What’s on in December
As the festivities really start to ramp up, Westonbirt moves into winter mode; an exciting new season with plenty to enjoy, as the leafless deciduous trees offer new avenues of interest and vistas too. Winter is a time for resting and renewal and although (some) trees may be bare, there’s a plethora of activity still happening in the arboretum.
Christmas at Westonbirt 2024
Get ready to see Westonbirt in a way you never have before!
The arboretum has teamed up with award-winning light trail producers to illuminate the arboretum with over a million twinkling lights. Seasonal sounds fill the air with festive fun but make sure you book your tickets as it is already proving very popular!
Dates
- Friday 29 November - Sunday 01 December
- Friday 06 - Sunday 08 December
- Thursday 12 - Sunday 15 December
- Wednesday 18 - Tuesday 24 December
- Thursday 26 - Tuesday 31 December
Feeling festive?
Make your own winter wreath, tree decoration, Christmas card and more, from natural materials at the Christmas craft day on Saturday 14 December.
Discover Westonbirt’s winter wonders
This month’s discovery walks focus on midwinter marvels, with Midwinter Magic on 7 December and Midwinter Evergreens on 14 December. These are the last discovery walks planned for 2024 so don’t miss out!
The shorter days may be making you feel gloomy, but did you know, conifers give off a substance which is known to improve our feelings of wellbeing?
As a member of the Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum, you have unlimited access to these awe-inspiring walks.
Shop local this Christmas
Get into the Christmas spirit and buy the best of your Christmas gifts in the shop. Right now, the shop is full of ethical, independent, and local brands to make gifting a breeze.
As the temperature drops, you can stay cosy with luxury hot chocolate from Harth, warming blankets from Tweedmill and wheat bags from The Wheat Bag Company. Make your Christmas tree a showstopper with delightful decorations. Stock up on your favourite festive foods and tipples from the incredible edible range, and don’t forget to grab one of the Westonbirt Arboretum branded goodies, including fudge and biscuits.
Don’t forget to show your membership card to enjoy 10% off when you spend over £10.
The best of Westonbirt
Guided Walks
This month is your last chance to enjoy one of the daily guided walks, leaving from the Welcome Building at 11am. You can enjoy this free guide to the best of Westonbirt until 22 December, when the walks will take a short hiatus until the New Year, to let the volunteers enjoy the festive break.
Member Tuesdays
Remember, winter means more visits with your family, so take advantage of Member Tuesdays when you can bring a relative with you for free. If you have a joint membership, you can bring both cardholders, two relatives, and four children every Tuesday until March 2025.
Remember, Westonbirt Arboretum is now part of the Robin Bus route, Gloucestershire’s bookable bus service, making your visits even easier (and more sustainable)!
Forest Walkies
Lots of sights and smells entice your pooch during the winter months, and if that wasn’t enough reason to visit, then remember, the new Forest Walkies Trail is now open to encourage extra bonding with your furry friends. Purchase an activity pack from the shop, don the new doggy bandana and embark on an adventure together.
Wild Westonbirt
Suitable for 14-18-year olds, leave the well-trodden paths and explore the wilder side of the arboretum. Saturday 21 December from 10am to 4pm, find out more and how to book here...
Get a headstart on your new year, new you habits
Have you ever tried Nordic Walking? Nordic Walking is the exercise for getting in shape, working a whopping 90% of your skeletal muscles. In fact, Public Health England specifically recommends Nordic walking as a muscle and bone strengthening and balance activity. Every Tuesday and Wednesday from 10am, enjoy Nordic Walking with the Nordic Nomad right here in the arboretum. What’s more, a Friends Member Exclusive means you can take part in an introductory course from 08 January, ready to book now.
Don’t forget!
Now is the perfect time to give the gift of Westonbirt for Christmas, helping you share your love of the arboretum with friends and family. The final date for guaranteed Christmas delivery of membership is 12 December 2024. Gift a membership
