The Nightmare Before Christmas Light Trail
Thursday 22nd October 2026 - Sunday 3rd January 2027
Disney Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas Light Trail
For ALL enquiries about this event please visit the website below.
Arley acts as the host venue only and does not organised this event.
Festively Floral - Movie Magic
Friday 4th December - Tuesday 8th December 2026
Access to Arley for these dates is as part of Festively Floral - Movie Magic only.
Hall Open 10am - 3.30pm (last entry 3pm)
Garden Open 10am - 4pm (last entry 3.30pm)
See The Hall creatively decorated with fresh flowers and foliage from the Arley gardens by local florists and Horticultural colleges. This year each room will depict a Christmas movie.
West Hall - The Chronicles of Narnia
Front Hall - The Snowman
Library - The Polar Express
Gallery - The Nightmare Before Christmas
Staircase - White Christmas
Drawing Room - The Grinch
South Bay Bedroom - A Christmas Carol
Emperor's Room - Home Alone
Small Dining Room - The Christmas Chronicles
To book and for full details of everything else taking place, click below.
Festively Floral – Movie Magic in the HallCandle Making Workshops
Tuesday 8th December 2026
Be expertly guided by Steph, Woodspring Co. owner and candle curator, as you create 1, 80ml candle from soy wax using a selection of essences and scents which you can then take home and enjoy.
You will be led through the process step by step with instructions and guidance on technique. The workshop is open to over 18’s only.
All equipment is provided and workshops take place in the Olympia building.
Your workshop ticket also includes entry into Festively Floral - Movie Magic in The Hall as well as entry to the gardens and parking.
Morning workshop 10:00am - 12noon.
Afternoon workshop 1.30pm - 3.30pm.
Adult £60.00
Annual Pass Holder £54.00
Booking essential, numbers limited to 9 people on each course.
PLEASE NOTE: tickets cannot be replaced or exchanged if lost and are non-refundable.
Toy Donation Station
Friday 20th November - Tuesday 8th December 2026
This year we will be having a toy donation station set up in the Cruck Barn.
Toys will be donated to CAFT The Children's Adventure Farm based in Altrincham.
There are two ways to donate toys:
Festively wrapped NEW gifts need a photo or description of what's inside so they can be given directly to the children by the elves and Santa. Unwrapped gifts are welcome.
PRE-LOVED gifts will be sold in the CAFT charity shop.
You can donate toiletries, painting, drawing and craft sets as well as sensory toys, footballs, soft and educational toys.
Normal entry fees apply for donations.
Willow Weaving Workshop
Friday 11th December 2026
You will be led through the process step by step with written and verbal instructions and demonstrations to follow. All materials provided, you just need to bring a pair of secateurs and and apron to protect your clothes. Some strength in your hands is essential.
You can bring a packed lunch or you can eat in the café at Arley. Tea, coffee and biscuits will be provided to keep you going.
£75pp
Workshops run from 10am - 4pm.
Festive Afternoon Tea In The Hall
Saturday 12th & Sunday 13th December 2026
Enjoy a delicious tiered selection of mouth watering treats, from delicate finger sandwiches and freshly baked scones to picture-perfect patisserie, all freshly made by our chefs.
This is accompanied by a choice of teas or fresh coffee, along with a welcome drink on arrival.
Soak in the ambiance of the Hall enjoying live music playing in the background creating an enchanting atmosphere.
The Hall opens at 12:30pm for your arrival and welcome drink with afternoon tea being served at 1:00pm, your experience will last until 3:00pm.
Your ticket includes entry into the gardens and parking which is in front of the Hall (signage will be out to follow).
Vegan and vegetarian options are available, please indicate your choice when booking, specifying any dietary requirements.
Click here to download the Festive Afternoon Tea menu.
Adult £65.00
Annual Pass Holder £58.50
PLEASE NOTE: tickets cannot be replaced or exchanged if lost and are non-refundable.
Autumn & Winter Beginners Botanical Art Classes
Sunday 13th & Sunday 27th December 2026
Sue McHugh, is a Fellow of the Society of Botanical Artists and is the current Artist in Residence at Knowsley Hall, Sue is hosting a series of 2 hour, relaxed botanical watercolour art classes, aimed at beginners in Olympia at Arley this month.
Each workshop last 2 hours.
£50pp and includes a hot drink & cake as well as access to the gardens (normally £7) and parking (normally £4).
10 places per session so booking is essential.
The workshop requires no experience and the easy-to-follow process will walk you through the key steps to producing realistic botanical watercolours with real impact!
All professional art materials will be provided, just turn up!
What you will learn:
- Key elements of botanical illustration
- The art materials Sue uses
- Selecting your botanical specimen to paint
- Composition and common elements of botanical layouts
- Sue's easy-to-follow step-by-step watercolour technique
The focus will be learning about the watercolour process used to produce an autumn/winter painting to take away.
Sue's aim is to share her love for botanical watercolours and to demystify the key stages to creating successful paintings.
Christmas Alcohol Ink Day: Baubles & Cards
Sunday 20th December 2026
Workshop runs from 10.30am–3pm.
A full day of alcohol ink painting, creating 4 premium glass baubles and a set of hand-cut Christmas cards. Alcohol inks have a mind of their own — you’ll learn to let go, follow the colour, and end the day with festive keepsakes that are entirely your own.
Includes all materials, welcome teas, coffee & festive treats, garden entry and parking. Spaces limited to 20 people.
The workshop will take place in our Olympia Building.
£75pp
Gift vouchers are available to buy for this alcohol ink workshop for Christmas and for the same workshop taking place on Sunday 31st January 2027.
Christmas Eve Free Entry
Thursday 24th December 2026
Come and spend Christmas Eve at Arley. The gardens are open from 10:00 am, and as a thank you to all our visitors, we are offering free entry for the whole day.
At 1:00 pm, Witton Albion brass band will be performing festive, traditional brass band favourites, and we will hand out carol sheets so everyone can join in.
There will be warm Christmas drinks, hot chocolate, and roasted chestnuts available to purchase —so wrap up warm, bring the family, and enjoy a wonderfully festive outing!
Entry 10am – 3pm. Please note that we will be closing one hour earlier than normal to allow our staff to spend time with their families.
No tickets, no booking required – just come along and enjoy.
Wreath Making Workshops
These are taking place in November this year on Friday 27th, Saturday 28th, Sunday 29th & Monday 30th 2026.