Magic at the Mansion: Christmas at Harewood House, Leeds
Harewood have gone all-out this year with Magic at the Mansion. The decorations have personality: candles sing, cakes talk and familiar household objects suddenly have rather a lot to say.
Created by visual artists Studio McGuire, the experience uses projections, sound and storytelling to bring Harewood’s rooms to life. I had a first look at this years’ experience, and I loved the Christmas banquet settings, they're so pretty, with so much detail and extravagance... then suddenly the food starts chatting!
Magic at the Mansion
In the Music Room, a choir of singing candles provides one of the loveliest moments. The soundtrack, composed by Spesh Maloney and recorded with a real choir, gives the experience a richness that is worth slowing down and listening to the whole piece. Then there’s the extraordinary ceiling: look up and you’ll find a spectacle of projected cherubs and a booming voice from above.
Elsewhere, tiny fairies appear inside bell jars, creating the sort of miniature magical world that will enchant children – they enchanted me too. The woodland-inspired setting, with foliage and natural textures, gives the room a beautiful storybook quality.
There’s plenty of humour along the way. Talking chairs and a lamp discuss characters from Harewood’s past, while pillowcases share stories connected to its royal history. Downstairs, in the Servants’ Hall, beautifully crafted cakes chat about nineteenth-century festivities.
Underneath the playful storytelling are some fascinating historical details. Princess Mary’s handwritten Christmas gift lists offer a glimpse into royal present-buying, with surprisingly everyday items such as soap and tea cloths appearing alongside grander gifts. I love little discoveries like this: they bring the past to life & make the people who once lived here feel ‘real’.
The handmade decorations deserve attention too. Harewood’s volunteers have created flowers, garlands and tassels, including 85 watercolour-paper flowers made by retired GP Pauline Stone for the Yellow Drawing Room’s amazing towering Christmas tree.
For me, the appeal is in that combination of beauty, wit and imagination. There’s plenty for children to discover, but adults have just as much reason to pause, admire and smile. It’s a Christmas experience that rewards taking your time.
Magic at the Mansion runs from 6 November 2026 to 3 January 2027.
Tickets start from £24.50 for adults and £10 for children.
Elf Village, outdoor adventures and family fun
One of the nicest things about Christmas at Harewood is that the day can continue outdoors. After exploring the enchanting house, children can stretch their legs and enjoy the adventure playscape. There’s also a Snow Globe Trail, with globes to find around the estate and opportunities to draw what they discover. Explore Harewood’s Christmas activities.
I’d leave time for the gardens too. The Himalayan Garden is gorgeous, with stepping stones, bridges and water weaving through the landscape. The beautiful stupa brings a sense of peace to the setting. Built with guidance from Bhutanese Buddhist monks, walk around it three times in a clockwise direction and leave an offering to attract positivity. Discover the Himalayan Garden.
For an extra festive adventure, the separately bookable Elf Village opens on selected dates from 5–24 December. The almost two-hour experience begins at the Elf Cocoa Café and takes families through the Wishery, the Elf Village Post Office and the Tinker Tent.
There’s sing-along storytelling at Santa School, followed by a personal family meeting with Father Christmas. Every ticketed child receives a gift, and Elf Village tickets also include entry to the house, gardens and grounds. It sounds like a lovely way to turn a Christmas visit into a full family day out. Check Elf Village dates and booking.
By Sally Bendall
Images by Sally Bendall
