Christmas at Harewood, Dreams of the 1920s, a unique Christmas experience bespoke to Harewood and extending across six weeks from Saturday 24 November to Sunday 6 January. It features a dream-like decorated House, dressed by Creative Director Simon Costin, two different Father Christmas experiences and eight types of workshops and tours.
Reality and fantasy merge this festive season at Harewood as we take you back in time to Christmas Eve 1929. Experience a special Christmas unique to Harewood’s history through the eyes of King George V’s grandsons George and Gerald, and enter a fantastical world of 1920s nostalgia.
Comments Jane Marriott, Director; “We are delighted to be revealing Harewood’s Christmas vision. The decadent era of the 1920s and its more celebratory note is a natural continuation from Seeds of Hope, our exhibition in the Walled Garden and Bothy, which commemorates the end of the First World War and honours the incredibly important work the gardeners did in supporting the war effort.
“Without giving away too many secrets, visitors will step back in time to imagine Christmas through the eyes of two little boys at the end of the decade; George and Gerald Lascelles. George was the current Earl’s father and both boys were the sons of the sixth Earl and Princess Mary.
“This year Simon Costin is our Artistic Director. Simon worked with the wonderful, late Michael Howells, who created our first Christmas at Harewood last year. An internationally respected Art Director, he has collaborated with the likes of the late Alexander McQueen and Givenchy to create jaw-dropping catwalk designs. We cannot wait to open our doors this Christmas, and welcome everyone into the dream world of the 1920s at Harewood.”
24 November to 6 January 10am – 6pm
www.harewood.org/whats-on/event/christmas/
Early close on Christmas Eve & New Year’s Eve. Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day & New Year’s Day
General Christmas Admission Tickets give access to all non-event areas of the Christmas experience; House and Gardens. Father Christmas is a separate pre-bookable event and not included in the ticket price
The Christmas experience includes the 1920s themed House, festive-lit Terrace, festive catering and shopping on site, cooking demonstrations Below Stairs (selected days), children’s craft activities and trails, access to the Gardens, Bird Garden, Farm and Adventure Playground, free talks in the House, and live music performances (selected days).
Adults £16.50 / Child £8.50 / Family £45
BOOKABLE EVENTS
At Home with Father & Mrs Christmas
Enjoy a festive family experience in the home of Father & Mrs Christmas, and be warmed by all its sweet magic. The journey begins with a visit to Father Christmas’ cottage for an encounter filled with interactive stories and songs, a photo opportunity and a personalised gift.
Continue the magic with an interactive trail around the House and grounds, with the opportunity to explore the dream-inspired installations on the State Floor and Below Stairs, and partake in a programme of festive family activities throughout Harewood.
Booking essential.
45-minute experience / Child £20 including entry to all areas of Harewood / Member Child £11.50
A Twilight Treat with Father & Mrs Christmas
Visit the home of Father & Mrs Christmas for an enchanting Twilight Treat. In addition to an encounter filled with interactive stories and songs, a photo opportunity and a personalised gift, enjoy a festive hot cup of cocoa and tasty festive treat for each child, and a warming cup of mulled wine for grown-ups.
Continue the magic with an interactive trail around the House and grounds, with the opportunity to explore the dream-inspired installations on the State Floor and Below Stairs, and partake in a programme of festive family activities throughout Harewood.
Booking essential.
4pm and 5pm, 45-minute experience / Child £25 including entry to all areas of Harewood / Member Child £16.50
Available Dates: Saturday 24 & Sunday 25 November / Saturday 1 & Sunday 2 December / Saturday 8 & Sunday 9 December / Saturday 15 & Sunday 16 December / Friday 21, Saturday 22 & Sunday 23 December.
Christmas Reindeer Weaving
Sunday 25 November
Make your very own 4ft Christmas reindeer during this festive Willow Weaving workshop with local craftswoman Leilah Vyner of Dragon Willow. Refreshments and lunch are provided on the day and all tools are provided for the day. No prior experience is needed. Last year Leilah showed her sculptures at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. www.dragonwillow.co.uk
10.30am – 4pm / £80
Festive Twilight Tours
Wednesdays 28 November – 2 January (excluding Boxing Day)
Take an exclusive out of hours tour of Harewood House and explore our magical Christmas displays after dark. This special twilight tour includes a welcome glass of fizz and mince pie on arrival, before you are taken on an after-hours tour of the State Floor and Below Stairs. Experience the dream-inspired rooms of the House dressed by Creative Director, Simon Costin, and step into the fantastical world of imagined scenes of childhood dreams.
6.30-8.30pm / Adult £30 / Child £20
Christmas Wreath Making
Wednesday 5 December & Wednesday 12 December
Working with Yorkshire floral design studio and flower school, Leafy Couture, create an impressive seasonal wreath for your door. Using seasonal foliage, fruits and berries, take inspiration from the historic surroundings of Harewood. Taking place in the House, the day includes festive refreshments and full access to all other areas of the Christmas experience.
11am – 1pm / 2-4pm / £65
Christmas Snowman Weaving
Thursday 6 December
Make your very own festive snowman, just right for both indoor and outdoor use with willow weaver Leilah Vyner from Tadcaster-based Dragon Willow. Learn the art of creating sculpture from willow rods and weave. No prior experience is needed and all tools are provided. Refreshments and lunch will be served on the day and workshop includes access to all areas of the Christmas experience.
11am – 4pm / £80
Festive Wire Birds
Saturday 8 December
Join sculptor Chris Moss for a festive wire sculpting workshop and make your very own small wire birds. Using simple tools and techniques and with Chris’ guidance, you’ll learn how to make small scribble-wire robins. No previous experience is required and all tools and materials are supplied. Refreshments and lunch provided on the day and tickets include access to all areas of the Christmas experience.
11am – 4pm / £75
Stately Winter Botanicals with Fiona Pickles from Firenza Flowers
Sunday 9 December
Take part in an exclusive day at Harewood, led by one of the UK’s leading floral designers, Fiona Pickles from Firenza Flowers. A Vogue and Telegraph Top 20 florist, participants will create a striking, everlasting wreath.
The day starts with a private, tailor made tour of the dressed house, focusing on flowers and botanicals. Participants then move to the Still Room to learn how to make a large, natural and everlasting wreath using dried herbs, flowers and foliage from Harewood’s gardens and grounds as well as from Fiona’s own Yorkshire cutting garden. The wreath will last all year-round.
A private festive Afternoon Tea in our newly opened Billiard Room is part of the experience in addition to a tour round the Terrace Garden and where Fiona points out seasonal highlights for use in the wreaths. A welcome gift and access to all areas of the Christmas experience are also part of the ticket price.
10.45am – 4pm / £285
Robin Weaving
Thursday 13 December
Join us for a morning workshop to create a bespoke willow Robin with a lovely red breast. This sculpture is ideal for Christmas decorations or as a festive gift. Join acclaimed Yorkshire-based willow weaver Leilah Vyner, who will teach you the art of creating sculpture from willow. No prior experience is needed and all tools are provided. Refreshments and lunch will be served on the day and workshop includes access to all areas of the Christmas experience.
10.30am – 1pm / £45
Willow Wreath Making
Thursday 13 December
In an afternoon’s workshop you can create your own striking handmade willow wreath, led by the talented Yorkshire-based willow weaver Leilah Vyner from Dragon Willow. No prior experience is needed and all tools are provided. Refreshments and lunch will be served on the day and workshop includes access to all areas of the Christmas experience.
2 – 4.30pm / £45
Booking is essential for all workshops and Father Christmas Experiences and recommended for all other events.
www.harewood.org/whats-on/event/christmas/
or call 0113 218 1000