Now that Halloween is out of the way, the teams at Kent’s National Trust properties are turning their attention to Christmas.

The county’s stunning historical houses will be transformed into festive grottos full of magical displays, traditional decorations and fun, family workshops. Here’s what you can expect from the National Trust’s festive season…

CHARTWELL: To honour Winston Churchill’s 150th birthday, the former Prime Minister’s family home is throwing a champagne reception. There’s a 1930s party with golden garlands, a crackling winter fire and birthday cake, while the staff tell tales of Christmases gone by. On select dates, there will be a festive fair with locally-made crafts, traditional carols in the garden and an outdoor family trail.

Details: Saturday, November 23 to Monday, December 23 at Chartwell in Westerham from 11.30am to 2.20pm. Standard entry fees apply.

IGHTHAM MOTE: Immerse yourself in a Tudor Christmas with sights and sounds inspired by Ightham Mote’s past. There will be carols in the courtyard, a roaring fire in the Great Hall, roaming medieval musicians, a royal festive feast and flickering candles and lights on the late-night openings.

Details: Saturday, November 23 to Sunday, January 5, excluding Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, at Ightham Mote near Sevenoaks from 11am to 4pm. Standard entry fees apply.

KNOLE: A special selection of historic items and decorations will be on show over the Christmas period. There will be towering trees, a sparkling silver collection and views over the wintery parkland from the Gatehouse Tower. Visitors can also take part in the outdoor trail, sign up for a wreath-making or garland-decorating workshop and watch the choir perform in the grounds on weekends.

Details: Saturday, November 23 to Monday, December 23 at Knole in Sevenoaks from 11am to 4pm. Standard entry fees apply.

SCOTNEY CASTLE: The mansion at Scotney Castle will be decadently decorated with glitzy items inspired by the Hussey family’s love for showbiz. There will be classic stories from the world of theatre, ballet and film told through decorations and costumes and, outside, the house will be illuminated by projections and lights. There’s also a garden trail and letter-writing workshops for kids.

Details: Saturday, November 23 to Sunday, January 5, excluding Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, at Scotney Castle in Tunbridge Wells from 11am to 4pm. Standard entry fees apply.

SISSINGHURST CASTLE GARDEN: Elizabethan-inspired displays will create a traditional festive atmosphere at these world-renowned gardens created by Vita Sackville-West and Harold Nicolson. There will be a floral centrepiece with seasonal hellebores and clematis, along with a yuletide trail through the picturesque grounds. There will also be a chance to dress up as lords and ladies of the manor, decorate your own yule log and climb the tower.

Details: Saturday, November 23 to Sunday, January 5, excluding Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, at Sissinghurst Castle Garden in Cranbrook from 10am to 4pm. Standard entry fees apply.