Annual Tree Dressing Celebration Returns to Weald & Downland Living Museum for 32nd Year of Midwinter Magic
Published 13:30 on 24 Nov 2025
The Weald & Downland Living Museum in Chichester invites families and community members to step into a much-loved winter tradition as its annual Tree Dressing celebration returns for the 32nd year. Taking place on Sunday 7 December 2025, this joyful seasonal event brings people together to honour the beauty, heritage and cultural importance of trees through music, storytelling, folk performance and a lantern procession.
A Magical Winter Tradition
Tree Dressing is inspired by an ancient custom that celebrates the life-giving power of trees. Reintroduced by environmental charity Common Ground in 1990, the tradition has 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.
Visitors to the Museums celebration will be invited to take part in a day of midwinter customs -hearing stories and songs that celebrate local traditions, sustainable landscapes and our deep cultural connection to the natural world.
What to Expect
The afternoon programme includes folk theatre performances, seasonal dancing, communal singing and a lantern-lit procession around the Museum grounds, ending with lanterns hung on the Aspen Tree and a spiral dance to close the day.
Make Your Own Lantern
Ahead of the procession, families are warmly invited to create their own lanterns in the Museums activity room between 12 noon and 3pm, or bring one made at home. Friendly staff and volunteers will be on hand to help light lanterns before the procession begins.
Tree Dressing has become one of the most cherished moments in our winter calendar, and this 32nd celebration feels especially meaningful, said Hannah Miller, Interpretation Manager at the Museum. At its heart, this tradition is about gathering together - families, friends, neighbours, and visitors of all ages - to honour the trees that shape our landscape and our lives. In a season that can feel busy and hurried, Tree Dressing invites us to slow down, step outside, and reconnect with nature, with local heritage, and with one another. Whether you come for the folk theatre, the dancing, the songs, or to carry a lantern in the procession, we hope everyone leaves feeling part of something joyful.
Booking Information
Tickets and further details are available at www.wealddown.co.uk/events/tree-dressing/