Magic at the Mansion - Christmas at Harewood House

This Christmas, visitors to Harewood House in Leeds, Yorkshire, will discover the secret histories of the House brought to life in Magic at the Mansion; an immersive and fun festive experience where treasured objects become storytellers, historic rooms reveal hidden details and stories of the people who shaped Harewood are brought centre stage.

Created exclusively for Harewood by award-winning Studio McGuire and running from Friday 6 November 2026 to Sunday 3 January 2027, the experience transforms one of Yorkshire’s most celebrated historic houses into a world of festive surprises, spectacular digital projections and playful storytelling.

Inspired by Harewood’s architecture, collections and archives, every installation has been created specifically for the House, making it an experience that could only happen there.

Visitors will journey through the rooms of Harewood as the House reveals its secrets. In the Music Room, a choir of singing candles comes to life through Studio McGuire’s immersive projections, while the State Dining Room is transformed with mythical characters.

Across the House, treasured objects take on new voices. The Gallery jovially explores the history of gift-giving, inspired by Princess Mary’s handwritten Christmas lists, while the State Bedroom reveals conversations between talking pillowcases connected to Harewood’s royal history.

Elsewhere, the Library becomes an enchanted woodland filled with fairies, foliage and natural textures, celebrating the craftsmanship and natural beauty woven into Christmas at Harewood.

The journey culminates in the Servants’ Hall, where visitors discover a joyful festive gathering celebrating the warmth and togetherness at the heart of the season.

Alongside the experience inside the House, Harewood’s Courtyard offers visitors the chance to continue their festive day out with seasonal food and drink, family activities and Christmas treats.

The story behind Magic at the Mansion has been created by Yorkshire-based writer Christina Lewis, working alongside Harewood’s Curator and Archivist Rebecca Burton. Drawing on research into the House’s collections, interiors and former residents, the script uncovers fascinating connections and brings forgotten details from Harewood’s past to life.

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

“Working with Studio McGuire and Christina allows us to look at the House in a completely different way. We’re bringing stories out of the collections and giving visitors the chance to discover little details they may never have noticed before. There are layers of meaning throughout the experience, whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning year after year.”

For guests who want to meet the man himself, Harewood have partnered with Enchantica’s and Yorkshire Yurt to transform Harewood’s magnificent North Lawn into an enchanting Elf Village, where twinkling lights, beautifully dressed yurts and cheerful elves bring Father Christmas’ story to life.

Families will begin their festive adventure at the Elf Cocoa Café, before setting off to explore the magic of the Elf Village. Along the way, they’ll visit The Wishery where all wishes begin, discover the magic of the Elf Village Post Office, and have the opportunity to create something special in the Tinker Tent. The adventure comes together as families gather for a joyful Santa School celebration finale, where sing-along storytelling, festive fun and a touch of Christmas magic bring the experience to a truly magical close.

The highlight of the experience is a special personal meeting with Father Christmas, giving every family the chance to share their Christmas wishes and create memories to treasure. Every child with a ticket will also receive a beautiful Christmas gift to take home as a lasting reminder of their magical day.

More than simply a visit to Father Christmas, Harewood Elf Village is an immersive festive adventure filled with wonder, imagination and the true spirit of Christmas — and the experience also includes entry to Harewood House, Gardens and Grounds.

If that wasn’t enough, on seven dates over the festive period, the Elf Village will come alive after dark as YurtBar celebrates its 10th anniversary with a series of après-ski Christmas parties, featuring dining, live headline entertainment and late-night celebrations.

Magic at the Mansion runs from Friday 6 November 2026 to Sunday 3 January 2027 at Harewood House, Leeds, Yorkshire. Tickets start from £24.50 for adults and £10 for children, with free entry for Harewood members and under 4s.