5 Christmas events in stately homes

Castle Howard is as grand as they come and when this baroque Yorkshire pad is festooned with traditional decorations – including twinkling Christmas trees spiraling towards painted ceilings – it’s almost too much for the eyes to handle. Give them a rest, then, by mooching around the Christmas market in the Stable Courtyard or, how about a Christmas Afternoon Tea in the Grecian Hall.

Modelled on the Temple of Fortuna Virilis and the Pantheon, Holkham’s Marble Hall is one of England’s most elaborate spaces and its majestic beauty reaches new levels come Christmas time. Columns are wrapped in fairy lights, Christmas trees line the staircase and giant baubles dangle from the ceiling. There’ll also be candle-lit tours of the house and a festive food fair.

Blenheim Palace may be the birthplace of Britain’s most iconic Prime Minister Winston Churchill but come December we’re only visiting for one thing – the show-stopping Christmas decorations. Lasers, light tunnels, a scented fire garden, and thousands of twinkling pea lights, oh my! And we haven’t even touched on what’s waiting inside – more lights, giant Christmas trees and Alice in Wonderland-themed displays.

This 15th-century country pile takes Christmas and its decorations very seriously. There’ll be twilight events with mince pies and mulled wine, festive music, and plenty of bejewelled Christmas trees for those essential Christmas selfies.

The holiday home of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert – aka the real-life Father Christmas who introduced many of the traditions we still celebrate – is arguably the best place to relish in all things festive. See the Italianate villa adorned in plenty of festive finery, enjoy rides on a vintage carousel and make your own traditional wooden toy.