Magical Harewood House Christmas 2026 festive fun announced

It looks like being an amazing festive family experience

Families can enjoy an enchanting Christmas experience at Harewood House this festive season.

Harewood House Trust has unveiled Magic at the Mansion, its 2026 Christmas experience, where the House's treasured collections spring to life, transforming historic objects into playful storytellers in a festive adventure full of laughter, wonder and surprising true tales.

Following two hugely successful Christmas experiences at Harewood, Studio McGuire returns again this year from Friday, November 6 until the start of 2027 - finishing on Sunday, January 3. You can find out more here.

Inspired entirely by Harewood’s architecture, collections and the people who have shaped its history, Magic at the Mansion will be a unique Christmas experience.

Studio McGuire are busy behind the scenes creating a series of playful and enchanting installations so visitors can see the House in a completely new way. Reminiscent of Disney film Beauty and the Beast, historic items and festive objects find their voices; from talking furniture and pillows to presents under the tree.

Alongside the visual installations, Yorkshire-based writer Christina Lewis has created a bespoke script inspired by extensive historical research into Harewood’s collections, interiors and residents aided by Harewood’s Curator and Archivist, Rebecca Burton. 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.”

Christmas at Harewood has grown into one of the region’s most celebrated festive experiences since launching in 2017, when the House first opened its doors over the winter season. Nearly a decade on, it has become a highlight of the year for visitors, staff and volunteers alike.

Zoë added: “Christmas is one of the most rewarding, and busiest, times of the year at Harewood. Since we first opened the House for Christmas in 2017, it has grown in ambition year after year, evolving from a new seasonal opening into one of the highlights of our programme.

“It’s incredibly special to see how the whole organisation comes together, from our volunteers and creative teams to our collections, visitor experience and hospitality teams, all working towards creating something magical for visitors. Seeing people walk through the doors and experience something we’ve spent months bringing to life is one of the most rewarding parts of my role.”

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