We have been to Castle Howard several Christmases to view their special displays, but there is no doubt that this year’s display is by far the most stunning.
Professional designers Charlotte Lloyd Webber and Bretta Gereke have worked with the theme ‘The 12 Days of Christmas’ (you know the song – seven swans a swimming , six geese a laying etc.) to produce a stunning array of flamboyant displays and installations to surprise and delight visitors of all ages. Younger visitors can enjoy a bit of virtual reality by indulging in a little elf boxing, decorate a virtual Christmas tree and see Santa flying over the rooftops!
Open fires, candle light and live music evoke all that we love about this special time of year, with the iconic 25 foot traditional Christmas tree adorned with over 3000 baubles providing a breath-taking highlight in the Great Hall. It took two days to decorate this tree alone! The long gallery uses evocative lighting and stunning detail suspended overhead, showing the lords leaping, pipers playing, ladies dancing etc.
For the first time this year the house will be open between Christmas and New Year. Check the castle website for details and remember – if you book online you will receive 10% off admission.
Photographs and words courtesy of David Thornley