Buccleuch has announced a programme of Christmas events across four of its historic estates, bringing together seasonal food and drink, festive markets, family entertainment and visitor experiences throughout November and December 2026.
The programme will take place at Drumlanrig Castle & Country Estate in Dumfries and Galloway, Bowhill House in the Scottish Borders, Dalkeith Country Park in Midlothian and Boughton Estate in Northamptonshire.
Each estate will host a different selection of activities, with new Fairy & Elf Trails among the main additions for 2026.
The woodland trails will open at Drumlanrig, Bowhill and Boughton on Friday 4 December, featuring themed characters, miniature houses and stories inspired by the history of the properties.
Selected evening sessions will feature illuminated trees and pathways, providing additional visitor experiences during the festive season.
Half of the ticket proceeds from the launch-night trails at the three estates will be donated to Cash for Kids Mission Christmas, which supports children experiencing disadvantage.
At Drumlanrig Castle & Country Estate, the festive programme begins on 4 December with A December to Remember, including Santa arriving by horse and cart pulled by Blackstone Clydesdales.
A three-day Christmas market will take place from 4 to 6 December, bringing together independent traders, food and drink producers and gift retailers.
Additional activities include Santa’s Grotto, Breakfast with Santa, children’s craft workshops and wreath-making sessions led by Head Gardener Robbie Black.
The estate will also offer festive shopping at its Stableyard and a pop-up retail location in Thornhill, alongside accommodation across the wider Queensberry Estate.
Meanwhile, Dalkeith Country Park will begin its seasonal programme with a festive shopping evening at Restoration Yard on Thursday 19 November.
Its WinterFest programme will run from 27 November 2026 until 3 January 2027, combining hospitality, retail and leisure activities.
The Kitchen restaurant will introduce seasonal two- and three-course menus, while visitors will be able to enjoy an outdoor artificial skating rink beside the Orangerie, Christmas shopping, Santa experiences and wreath-making workshops.
The WinterFest opening night on 27 November will include live music, a Christmas lights switch-on and a market featuring independent makers.
The programme also includes the Santa Sparkle Dash, a fundraising event supporting Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity, and after-dark experiences at Go Ape.
At Bowhill House in the Scottish Borders, the Tinsel, Toys and All the Joys celebrations will begin on 4 December, with Santa arriving by vintage tractor.
Alongside the new Fairy & Elf Trail, visitors can book Santa’s Grotto, Breakfast with Santa, gingerbread house decorating and wreath-making workshops.
Food and drink will be available from operators including Mimi’s Bakehouse, Pizza Geeks and the Old Kitchen Café.
The estate will also host seasonal film screenings, while self-catering accommodation will be available for visitors planning an extended stay.
In Northamptonshire, Boughton House & Estate will launch its Once Upon a Christmas programme on 4 December.
The celebrations will include the opening of its Fairy & Elf Trail through the Walled Garden and Wilderness, alongside Santa experiences and seasonal shopping.
The Lollyrocket Christmas Market will take place on 4 and 5 December, bringing independent makers and food producers to the Tapestry Suite.
A further Christmas Arts & Crafts Market is scheduled for 12 and 13 December, with wreath-making workshops and Christmas tree sales also forming part of the estate’s programme.
The events provide opportunities for independent food businesses, retailers and hospitality operators to participate in seasonal trading across the four properties.
With dining, accommodation, entertainment and retail activities taking place throughout the festive period, Buccleuch is continuing to develop its estates as year-round visitor destinations.
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