Discover the magic of winter with our festive events!

This winter, join us for a season of frosted roundhouses, crackling fires, family adventures, and ancient celebrations. Step through time and explore our buildings brought to life with the magic of the season. Meet the majestic Deer Queen and Holly King, sit by the fire for festive storytelling, discover ancient winter folklore, and craft your own gifts and decorations in our workshops!

Whether you’re celebrating Christmas, Yule, or anything else this winter, come and enjoy some fun festive events at Butser.

A magical family adventure

A perfect family day out, packed with festive fun!

The Deer Queen and Holly King bring their magic back to Butser on a family adventure to discover the folklore of winter. Can you get festive messages from the Saxon Lady of Yule and the Roman Gods of Saturnalia back to them in time?

Enjoy creative make-and-take activities in our cosy roundhouses, gather around the fire for festive storytelling and explore our ancient buildings brought to life by the magic of the season. Running weekends in December!

A cosy fire burning in a Celtic roundhouse decorated with festive fairylights.

Wintery tales by the fire

Seasonal storytelling, with something for everyone!

Cosy up in our roundhouse for an afternoon or evening of wintery music, storytelling, and performance. Join us for our family-friendly performances of Tales of Winter Magic, hear Yuletide Tales or gather on the shortest day for our Winter Solstice Celebration.

A natural Christmas or Yule wreath made from hedgerow materials, hanging on the wall of a Saxon hall. The doorway is open to reveal an interior lit by fairylights.

handmade gifts & decorations

Escape the hubbub of Christmas shopping, and give something unique!

Learn a new skill and make your own gifts and decorations in our festive crafts workshops. Need a digital gift? From vouchers and annual passes to exclusive history documentaries, we’ve got options for everyone!

festive winter events