CHRISTMAS seems to start earlier every year - and so it is at Tredegar House where staff have already started decorating.

Plans are well in advance for this year's festivities, including a Christmas market created in the lesser barn, selling traditional punches, fruits and spices.

Santa's land train will ferry visitors to the door of the house where they will be greeted by staff in Victorian costume.

The house will be decked with traditional decorations of holly, ivy, mistletoe, seasonal fruits and spices, and real Christmas trees.

Each tree will be lavishly decorated, and in the great kitchen there will be a chance to stir the Christmas cake as the cook prepares for the festive season.

In the cellars, children will be able to visit Father Christmas, that is unless Scrooge - who is in his bedchamber - has cancelled Christmas, which he threatens to do each year. Lisa Benjamin, administrative assistant at the house, said: "We started getting requests for tickets in the summer. We have already sold hundreds of tickets."

Anne Tame, museums and heritage officer, added: "By the time the doors close on December 19, staff will have served more than 10,000 mince pies and nearly 200 gallons of mulled wine."

Tickets, which include entry to the House, the ride, mince pies, mulled wine and a visit to Santa for the youngsters, cost £8 for adults, £5 for children and £24 for a family (two adults and two children). After December 3, prices go up by £1.

The event opens on December 9. Contact the box office for full details of days available and times on 01633 815880.