Castle Howard Christmas 2019 -A Christmas Masquerade at Castle Howard runs from 16 November to 5 January 2020. Tickets are on sale now.
Enjoy a truly magical day out as Castle Howard is transformed for the festive season. Experience the magnificent decorations as you journey through the House’s grand state rooms. Open fires, candle light and live music evoke all that we love about this special time of year, with the iconic 25 foot traditional Christmas tree adorned with over 3000 baubles providing a breath-taking highlight in the Great Hall.
Inspirational design team Charlotte Lloyd Webber and Bretta Gereke have worked with the theme ‘A Christmas Masquerade’ to produce a stunning array of flamboyant displays and installations to surprise and delight visitors of all ages. The Castle Howard “Christmas Masquerade” celebrates the House’s theatrical roots and the influence of the Italian Baroque on its magnificent architecture and interiors.
The House prepares for a grand masked ball inspired by the Venetian Carnival to be held in the Long Gallery spectacularly adorned as the Grand Canal. Amongst the sumptuous decorations and awe inspiring costumes, a troupe of travelling players prepare festive entertainments for the guests. These ebullient, mischievous characters – Harlequin, Colombine, Pierrot and the Zanni Clown are part of the famous Commedia dell Arte who became the much-loved characters of the pantomimes that remain one of our best beloved Christmas traditions. A magical immersive experience that will embody the spirit of the season in true Castle Howard style.
It is easy to spend a full day here as you soak up the jovial atmosphere, enjoy an array of indulgent winter warmers across our catering outlets and complete your Christmas shopping in our Gift Shops, Farm Shop and Garden Centre. And don’t miss the opportunity to meet the big man himself as Father Christmas will be making some very special visits.
(Closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day).
Review of Castle Howard at Christmas 2017
Christmas at Castle Howard is always special. They really go to town with Christmas trees and fairy lights, in a very tasteful but opulent way. We visited again this year and we weren’t disappointed! I am very predictable and followed my normal path of taking the land train down to the adventure playground. You can buy food and hot drinks here in the Boathouse Cafe to keep you going while the children are playing.
They were selling these very festive looking cakes there:
Also, I picked up a leaflet here to say that there was going to be a Santa’s Grotto in the Boathouse Cafe in addition to the normal Santa activities. I have found the press release here:
“Visiting Santa is an annual tradition for so many people – our ‘Audiences with Father Christmas’ sold out before we’d opened the doors to this year’s festive displays – and we were keen that this could still be part of the Castle Howard at Christmas experience for visiting families,” explains Nicholas Howard. “The joy of our Boathouse Grotto is that timed slots are available every Saturday and Sunday, with no need to book weeks in advance – so whether you are visiting for the full decorated house experience, or as a regular visitor to the grounds, you can still get to see the great man himself.”
and here is the leaflet for more info:
and another leaflet you might be interested in:
When the children had got suitably tired, we took the land train back up to the house and began our tour. The children were given a treasure hunt sheet with pictures of angels to find. Once completed this can be posted in a postbox in the shop for a chance to win a year’s family pass.
Do read below for the official press release and information about this year’s ‘Angels on High’ theme. They can word it better than I can – but I can show you the pictures I took!
I love this miniature Castle Howard:
I also thought this huge door that you could knock on was marvellous! (and so did the kids!)
They also loved this elf house:
A visit to Castle Howard at Christmas is always worthwhile to see the decorations and really put you in the festive mood. See Santa as well if you can for a really big Christmas day out in Yorkshire!
