All who enter Chatsworth this Christmas will find themselves transported into a world of make-believe as it presents ‘Once Upon a Time’; a selection of favourite stories to enchant young and old alike.
Scenes from classic tales are woven throughout Chatsworth House to create a storybook world guaranteed to set imaginations running wild this Christmas season [November 10 to January 6].
Arthur the dragon guards the overgrown North Entrance and those who creep past him to the grand rooms beyond will find themselves surrounded by scenes from family favourites.
From Snow White in the Sculpture Gallery and Cinderella in the Chapel to more recent classics like James and the Giant Peach and Charlotte’s Web, the house has never before been host to such an array of popular characters.
Storytellers with the air of the Pied Piper will roam the rooms and corridors to enchant visitors with mystical tales as they explore the magical land of make-believe. For younger visitors, a free family trail will be available at the entrance with a friendly baby dragon to spot en route.
It wouldn’t be Christmas at Chatsworth without a huge helping of dressed Christmas trees along the route, and don’t miss the mirrors on the wall for the perfect photo opportunity. There will be costumes to try on for those who want to get into character too. As an enchanting end to the route, snowball decorations swirl around The Snowman in the Vestibule and snowflake lights glitter in the pale glow of the Sculpture Gallery.
Once again, the creative team at Chatsworth has produced a Christmas experience that draws on the talents of the staff from across the estate to make costumes, props and sets as well as painting, decorating, printing and staging with lighting, sounds and scents.
The Christmas route winds its way through the ground, lower floors and guest apartments on the upper floor. A timed ticketing system will be in operation, with visitors encouraged to book online in advance to secure their preferred time slot and take advantage of free parking.
The popular Chatsworth Christmas market will be running from 16 November to 4 December. With over 100 market stalls offering a wide range of Christmas gifts and decorations, it’s a great way to start the festive season. This year a number of changes have been introduced to help improve visitor experience, and minimise the impact on local residents. These include additional bus services, improved traffic management plan, and a new pricing structure. As always, parking is free for anyone who has booked in advance to visit Christmas in the house. Full details available at Chatsworth.org/market
Christmas Trees and Christmas Hampers will also be on offer along with other festive shopping opportunities in the Orangery Gift Shop and the Stables Shop. A range of festive hampers from the Chatsworth Estate Farm Shop are also available to order online for delivery all over the UK. www.chatsworth.org/shopping-eating/farm-shop/hampers
As well as the spectacular display in the house, the Christmas season at Chatsworth features the family friendly Christmas Nativities taking place in the farmyard where children join the farmyard animals to star in their own nativity story. Selected dates from 8 December to 23 December. www.chatsworth.org/events/christmas-nativity
Twilight Evenings in the house are the perfect chance to explore the house after dark along with a festive mince pie and live music from traditional bell-ringers and a string trio. Dates run from 22 November to 21 December. www.chatsworth.org/events/christmas-twilight-evenings
Entrance to ‘Once Upon a Time’ is included with Christmas admission. Christmas tickets include the house, garden and farmyard are priced at £25 per adult; £15 per child and £69 per family (2 adults, 3 children).
For more information, visit www.chatsworth.org