A Glittering Invitation: Harewood’s Grand Christmas Ball
Stepping through the doors of Harewood House was a feast for the senses! Designed by BBC Interior Design Masters finalist Siobhan Murphy, the 18th-century stately home has been transformed into a dazzling dreamscape filled with opulent decorations and shimmering lights. It’s a maximalist Regency-inspired Bridgerton-esque wonderland and it was quite moving to see Siobhan becoming emotional as she watched her 18 month long festive project finally come to life.
A Spectacular Day Out
I was already feeling nostalgic, as someone who’s spent many happy days here when my children were little, and the turning leaves and misty views across the fields added to the magic of the moment. If you’re looking for a spectacular day out to get you in the Christmas mood, Harewood House hits the spot!
The ombre 18ft ombre Christmas tree made of 700 second hand ballerina tutus in the Entrance Hall is stunning. More than 300 pairs of pointe shoes have also been donated by English National Ballet as part of its initiative, The Drop-Off Pointe which recycles and repurposes dancers’ used shoes. Siobhan has turned them various shades of pink, paired them with ribbon and bows and used them to create smaller rotating trees in the Entrance Hall.
Harewood has partnered up with innovative digital installations specialist Tom Le Bon and BOSUN Studio to create a series of stunning digital projections to add to the experience. From whispered gossip and showstopping fireworks to the private reflections of the Balls’s glittering host, these moments offer visitors a glimpse into the imagined lives of Harewood’s Grand Ball guests.
In the Music Room, visitors will step into a Bridgerton-inspired soundscape where elegant classical music fills the air and people will be surrounded by animated musical notes that dance and swirl across the walls. It will also feature two large Christmas trees adorned with gold instruments as well as pink and orange feathers.
As guests move into the Gallery, they’ll witness lifelike projections of ball guests gathered at the edge of the room, gossiping about the unfolding events. The room filled with ballgowns sourced from Leeds Playhouse alongside couture pieces by fashion designer Julia Clancy.
The Spanish Library is designed to offer a glimpse into the inner world of the Ball’s glittering host. Visitors will see a projection of her writing appear in real time as she pens her thoughts into her diary. Her voice echoes softly through the space, reading aloud her reflections on the evening’s events. Siobhan herself has collected over 200 books from charity shops and car boot sales to create a stunning “book tree” for this room.
The State Dining Room
Inspired by a festive feast held by Marie Antoinette, the State Dining Room will feature bejewelled swans, rotating macaron trees and stunning iced cakes that were created by Siobhan with Great British Bake-Off contestant, Helena Garcia. The table itself is dressed with Siobhan’s bespoke tableware collection, designed exclusively for Harewood. Drawing inspiration from the House’s rich interiors and historic collections, Siobhan has created a unique pattern that adorns table runners, plates and mugs, all of which is available to purchase online and from Harewood’s Christmas Shop in the Old Kitchen.
The final chapter unfolds in the Servants’ Hall, where it will appear that staff have been enjoying their own glittering celebration. The room will be filled with music, laughter and dancing and through the windows, visitors will see a stunning projection of fireworks bursting over Almscliffe Cragg. It’s a reminder that every corner of the house has its own story to tell. It will be a stunning room in terms of decor too with paper chains handmade from hundreds of vintage papers as well as Christmas trees made of second-hand copper pans, brass jugs and spoons.
Siobhan has worked tirelessly alongside Harewood’s committed volunteers to create well over 10,000 handcrafted decorations using second-hand items for the event; including over 2,000 items saved from car boots and second-hand shops.
Harewood is also collaborating with DOME, the Trust’s Official Christmas Fragrance Partner for A Glittering Invitation: Harewood’s Grand Christmas Ball. Building on the success of last year’s partnership, DOME returns to infuse Harewood with a bespoke festive scent experience. Paired with Siobhan Murphy’s signature maximalism, bold patterns and joyous colour, these curated scentscapes will transport guests through multi-sensory regency-inspired installations, making this year’s celebration truly unforgettable.
Delights for the Children
Children are bound to love the sights, sounds and smells in each room – but Harewood has also worked hard to create something special and bespoke for them too. Siobhan has worked with nine miniaturist specialists to recreate a magical miniature version of Christmas at Harewood, with tiny scenes featured throughout the House.
Zoë Hughes, Head of Public Programme at Harewood, said: ”There’s nothing quite like Christmas at Harewood, and this year’s celebrations will be our most spectacular yet. Siobhan Murphy’s dazzling, maximalist designs will reimagine the House in true Regency style, while Tom Le Bon’s vibrant light projections will elevate the experience even further, creating showstopping moments, unexpected surprises, and memories to treasure long after the festive season ends.”
Among the artists are Michael Robbins, a Yorkshire-based miniaturist whose work has been exhibited internationally and featured on Channel 4’s Great Big Tiny Design Challenge, and Arabella Duffy, a remarkable talent who, at just thirteen years old, is already making waves in the miniature art world.
Each intricately designed piece will be part of a free trail for families to follow, encouraging them to spot and tick off every miniature they discover. This whimsical adventure invites families to slow down, observe the details, and immerse themselves in the magic of Christmas.
Tickets are on sale for Harewood’s Christmas event A Glittering Invitation: Harewood’s Grand Christmas Ball from Saturday 8 November 2025 to Sunday 4 January 2026.
Image credits Sally Bendall & Harewood House, some content supplied
