GLAMOUR GRANDEUR & GARLANDS

Bundles of baubles, miles of ribbon and thousands of twinkling lights will adorn Yorkshire’s gorgeous grand houses this festive season. Beth Windsor discovers how they will be making their own seasonal spectacle

CASTLE HOWARD, nr York

A holiday highlight for many, Castle Howard continues to wow visitors year upon year with its mind-blowingly imaginative displays that manage to transport all those who visit back to cherished childhood memories of Christmases long ago. As always, the magic starts long before you reach the house, with a drive of brightly lit Christmas trees leading the way to a magical adventure. Step into the courtyard and discover Santa’s grotto, where Story Craft Theatre perform a short show full of Christmas joy. A fantasy land awaits inside the house, as does another opportunity to meet Father Christmas surrounded by festive splendour. Enhance your experience by taking the Darlings’ Afternoon Tea before picking up a special memento in the Bauble Emporium. Get creative by booking into a wreath-making workshop or just take things slowly by toasting marshmallows in the twinkly courtyard.

New this year – as always, Castle Howard’s main house will be transformed into a world of enchantment and wonder. This year, visitors will take flight on a Peter Pan-themed odyssey in Christmas in Neverland, which comes to life with beautiful decorations, installations and projections. CLW Event Design, the creative team behind Christmas in Narnia and Into the Woods: A Fairytale Christmas, have worked tirelessly with tinsel, got busy with baubles, and captured their creativity to bring you an experience like no other. Get lost on a magical adventure in Neverland with fairies, mermaids, and pirates. Vast ships will cruise into Castle Howard’s great galleries, Lost Boy-laughter will echo through its halls, and beautiful rooms will transform into tropical lagoons. Follow the boy that never grew up into a fantastical festive world with beautiful theatrical installations, stunning projections and immersive soundscapes bringing JM Barrie’s much-loved story and characters to life.

With planning beginning in January for the Christmas installation and a team of 25 creatives working together to bring it to life, many working offsite for several months, you know to expect something spectacular. To learn more about the work that goes into creating such a spectacle, be sure to book onto one of the guided tours with the designers themselves.

Until January 7, castlehoward.co.uk >

HAREWOOD HOUSE, nr Leeds

A firm favourite amongst those near and far, visiting Harewood’s grand halls has become a tradition for many come Christmastime. The excitement commences as soon as you reach the entrance, with the main gate wrapped up in a big red bow, ready for you to unwrap the present that lies within.