The West Yorkshire country house has announced its programme of festive events including decorations created by interior designer Siobhan Murphy.
To transform the stately home, Siobhan Murphy has worked with dozens of volunteers to create more than 5,000 handmade decorations using secondhand items.
Among the decorations are over 100 metres of paper chains and 500 pre-loved tutus. As well as bright colours and bold patterns, Siobhan Murphy is working with miniaturist specialists to create a mini version of Christmas at Harewood with pieces featured throughout the house.
The centrepiece of the festive season will be A Glittering Invitation: Harewood’s Grand Christmas Ball. From 8th November to 4th January 2026 visitors to Harewood House will be immersed in regency music, the glow of decorated Christmas trees and evening activities as they explore rooms bedecked with colour and decadence.
Visitors will be able to discover mantelpieces dressed with china cups, saucers and ginger jars, games and a whisky lounge and discover tales of the evening’s gossip written in the Lady of the House’s diary. Below the stairs the Servants’ Hall will have its own celebration; a lively, behind-the-scenes world of festive cheer featuring paper flowers made from vintage papers.
Zoë Hughes, head of public programme at Harewood, said: “We are incredibly excited to be working with Siobhan for Christmas this year; her colourful approach and maximalist know-how are perfectly placed to create an immersive experience celebrating the luxury and opulence of the Regency era.
“Christmas at Harewood is always such a joy for our members and visitors and we can’t wait to see their reactions when they enter the House and experience everything Siobhan and her amazing team of volunteers have created.”
Other events
Festive-themed events will take place in November and December with Harewood’s Grand Christmas Ball running throughout the period.
From 8th to 11th November the grounds of Harewood House will welcome more than 160 traders, from independent craft makers and traders to Yorkshire’s best street food. Visitors heading to Harewood’s Grand Christmas Ball can also enjoy access to Harewood Christmas Market.
Tickets to the Christmas market include access to more than 140 acres of grounds and gardens including the Italianate Terrace, Himalayan Garden, Lakeside Woodland Garden, West Garden, and Walled Garden.
Father Christmas will visit Harewood House from 29th November to 24th December, with groups of up to 15 able to see him and his elves for The North Pole’s Royal Ball. Set within the grounds the experience includes a special gift for children.
Group visits
Harewood House welcomes groups of ten or more at reduced rates throughout the year to explore the ‘Capability’ Brown landscapes, art collection, carefully designed interiors and furniture and 120 acres of gardens. A Glittering Invitation: Harewood’s Grand Christmas Ball is included with admission during the festive season.
A choice of guided tours are available for groups to book, including topic tours with focuses on Women of Harewood, Chippendale, Paintings and Portraiture and Film and TV at Harewood.
For more information about Harewood House at Christmas, visit harewood.org/events/christmas-at-harewood.
