What Is The Bridgerton Inspired Christmas Event At Harewood House 2025

Anyone who's ever binged a period drama knows the feeling: the longing to step through the screen into a world of grand balls, shimmering gowns, and whispered secrets. Well, this winter, that dream gets a whole lot closer to reality. Harewood House in Yorkshire is throwing open its doors for "A Glittering Invitation: Harewood’s Grand Christmas Ball," an event that promises to be anything but a stuffy historical re-enactment. From Saturday 8 November 2025 to Sunday 4 January 2026, the magnificent house is being transformed into a full-blown Regency fantasy, with a bold, modern twist. Think Bridgerton, but with tinsel, mince pies, and a whole lot of creative sparkle. This isn't just a Christmas decoration display; it's a complete sensory experience designed to transport visitors to the most talked-about party of the season.

A modern twist on a regency ball

So, how does a centuries-old stately home get a 21st-century makeover? By bringing in a seriously creative team. The vision for this spectacular Christmas celebration comes from Siobhan Murphy, an interior designer known for her love of all things bright, bold, and beautiful. Fans of BBC’s Interior Design Masters will know her style well. It's called 'maximalism', which is basically the opposite of keeping things plain and simple. It’s about more colour, more pattern, and more fun. Siobhan’s approach promises to be a feast for the senses, taking the elegant Regency era and giving it an amped-up feel full of joyous colour.

But the magic doesn't stop with decor. Harewood is also bringing in the tech wizardry of Tom Le Bon and BOSUN Studio, specialists in digital installations. This is where the event gets really clever. What's a digital installation? Imagine animations and light projected onto the walls that move, tell stories, and bring the rooms to life. This creative partnership means visitors will not only see the stunning interior design but will also be surrounded by a digital world of gossiping guests and showstopping fireworks. This stunning event is the result of a truly unique partnership.

A walk through the house

Each room in Harewood House will tell a different part of the story of the grand Christmas ball. The experience is designed to make visitors feel like they've just received their own invitation and are stepping into the celebration.

• The Entrance Hall: The first impression is a jaw-dropper. An 18-foot Christmas tree made from 700 second-hand ballerina tutus creates a stunning ombre effect. And look closer—decorations include over 300 pointe shoes donated by the English National Ballet, all spray-painted in shades of pink. It's a completely magical welcome.
• The Music Room: Here, the air fills with classical music as animated musical notes appear to dance across the walls. The decor is just as grand, with two huge Christmas trees covered in gold instruments and bright feathers.
• The Gallery: This is where the party really seems to be happening. Life-like digital projections show ball guests mingling and whispering about the evening's events. The room itself is filled with incredible ball gowns from Leeds Playhouse and special pieces from fashion designer Julia Clancy.
• The Spanish Library: Visitors get a private peek into the host's world. A projection shows her thoughts being written in her diary in real-time, her voice softly reading her reflections. The decor here is just as creative, featuring a stunning "book tree" that Siobhan built from over 200 second-hand books.
• The State Dining Room: Inspired by a feast thrown by Marie Antoinette, this room is pure indulgence. There are bejewelled swans, rotating macaron trees, and incredible iced cakes created with Great British Bake Off contestant Helena Garcia.
• The Servants' Hall: The story concludes downstairs, where it looks like the staff are having their own glittering celebration. The room is filled with music and laughter, and through the windows, a digital projection shows a stunning firework display over the countryside. The decor here is wonderfully resourceful, with paper chains made from vintage papers and trees built from old copper pans and spoons.

This incredible festive transformation is a huge undertaking. Siobhan and a team of dedicated volunteers have created over 10,000 handmade decorations, with more than 2,000 items saved from car boot sales and second-hand shops.

Not just a feast for the eyes

A great party appeals to all the senses, and this ball is no different. Harewood has continued its partnership with DOME, the official Christmas fragrance partner for the event. This means that as visitors walk through the house, they won't just see the incredible sights; they'll also be greeted with specially designed festive scents. Each 'scentscape' is created to match Siobhan Murphy's bold decor and maximalism style. The combination of stunning visuals, classical music, and beautiful fragrances creates a truly immersive experience that makes the whole celebration feel real. It's this attention to detail that turns a visit into a lasting memory.

Something special for the children

While adults will undoubtedly love the glamour and creative designer touches, there’s plenty to make the experience magical for younger visitors too. It's a perfect family day out. Siobhan has worked with nine miniaturist specialists to create a tiny, magical version of the Christmas event. Dotted throughout the rooms of the house are miniature scenes, each one an intricate work of art.

The artists include Michael Robbins, a well-known Yorkshire miniaturist, and Arabella Duffy, a hugely talented artist who is only thirteen years old. Children (and grown-ups!) can follow a free trail, spotting and ticking off each tiny scene as they find it. This whimsical little adventure encourages everyone to slow down, look closely, and get lost in the magic of the intricate details. It’s a wonderful way to keep children engaged throughout the visit.

The creative vision

The goal behind this whole spectacular event is to create a sense of wonder and joy. Zoë Hughes, Head of Public Programme at Harewood, explained the vision for this Christmas experience.

"We are thrilled to reveal that Tom Le Bon is on board to help create an unforgettable Christmas at Harewood."

"His light projections will complement Siobhan’s maximalist approach to decor and design, helping to transport visitors into the world of a regency-inspired Christmas. Expect real ‘wow’ moments throughout the experience; with unexpected delights that promise to spark joy, bring smiles to faces of all ages, and create lasting festive memories to treasure.”

It’s all about creating a glittering, magical memory for every single person who walks through the doors.

How to get your invitation to the ball

This glittering Christmas event runs from Saturday 8 November 2025 to Sunday 4 January 2026. It’s a chance for the whole family to step into a different world for a day and kick off the festive season with a truly unforgettable celebration. Tickets are on sale now, and booking ahead is a good idea for what is set to be a very popular winter experience. What a way to make some magical memories.