunity for family and loved ones, with the mansion as a festive background.

The house will also be lending its historic atmosphere to immersive one-man performances of festive classic A Christmas Carol. The show, by Behind the Door Productions, captures the joy, humour and darkness of this traditional piece and will take place in the Marble Hall on Friday and Saturday, December 18 and 19, with limited tickets available.

The gardens are set to sparkle too with the return of Christmas at Belton from Friday, November 20. The spectacular lights event is packed with dazzling new installations this year including a magical night sky on the lake, a huge illuminated deer watching over visitors, and enormous shimmering feathers suspended from colourfully-lit trees.

Gunby Estate, Hall and Gardens

From Saturday, November 28 to Wednesday, December 23, discover a home filled with festive cheer as Gunby Hall, at Spilsby, is beautifully decorated for this year's theme, Board Games and Baubles.

From 11am, with last entry to the house at 2.30pm, wander through twinkling rooms inspired by much-loved family board games, reimagined with a festive twist.

After exploring the house, visitors can enjoy a winter walk through the estate before settling into the tea-room. Browse the second-hand bookshop for thoughtful Christmas gifts, including beautifully wrapped mystery books paired with festive ornaments.

Download the free Stranger Folk app before your visit and embark on a magical quest through Gunby's gardens and grounds. Guided by the mysterious Crone, you'll uncover hidden clues, take on folklore-inspired challenges and help restore the balance between the natural and magical worlds as you search for the elusive Stranger Folk. Suitable for all ages.