Tree Dressing

Join us for our Annual Tree Dressing Celebration, marking 32 years of this magical winter tradition at the Museum. This much-loved family event in Chichester brings our community together to celebrate the beauty and cultural importance of trees.

A Magical Winter Tradition

Tree Dressing is inspired by an ancient custom that honours the life-giving power of trees. The tradition was reintroduced by Common Ground in 1990 and has since grown into a nationwide celebration of nature, heritage, and community.

As Common Ground explains,

“Tree Dressing has grown to become much more than an expression of love for trees. It is a chance for the whole community to gather and celebrate the leafy friends we all have in common. It is also a chance for communities to reflect on the social and cultural history of their local area, and the role trees have played in shaping this story.”

Based on an ancient custom that celebrates the life-giving properties of trees, you can join us as we hear stories and songs to celebrate our deep and diverse culture, our sustainable landscape and traditions here at the Museum.

What to Expect

Enjoy an afternoon filled with music, storytelling, folk performances, and a lantern procession, all celebrating the spirit of the season.

Event Schedule:

• 12:15 pm – The Hoodening Play with Rabble Folk Theatre
• 12:45–1:30 pm – Dancing by Mythago in the Market Square
• 1:30–2 pm – The Holly King and the Oak King play, with Rabble Folk Theatre
• 2–2:30 pm – Mythago return for a second dance performance
• 2:30 pm – Traditional midwinter songs with Rabble Folk Theatre
• 2:50 pm – Visitors gather in the Market Square for the lantern procession
• 3 pm  – Lantern Procession around the Museum grounds
• 3:30 pm– Lanterns are hung on the Aspen Tree
• 3:45 pm  – Spiral dance around the Aspen Tree
• 4:30 pm – Museum closes (Shop closes at 4 pm)

Make Your Own Lantern

Before the procession, families are invited to make their own lanterns in our activity room between 12 noon and 3 pm, or bring one made at home. Our friendly staff and volunteers will be on hand to help light your lanterns before the evening procession.

Admission

Museum Members do not need to pre-book for this activity — simply present your valid membership card at the admissions desk upon arrival.

Join us for one of the most heart-warming Christmas events in Chichester — a Tree Dressing celebration that combines storytelling, tradition, and community spirit under the winter trees.

Want to know more… watch our Tree Dressing Day recap from December 2024!

Information for Visitors

The Museum’s 40 acres site, historic gardens and buildings are fascinating places to learn about rural history. Visitors can purchase grain from the Museum shop and feed the hungry ducks on the mill pond. Whilst enjoying the great outdoors and fresh air, look out for our working animals, which can include the Heavy Horses, Sheep and Ducks. There are a number of lovely woodland trails, including a woodland play area for children to explore.

Why not enjoy breakfast, brunch or lunch at our waterside café?  Visitors can also bring a picnic as there are plenty of picnic areas available on site.  Takeaway refreshments will also be available from our seasonal Shepherd’s Huts located around the Museum.

Dogs on short leads are welcome and there is ample free parking. Please note that the Museum is a no-smoking site. Visitors with access needs are advised to read our accessibility page in advance of their visit.

All activities are subject to change.