Enjoy heart-warming memories of Christmas for the festive season at Blenheim Palace with Christmas Nostalgia - Toys, Treats and Treasures taking place from November 14 to December 13, Wednesday to Sunday inclusive.

The palace will be decorated with elegant displays bringing to life childhood memories of Christmas, including magnificent Christmas trees and treasured yuletide gifts of antique toys, teddy bears, and train sets.

Twinkling Christmas trees in the Great Hall and the Long Library will be adorned with treats and treasures of 'Christmas nostalgia', and in the Saloon the Marlborough family's spectacular Christmas table decorated for a delightful 'teddy bears' feast'.

Carol singers, organists and brass bands will bring the music of Christmas to life on Sundays until December 13.

Additional activities for the festive season:

Living Crafts for Christmas

November 20 - 22

This festive craft show is one of the highlights of the year at Blenheim Palace, turning the courtyards into a veritable winter wonderland with 90 stalls showcasing the best of British produce. The quality crafts on offer include jewellery, ceramics, clothing, works of art and festive food including homemade chocolates, flavoured cheddars, seasonal pies and chutneys - making it the perfect place to beat the Christmas crowds and pick up some beautiful and distinctive presents. For more information visit the website: www.livingcrafts.co.uk

Blenheim Singers perform excerpts from Handel's Messiah

December 6, in the Long Library Two performances at noon and at 4.00pm

The Blenheim Singers have performed special excerpts of Handel's Messiah in the Palace Chapel as part of the palace's festive seasonal activity for the past three years.

Back by popular demand to take place once again in the Long Library, this year's performance will be accompanied by a small chamber orchestra. The performance will include Part I, and excerpts from Parts II For more information about Christmas and III.

This is a pre-booked seated concert (no standing room). The Library will be closed to visitors without seats during the concert. There are 300 seats available for each performance.

To book, visit the website www.blenheimpalace.com

Special festive music to celebrate the end of the season

December 12 – 13

Enjoy carol singing and a silver band performing in the Long Library. Admission included within a palace, park and gardens ticket.

For more information call 08700 602080 or visit the website: www.blenheimpalace.com

Christmas shopping

Blenheim Palace’s unique shops provide an array of beautiful Christmas decorations, elegant gifts and festive fare such as honey, chutneys and jams, and a specially-selected range of liqueurs, Champagne and fine wines.

For more information about Christmas products and mail order service call 01993 810 553 / 555 or e-mail: shop@blenheimpalace.com

To shop online visit: www.blenheimpalace.com/shop

Christmas trees on sale

Freshly-harvested Christmas trees will be on sale at the palace from early December.

To pre-order call 01993 813196 or e-mail: christmastrees@blenheimpalace.com

Festive Sunday lunches and afternoon teas

Season menus will be available daily in the Water Terraces Café, and traditional Sunday lunches can be booked in the Indian Room or Orangery until December 13.

A three-course lunch with a glass of wine and coffee is available at £24.95 per person.

Lunches are available from midday to 3.00pm.

New festive afternoon teas are available to book during the Christmas season at £42 per couple which include delicious seasonal treats, turkey sandwiches, mini mince pies and a glass of Champagne or winter Pimm’s.

To book call 01993 813 874 or e-mail sales@blenheimhospitality.com

Winter walks in the park

Blenheim Palace is set in over 2,000 acres of ‘Capability’ Brown landscaped parkland and during the winter closed season, the stunning park remains open for winter walks.

There are breathtaking views from Vanbrugh’s Grand Bridge across the magnificent lake and rolling parkland and the Pleasure Gardens Café is open from 10.30am – 3.30pm serving hot food and drinks and mince pies.

The park is open daily from 9.00am (last admission 4.45pm or dusk) expect Christmas Day.

The palace and formal gardens are closed for the winter on December 14. The park remains open daily all year round (except Christmas Day) for winter walks, and there are plenty of Christmas shopping opportunities as the main gift shop is open daily until December 23 from 10.00am – 5.30pm.