Expect the unexpected with fantastical Christmas celebrations this season at the beautiful stately home of Harewood, just a few miles from Harrogate.
Gossiping paintings, singing crockery, hustle and bustle above and below stairs, in addition to festive making workshops with leading artists, children’s craft activities and trails, two market weekends and the return of Terrace Cottage’s beloved annual visitors…Christmas at Harewood is like no other Christmas experience in Yorkshire.
Harewood invites you to enjoy the festive season. Take a peak under the stairs, listen out for voices and follow the music, as the West Wing of the State Floor and Below Stairs are transformed into an enchanting trail based around the House’s own fascinating stories and collections. Across the fairy-lit grounds, you can take part in trails, get hands on with crafts and enjoy seasonal food and drink amongst other bookable activities.
Tickets for a family is £46 (based on two adults and two children), for an adults it’s £17.50 and a child it’s £9 entry.
Book online and receive 10% off the above prices! Find out more or book tickets by visiting harewood.org/whats-on/event/half-term-club/
Continuing the charity’s vision to work with artistic partnerships of the highest quality, which began in 2017 with the Victorian House, created by award winning film and television set-designer Sir Michael Howells, and followed in 2018 with artistic director Simon Costin’s Dreams of the 1920s, this Christmas sees acclaimed British multimedia artists Davy & Kristin McGuire, from Studio McGuire, project their fantasy stories and creativity onto the House. Harewood is also be open for the first time on New Year’s Day.
What can you do for FREE at Harewood House?
Christmas Market Weekends
On the weekends of 7 & 8 December and 14 & 15 December, Harewood will welcome over 30 hand selected makers from around the region and some of the finest in their field and accompanied by live music in the Courtyard from choirs and brass bands.
Cooking demonstrations (selected weekends)
The Victorian kitchen at Harewood is one of the best loved and most iconic rooms in the House. The Kitchen is the engine room of any house at Christmas. You’ll be treated to a seasonal cooking demonstration in the Still Room whist discovering Harewood’s kitchen stories.
Family Trails around Harewood – self-guided.
Curiosity Cabin – free play for under 5s and their families.
Christmas craft activities in the Stables, Courtyard – daily.
Other activities and workshops
Festive Music & Merriment with Father Christmas | 30 Nov to 24 Dec | Member Child £20 (4+) / Non Member: £25 (under 4 £20)
Join Father & Mrs Christmas for a musical workshop, story time and songs. End your experience with a photograph with Father Christmas himself and a personalised traditional gift for every child and a freshly baked treat.
Needle Felt Christmas Decorations Workshops | 15 Dec, 10.30am or 2pm | £45
Artist Helen Riddle teaches you how to make a jolly Father Christmas decoration, mastering basic needle-felting techniques. Half day course suitable for beginners. All equipment and materials are provided.
Festive Wire Stag Head Workshop | 6 Dec | 11am | £80
Chris Moss’ workshops create fabulous creations, this one using basic chicken wire to make an impressive stag’s head to mount on the wall. No previous experience is required and all tools and materials are supplied, with refreshments and lunch included.
Christmas Reindeer Weaving Workshop | 18 Dec | 11am | £85
Snag a space on this hugely popular workshop with acclaimed willow weaver Leilah Vyner, and make your very own 4-foot Christmas reindeer. All the tools are provided for the day, including lunch. No prior experience needed.
Willow Christmas Wreath Making Workshop | 10 Dec | 11am or 2pm | £45
Enjoy a festive willow wreath making workshop using coppiced willow and greenery gathered from a local estate. Decorate with a choice from a large variety of dried fruit and sparkly Christmas decorations. All tools are provided.
Festive Floristry Workshop with Leafy Couture | 11 Dec | 10.30am | £150
A full day of floral festivities with the very talented team from Leafy Couture. You’ll make a seasonal wreath. Plus hear from Leafy Couture’s founder Sarah Richardson on how to dress and present the perfect Christmas table. Complete the day with a Festive Afternoon Tea with the Leafy team in the Billiard Room.
Festive Twilight Tours
Join Harewood House for an exclusive out of hours tour of the House and explore our Christmas experience after dark. This special twilight tour. You’ll be welcomed with a glass of fizz and mince pie on arrival, followed by an after-hours tour of the State Floor and Below Stairs. You’ll get to explore the rooms which have been re-imagined by Creative Directors Studio McGuire, and step into a mischievous world created with fantastical projections. Let their expert guides take you on a journey of discovery, as the House comes alive after dark.
- 5 Dec | 6.30pm | Member £15 / Adult £31
- 12 Dec | 6.30pm | Member £15 / Adult £31
- 19 Dec | 6.30pm | Member £15 / Adult £31
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