Take time to enjoy a traditional Christmas atmosphere in Rutland, with an array of festive food to savour and a laid back shopping experience.

As the grass begins to turn a beautiful glistening white, the leaves start to crunch under your feet and the robins take centre stage, it’s the ideal time to explore the beauty of Rutland by getting out and about to experience the county in its festive form. Check our our festive events and experiences blog.

The Run up to Christmas

Christmas began in October at Gates Garden Centre, with their impressive Christmas displays. You could get all your shopping done here, with gift options for just about everyone; including planting and garden related pieces, the extensive range of gifts, homes accessories, children’s toys, footwear, clothing, aquatics centre and their very own farm shop full of tempting goodies and local produce.

Get inspiration from the festive displays at Rutland Nursery, Welland Vale and Rutland Garden Village (all with excellent cafe’s!). Plus there is a host of festive events available (listed at the bottom of this page).

Embrace the magic of the Twelve Days of Christmas at Belvoir Castle The enchanting installation, created by Charlotte Lloyd Webber, is available from 18 November to 2 January.

Festive Food!

A great way to get in the Christmas Spirit is to enjoy fabulous local seasonal food available throughout the county…  See below our handy festive menu directory! coming soon…

Great gifts without leaving the house

Think outside the box and get a gift that fits inside an envelope! Experiences and annual passes make for fantastic, thoughtful gifts (and can be purchased last minute without having to leave you house!).

Barnsdale Gardens, Rutland Water Nature Reserve & Burghley House offer annual passes. As do Anglian Water with their handy parking permit.

Gift vouchers are available for activities  such as golf – One Way Out Escape Rooms – fly fishing – and courses at Hoggy’s Grill Cookery School – or experiences such as train driving, SUP boarding and sailing. Many restaurants also have gift vouchers available, where you can treat a loved one to an afternoon tea or meal out.

Tickets to Tolethorpe open air theatre, or other local theatres are also a great thing to look forward to.

#ShopRutland

Our small market towns of Oakham and Uppingham are abundant with shops offering a personal laid back service. Browse for artworks, antiques, jewellery, gifts, local produce and much more besides… don’t let Christmas shopping become stressful!

Christmas Events – take a look at the list below to see some fabulous festive events…