Disclosure: I attended a complimentary Christmas at Fairfax House press event for the purposes of this review. ALL opinions shared in this post are my own.
If you’re looking for an enchanting Christmas event suitable for all ages, look no further than Fairfax House in York. This adorable festive treat is sure to win your heart over the moment you step through the doors!
No matter how old or young you are, Christmas at Fairfax House is a festive event you don’t want to miss! Keep reading to discover everything you need to know about visiting this utterly unique exhibition.
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Christmas at Fairfax House
There are a whole host of Christmas events in Yorkshire throughout November and December. And with so many options on the doorstep, it can be tricky to choose which ones to visit.
But, if you’re looking for a traditional Christmas event with a twist, you don’t want to miss A Christmas Mousequerade at Fairfax House!
This festive season, hundreds charming furry critters have taken over the rooms at Fairfax House.
They’ve made themselves at home amongst the stunning Georgian decor and period furniture to throw the biggest Christmas ball Fairfax House has ever seen! Each room plays host to a traditional Georgian entertainment from the ballroom to boxing, and masquerades to menageries. There is something truely unique to discover in each room.
I’m going to share my thoughts on the Fairfax House Christmas exhibition, plus everything you need to know about visiting in this guide.
About Fairfax House
Before we delve into Christmas at Fairfax House, here’s an insight into the history of this Yorkshire landmark.
Where is Fairfax House?
Fairfax House is nestled in the historic heart of York city centre. It is located on Castlegate, between Jorvik Viking Centre and Clifford’s Tower.
Address: Fairfax House, 27 Castlegate, York YO1 9RN
What is Fairfax House?
Fairfax House is a remarkable Georgian townhouse in York. It is considered one of the finest Georgian townhouses in England and is a museum dedicated to displaying its grandeur.
Throughout the museum you can admire the richly decorated rooms and incredible stucco ceilings. It is an absolutely fantastic showcase of Georgian architecture and design.
A visit to Fairfax House is a unique opportunity to taste the luxurious life of York’s wealthy Georgian population.
When was Fairfax House built?
Fairfax House was built in the 1740s.
It was most likely built as a home for a local merchant, prior to being purchased by Charles Gregory Fairfax.
Who lived at Fairfax House?
Fairfax House was purchased by Charles Gregory Fairfax, 9th Viscount Fairfax of Emley in 1759. It was significantly remodelled for Fairfax by the architect John Carr between 1761 and 1765.
Following the Viscount’s death in 1772, the property was inherited by his daughter who ultimately sold it. Fairfax House passed through various owners up until the late 1800s when it fell into disrepair.
Since this time, the house has not been lived in. It briefly served as a dance hall and then a 20th century cinema. The cinema closed in 1980 and significant restoration work was undertaken to restore the house to its former glory.
Who owns Fairfax House?
Today, the York Conservation Trust own Fairfax House. The charity buys and restores significant historical buildings in York.
The trust is driven by the objective of preserving historic landmarks throughout York for the benefit of the city and people of York.
Why visit Fairfax House?
Fairfax House is a beautiful building. The careful restoration of the house gives you a true sense of how wealthy Yorkshire folk lived during the Georgian era. It is a unique opportunity to get a glimpse of their lives and walk in their footsteps.
Not only is a visit to Fairfax House an insight into Georgian Yorkshire, but it also gives a personal insight into the lives of the people who lived within the home.
You can learn the names and faces of previous residents and discover more about the lives they led. This gives Fairfax House a really distinctive, personal touch.
A Christmas Mousequerade at Fairfax House
For Christmas 2025, Fairfax House has some furry new residents!
Hundreds of adorable, felted mice have chosen Fairfax House as the location of their festive celebrations. And they’re getting up to plenty of naughty tricks while they are there!
As you wander through A Christmas Mousequerade, you’re invited into a grand Georgian ball where the mice have well and truly taken over. Each room shines a spotlight on a different form of Georgian entertainment, from card games and dancing to racing and even a whimsical menagerie making its way up the staircase. And wherever you look, there’s always a tiny mouse in the middle of some cheeky mischief.
Part of the fun is simply exploring and spotting them. You’ll find them tucked inside teacups, hiding behind candlesticks, dangling from banisters, or proudly taking centre stage in the grandest outfits of the night. Every one of them has its own personality, and you can easily spend ages discovering all their little antics.
It’s a wonderfully playful and imaginative display that brings Fairfax House to life in the most festive way. Whether you’re a history lover, a family with little ones, or just someone who enjoys a bit of seasonal magic, this charming experience is guaranteed to lift your spirits and leave you smiling.
Christmas at Fairfax House Review
So, now you know a bit more about Fairfax House and A Christmas Mousetery, let’s delve into the review.
What to expect
I was thrilled to be returning to Fairfax House and to get an incredibly special glimpse of their Christmas event.
Their previous exhibition, If Walls Could Talk: The Forgotten Story of Ann Fairfax was a fascinating display that exceeded my expectations!
