Christmas at Harewood

From Friday 13 November to Sunday 3 January, Harewood will once again transform its House, Grounds and Gardens into a festive delight for all to enjoy. The Trust will build on the past three years of imaginative, original Christmas shows, unlike any other venue, working with the best artists and creative producers in this country.

Following last week’s recognition for 2019’s A Night at the Mansion created by Davy & Kristin McGuire at the Museums + Heritage Awards, where it won Innovation of the Year, Harewood is delighted to announce this year’s event – Upon a Christmas Wish with Lord Whitney.

Visitors will delve into a voyage of the imagination this festive season, as a Christmas tale is recounted and the House will reveal its magic to all those in need of whimsical wonder. Created by connoisseurs of make-believe Lord Whitney, the House shares its favourite memory of when a little girl was granted a festive wish to experience a Christmas like never before. Having established a reputation as out-of-the-ordinary, creative and far from predictable, Lord Whitney have created a show which invites you to escape with them into an immersive Christmas story unlike any other.
Christmas at Harewood has been designed with social distancing in mind, whilst allowing as many people to enjoy Upon a Christmas Wish as possible in a safe manner. Booked time slots and reduced capacity in the House provide a unique opportunity to enjoy the show, immerse yourself in the story and soak up the atmosphere with fewer crowds.

 

Jane Marriott, Trust Director comments:
‘We are truly delighted and honoured to have received this year’s Innovation of the Year award at the Museums + Heritage Awards, especially at a time when our team is working incredibly hard to ensure that a visit to Harewood can be as magical as ever, despite the current climate. Davy & Kristin McGuire created A Night at the Mansion as an imaginative and wholly original adventure through the house. Their creativity and talent reminds us of why we have made the commitment to work with the best artists and creative producers every year.
‘As a Charity, not only charged with taking care of this wonderful place but also sharing it with as many people as possible, the festive season offers a unique opportunity for people to experience Harewood in a different light; something that this award attests to. Harewood strives to make bold and ambitious projects, and every year we want to reimagine what a country house can look like and to provide a chance to escape daily life, recharge our batteries and be inspired by what we see, feel and hear. Upon a Christmas Wish will do exactly that.’

Tickets for Harewood’s 2020 Christmas season are now on sale (Adults £17.50, Children £9, Family (2+2) £46 with online and early bird discounts available, max 6 people per booking in line with the government’s ‘Rule of Six’), with pre-booking essential and current restrictions necessitating visitors booking a time slot to enter the House.

In addition, Father Christmas will return to welcome families for exclusive out-of-hours access to the house, to ensure a safe environment can be provided with all the necessary precautions in place, whilst still creating a magical experience. Likewise, a tailor made programme of pre-bookable festive workshops are back, as well as festive afternoon teas and the opportunity to visit after dark in Harewood Lates.