Compton Verney invites visitors to gather and explore the art of storytelling this December.

The house will be dressed for the season from mid-November with real trees and decorations designed and installed by renowned Art Director, Simon Costin. At the centre of the house, in the Adam Hall, a wintry, atmospheric scene, will give visitors the chance to pose for photos and capture a unique 2025 Christmas memory. The decorations, inspired by fables and fairy-tale characters, link to The Shelter of Stories exhibition running throughout the winter. The exhibition is also designed by Costin, who previously designed the popular Making Mischief exhibition at Compton Verney in 2023.

The programme of events begins on Thursday 4 December with a special In Conversation event with esteemed cultural historian and author, Marina Warner. Warner and Compton Verney’s Senior Curator, Oli McCall, will discuss the ideas behind The Shelter of Stories exhibition, curated with Warner, as well as her latest book, Sanctuary: Ways of Telling, Ways of Dwelling. Additionally, a limited-edition publication has been produced to accompany the exhibition. The publication features new essays and contributions from a variety of writers and artists whose work features in the exhibition. Both books are available to purchase from Compton Verney’s shop, along with a curated selection of ideal gifts and cards, perfect for starting, continuing or finishing Christmas shopping.

Following on from the well-established and successful Textile Fair in November, The Gift Fair, Friday 5 Sunday 7 December, in its second year, is the perfect place to source unique gifts from artisan food and drink to jewellery, prints and pompoms. Happening inside the grand setting of Compton Verney’s galleries and Adam Hall, the fair supports independent local makers.

A brand-new menu has been developed for Compton Verney’s Festive Afternoon Tea. Available in the café, by booking in advance, on Thursdays 11 and 18 December, and Fridays 12 and 19 December, visitors can take their time to enjoy tiers of festive treats plus an optional glass or two of bubbles.

On Friday 12 December, A Walk in the Park: Winter Landscape Tour by Compton Verney Landscape Manager, Fiona Tansey, explores seasonal points of interest around the 120 acres of Capability Brown designed landscape.

Atmospheric and moving, candlelit choral concerts in the decorated Chapel are a highlight of the winter programme. On Saturday 13 December, the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire Chamber Choir perform, conducted by Julian Wilkins, followed by Coventry Cathedral Chorus on Friday 19 December. Mulled wine and a mince pie are included, and the music is specially curated by each choir to respond to the themes of the exhibitions and collections in the galleries resulting in a truly distinctive festive repertoire.

For the winter solstice weekend (Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 December) families are invited to come inside for Christmas Tales with Jason Buck. Buck, a local theatrical storyteller, will perform an array of wintry tales featuring lots of different characters from the foolish to the very jolly. Time slots are available to book across the weekend.

Performances last 30 minutes and are recommended for those aged 7+. Throughout December and into January, the Festive Story Trail will take families on a journey through the grounds towards the house, spotting books and solving clues to guess the stories.

In the final days before Christmas, there will be the opportunity to Spot Santa who will be walking the grounds and galleries. Children (and adults!) are welcome to have a photo and tell him any last-minute Christmas wishes.

For tickets, the rest of our autumn and winter events, and to plan your visit, visit comptonverney.org.uk