Christmas

This December, Jane Austen’s House will be adorned with beautiful seasonal decorations and a special Christmas audio soundtrack will air, treating you to Emma Thompson’s enchanting voice as you wander through the rooms. The Christmas audio soundtrack will also feature piano arrangements of carols from the Regency era, including an arrangement of Nos Galan, or ‘Deck the Halls’, transcribed from one of Jane Austen’s handwritten music books, held in our collection.

Christmas audio extracts voiced by Emma Thompson include scenes from Emma, Pride and Prejudice and Persuasion, as well as extracts from Jane Austen’s letters to her sister Cassandra and friend Martha Lloyd. The extracts showcase Jane Austen’s dry wit and enjoyment of Christmas traditions – from eating turkey to dancing and playing games. They also include recipes from Martha Lloyd’s handwritten recipe book, which is held in the Museum’s collection, such as Martha Lloyd’s recipe for Lemon Mincepies – a recipe that Jane Austen would have known.

The House will be decorated with traditional greenery and candles, creating a cosy and atmospheric environment. Seasonal smells from log fires to mulling spices will help bring the rooms to life, as the Austens would have known them!

As you explore the House, you may like to complete our brand new Winter Trail, which guides you through the House with writing prompts to write your own Regency letter as you go along!

No festive visit to the House would be complete without a spot of Christmas shopping in our Gift Shop! Browse beautiful and unique Christmas gifts and decorations including our new Christmas bauble (very limited stock!) featuring an illustration of the House – for a perfectly Austen Christmas tree!  Our exclusive replica of Jane Austen’s ring also makes the perfect Christmas gift! If you’re unable to shop in person, head to our online shop instead where free shipping is included on orders over £50 within the UK, and worldwide on Jane Austen’s replica rings!

The Christmas experience at Jane Austen’s House will run from 1 – 30 December 2022.  Please check our winter opening hours before visiting!