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Inspiration • July 28th, 2026
|This Christmas, Harewood House is set to enchant visitors with its latest festive experience, "Magic at the Mansion." Launching on Friday 6 November 2026, this immersive adventure promises to bring the House's rich history to life through its hidden stories, making it an exciting outing for families and history enthusiasts alike. The event will run until Sunday 3 January 2027, offering a unique opportunity to explore one of Yorkshire's most treasured historical sites during the festive season.
Transforming Harewood
For the third consecutive year, Harewood House has partnered with the creative team at Studio McGuire to create a magical atmosphere. This year's theme focuses on the House's treasured collections, which will spring to life, transforming historic objects into playful storytellers. Guests can expect a blend of laughter, wonder, and surprising true tales as they navigate through the beautifully decorated rooms.
Studio McGuire is known for its innovative approach to storytelling, and this year, they will enhance the experience with:
Immersive digital projections that fill every room with festive magic.
Talking furniture and festive objects that share their own stories, reminiscent of the animated characters from Disney's "Beauty and the Beast."
Engaging characters that will guide visitors through the House, revealing its secrets and history.
Behind the Scenes
The creative process behind "Magic at the Mansion" involves extensive research into Harewood's collections and the people who have shaped its history. Yorkshire-based writer Christina Lewis has crafted a bespoke script that weaves together humour and emotion, ensuring that every visitor can connect with the stories being told. This collaboration with Harewood’s Curator and Archivist, Rebecca Burton, adds depth to the experience, allowing guests to uncover hidden references and connections throughout the House.
Zoë Hughes, the Head of Public Programme at Harewood, expressed her excitement about the event, noting, “What makes Christmas at Harewood so special is that it belongs to this House. It isn’t something that could simply be lifted and placed somewhere else; every story, every character, and every moment comes from Harewood’s own history.”
A Growing Tradition
Since its inception in 2017, Christmas at Harewood has become one of the region’s most celebrated festive experiences. Initially a seasonal opening, it has blossomed into a highlight of the year for visitors, staff, and volunteers alike. The event has grown in ambition each year, continually evolving to offer something new and exciting.
“Christmas is one of the most rewarding, and busiest, times of the year at Harewood,” Zoë added. “It’s incredibly special to see how the whole organisation comes together, from our volunteers and creative teams to our collections, visitor experience, and hospitality teams, all working towards creating something magical for visitors.”
Ticket Information
Tickets for "Magic at the Mansion" are available now, starting at:
£24.50 for adults
£10 for children
Free entry for Harewood members and children under 4 years old
Concessions are also available, with £3 tickets offered for those in receipt of universal credit, pension credit, DLA, and PIP.
