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Harewood House reveals first look at new Christmas experience

Magic at the Mansion is coming to Harewood House.

Harewood House has revealed a first look at its new Christmas experience ahead of its opening tomorrow (Friday 6th November).

‘Magic at the Mansion’ will transform rooms throughout the historic house with projections, storytelling and decorations inspired by Harewood’s history.

Created by visual artists Studio McGuire, the experience features singing candles, talking furniture and an enchanted woodland filled with fairy projections.

A total of 16 projectors and 14 screens bring the displays to life, with 40 Christmas trees decorating the house and grounds.

Visitors will also be able to see rarely displayed handwritten Christmas gift lists belonging to Princess Mary, alongside a Cartier owl given to her by her mother, Queen Mary.

The lists offer an insight into royal Christmas traditions, with gifts ranging from lavish presents to soap, tea cloths and spectacle cases.

Harewood’s volunteers have helped create the decorations, making more than 100 paper flowers, 100 hessian flowers and 50 metres of garlands.

Retired GP Pauline Stone made 85 paper flowers for the 12-foot Christmas tree in the Yellow Drawing Room.

Zoë Hughes, Head of Public Programme at Harewood, said:

“I’m thinking about this opening all year, so it’s really exciting to finally see all this festive magic come alive.”

New for this year, Harewood will also launch its first Elf Village on the North Lawn during the first weekend of December.

The attraction has been created with Harrogate-based Enchantica’s and YurtBar, offering families an almost two-hour experience with activities, storytelling and a personal meeting with Father Christmas.

Children with a ticket will receive a Christmas gift, with admission also including entry to Harewood House, Gardens and Grounds.

Zoë added:

“Alongside Magic at the Mansion, our Elf Village will bring a completely different kind of Christmas magic to Harewood, with families able to step into an immersive festive world and meet Father Christmas.

"Whether you’re coming for the history, the spectacle, the family experience or all three, there’s something new to discover around every corner.”

Magic at the Mansion runs until Sunday 3rd January 2027.

Tickets for the house experience start from £24.50 for adults and £10 for children, with free entry for Harewood members and under-fours.

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