Newburgh Priory gearing up for a magical Christmas

The magical Christmas Shop at Newburgh Priory in Coxwold, which has been comprehensively rebranded, will open to the public from Saturday November 23 until Christmas this year.

The shop, described by Newburgh’s Alice Wombwell as the “brightest, best-stocked and prettiest it’s ever been” is central to Newburgh’s festive activities.

It offers every kind of sustainable Christmas present, from candles, baubles, tree decorations, wreaths, mugs and vases to stockings, coasters and little Christmas trees.

This year the wide range of stock comes from regional and national retailers such as Gisela Graham, Fair To Trade, Festive, Sass & Belle and Heaven Sends.

Alice commented: “We love Christmas at Newburgh. Our home-grown Christmas trees are famous throughout North Yorkshire and our shop is much-loved, too. Christmas is given an extra spice here because Oliver Cromwell, who tried to ban Christmas, is buried here, minus his head. The irony is not lost on us.

“We are absolutely thrilled to have rebranded and relaunched our shop this year. It still occupies one of the oldest and most atmospheric parts of the Priory, but our gifts are bang-up-to date. We are so proud to be showcasing the gifts of renowned national retailers like Gisela Graham.”

Alice has worked closely with talented interior designer Lizzie Standeven at the Christmas shop for the past six years, saying: “Lizzie has been instrumental in giving our shop an exciting and imaginative makeover.”
Lizzie commented: “It is really so much fun to be able to do this with such a great friend of mine. We do complement each other very well, with both of us having backgrounds in art and design.

“Every year, it gets better as we come up with new ideas for decorating the shop as well as really getting a feel of what are customers are looking for. We try to buy some pieces that can be used in the home all year round making them more sustainable as well as all the wonderful Christmas decorations.”

The shop will be open every day from Saturday November 23 until Sunday December 22. The timings are Monday to Friday 10.00am to 6.00pm and Saturday and Sunday from 10.00am to 4.00pm.

Meanwhile several exciting events are planned to make Christmas at Newburgh even more special this year. They include:

• Pop up /walk in Christmas Decorations workshop for children. £5 per child. Date: 23rd & 24th November and every weekend until 22nd December 10am-12pm.
• A welcoming coffee and hot chocolate from a Barrista van outside the shop every weekend from the opening weekend.
• Christmas Art Retreat. Alice Wombwell’s Newburgh Priory Art Retreats will be hosting a Christmas edition at the Priory on December 3 10am-4pm. Take some time to work on your own artistic skill, learning techniques and new perspectives. Lunch and a House Tour included. Booking Essential. A great opportunity for some me time before the Christmas rush. To reserve your place for the art retreat please contact us at info@newburghchristmastrees.co.uk
• Wreath Making Workshops with Yorkshire Florist Nicola Robson of Dittany Entwined on Thursday December 5 and Friday, December 6. In this exclusive class, you'll be guided through the process of creating a luxurious Christmas wreath. Nicola's approach focuses on helping you connect with your creativity, find relaxation, and learn technical skills. With a style that emphasizes texture, depth, and impactful beauty, Nicola will show you how to craft a wreath that’s both beautiful and unique.

If you cherish the joy of creativity and the elegance of historic settings, this class is perfect for you. Book a Place by emailing info@newburghchirstmastrees.co.uk

Alice added: “We are also organising a photo competition in front of the arch door at the front of the house during opening hours. This will be adorned with Christmas garlands and decorations with our beautiful Christmas tree behind, showing decorations made by our little customers. There will be a competition shown on social media and the winner of the best photo will be able to choose decorations from our shop. We will have Christmas props to help create the photos.

“So do please come and visit Newburgh and celebrate Christmas with us. I’m sure, after all these years, Oliver Cromwell won’t mind.”