Singing candles, talking pillowcases and a brand-new Elf Village: Harewood reveals its magical Christmas plans

Harewood House in Leeds has revealed further details of its 2026 Christmas experience, Magic at the Mansion, promising an immersive festive journey through the House, alongside a brand-new Elf Village on the North Lawn.

Created exclusively for Harewood by award-winning Studio McGuire, Magic at the Mansion will take visitors on a journey through the House, with each room revealing a different story, character or surprise inspired by Harewood’s own history, making it an experience that could only happen there.

In 2020 Harewood won the Museums + Heritage Award for Innovation of the Year for their work with Studio McGuire.

In the Music Room, a choir of singing candles comes to life through Studio McGuire’s immersive projections, while the State Dining Room is transformed with mythical characters.

Across the House, treasured objects take on new voices, while the State Bedroom reveals conversations between talking pillowcases connected to Harewood’s royal history.

Elsewhere, the Library becomes an enchanted woodland filled with fairies, foliage and natural textures, celebrating the craftsmanship and natural beauty woven into Christmas at Harewood.

The journey culminates in the Servants’ Hall, where visitors discover a joyful festive gathering celebrating the warmth and togetherness at the heart of the season.

Alongside the experience inside the House, Harewood’s Courtyard offers visitors the chance to continue their festive day out with seasonal food and drink, family activities and Christmas treats.

Yorkshire-based writer Christina Lewis has created the script alongside Harewood’s Curator and Archivist Rebecca Burton, drawing on the House’s collections, interiors and archives to uncover fascinating connections and forgotten details.

The historic objects behind the stories will form part of the experience, giving visitors the chance to see Harewood’s history brought to life in unexpected ways.

Harewood’s first ever Elf Village

For guests who want to meet the big man himself, Harewood has partnered with Enchantica’s and YurtBar to transform Harewood’s magnificent North Lawn into an enchanting Elf Village, where twinkling lights, beautifully dressed yurts and cheerful elves bring Father Christmas’ story to life.

Families will begin their festive adventure at the Elf Cocoa Café, before setting off to explore the magic of the Elf Village. Along the way, they’ll visit The Wishery where all wishes begin, discover the magic of the Elf Village Post Office, and have the opportunity to create something special in the Tinker Tent.

The adventure comes together as families gather for a joyful Santa School celebration finale, where sing-along storytelling, festive fun and a touch of Christmas magic bring the experience to a truly magical close.

The highlight of the experience is a special personal meeting with Father Christmas, giving every family the chance to share their Christmas wishes and create memories to treasure. Every child with a ticket will also receive a beautiful Christmas gift to take home as a lasting reminder of their magical day.

More than simply a visit to Father Christmas, Harewood Elf Village is an immersive almost two hour festive adventure filled with wonder, imagination and the true spirit of Christmas – and the experience also includes entry to Harewood House, Gardens and Grounds.

If that wasn’t enough, on seven dates over the festive period, the Elf Village transforms after dark as YurtBar celebrates its 10th anniversary with a series of après-ski Christmas parties, featuring dining, live headline entertainment and late-night celebrations for adults.

Zoë Hughes, Head of Public Programme at Harewood, said: “This year we wanted to give visitors even more ways to discover the stories behind Harewood at Christmas. From the fascinating objects and archives in our collections, to the surprises waiting in each room of the House, there are so many details to uncover.

“Alongside Magic at the Mansion, our Elf Village brings a completely different kind of Christmas magic to Harewood, with families able to step into an immersive festive world and meet Father Christmas. Whether you’re coming for the history, the spectacle, the family experience or all three, there’s something new to discover around every corner.”

Magic at the Mansion runs from Friday 6 November 2026 to Sunday 3 January 2027 at Harewood House, Leeds.

Tickets start from £24.50 for adults and £10 for children, with free entry for Harewood members and under-4s.

For more information and to book: harewood.org/events/magic-at-the-mansion/