It set the bar high so I was keen to see if the Fairfax House team could pull off another unforgettable event. And they didn’t disappoint!
Here are some of the things I loved most about the exhibition, which you can expect to discover on your visit.
Enchanting
The word that immediately springs to mind when describing A Christmas Mousetery at Fairfax House is enchanting.
A combination of the charming mouse characters, the adorable costumes, their hilarious antics, and the stunning setting of Fairfax House is a sure recipe for success.
There is something magical about walking from room to room while discovering what went on behind closed doors at the fanciest of Georgian soirées, and spotting all the furry friends along the way.
At a time when many Christmas events compete to have the brightest lights, the loudest music and the newest technical displays, Fairfax House reminds us that isn’t what Christmas is about.
By simply using traditional decorations and many, many felted mice, they have created a remarkable exhibition that stands out among others in the region.
Timeless
One of the things that makes Christmas at Fairfax House so enchanting is that fact that it is timeless.
The traditional Christmas decor in the grand stately home sets a scene that would be the ideal setting for any festive Hallmark movie.
With the addition of the fun, furry friends, Fairfax House have added a modern twist to a traditional Christmas exhibition.
Searching for the mice nestled among the decor creates a fun and interactive experience without compromising the classic Christmas experience that we know and love.
A Captivating Narrative
The story of A Christmas Mousequerade is new for 2025 and it is a really fun addition to the experience. One of the most enchanting parts is the spectacular menagerie that weaves its way up the staircase. It’s a burst of colour and creativity featuring exotic birds, delicate creatures and whimsical details that feel wonderfully unexpected in the middle of a Georgian Christmas celebration.
As you follow the trail upwards, you’re accompanied by the soft sound of birdsong and gentle hints of perfume in the air. It creates such a peaceful, almost dreamlike moment in the house. It is a refreshing contrast to the usual bustle of festive displays. It’s the kind of scene that makes you pause, breathe in, and take a proper look at everything around you.
And of course, our furry friends haven’t left this part untouched. The mice have found their way into the menagerie too, adding their trademark mischief to the exotic creatures on show. Keep your eyes peeled – they’re hiding in the most unexpected places, and spotting them is half the fun!
This beautifully crafted staircase scene feels like stepping into a living illustration, and it was one of the highlights of my visit. It brings together colour, scent, sound and storytelling in such a thoughtful, charming way. A perfect reminder that Christmas at Fairfax House is all about surprise, imagination and a little bit of magic.
Ideal for all ages
No matter what your age, you are certain to love A Christmas Mousequerade.
On the surface, it could be easy to assume this Christmas event is targeting a young audience. However, you’ll be missing out if you write it off as an event for families alone!
The timeless nature of A Christmas Mousequerade uniquely positions it as a Christmas event with no age limits. Whether you six or sixty, you won’t be able to resist the adorable, felted mice creatures.
Plus, you’re never too old for a game of hide and seek! Every single visitor will revel in the sense of achievement when they spot a particularly well-hidden mouse. It really is fun for all ages!
Care and Attention to Detail
One thing you will sense as soon as you walk into Fairfax House is the love and attention to detail that has gone into crafting the unique Christmas display.
Each of the hundreds of mice have been carefully placed in a spot that has been thoughtfully considered and designed to create a magical experience for visitors.
Not only that, but each mouse has been dressed in handcrafted Georgian attire, so they look right at home in Fairfax House.
These dainty costumes have been handmade by volunteers and are a demonstration of just how much care has gone into crafting the exhibition.
A Christmas Mousequerade at Fairfax House is bursting with fun and creativity, and a whole lot of love, which is clear to see!
Something New at Every Turn
One of my favourite things about A Christmas Mousequerade is how many times you can discover something new.
During our visit we visited each room two or three times to gather a selection of photographs. And each time I passed back through a room, I discovered something new!
No matter how many times you visit Fairfax House during the festive season, you’re sure to spot new mice up to new tricks!
With hundreds of mice to find, it’s no surprise that it will take many visits to spot them all!
The true joy of this exhibition comes from the childish excitement of finding something new each time you pass through a room.
Each time you visit you will see the displays with a fresh set of eyes, and you’ll be amazed just how many mice are hidden away throughout the house!
Is it worth visiting A Christmas Mousequerade at Fairfax House?
A Christmas Mousequerade at Fairfax House might have won my heart and earned itself the title of my favourite Christmas event in 2025!
Whenever you step through the door of Fairfax House, the building greets you with a warm sense of homeliness that is hard to explain, but it is felt even stronger at Christmas.
The careful placement of decorations and the warm, inviting rooms gives the impression that the owner of the house has just stepped out briefly and they will return shortly.
And it feels like the cheeky mice are taking advantage of a lack of supervision to get up to their tricks!
This warm, homely feeling is exactly what we want to feel at a Christmas event. And it is what makes Christmas at Fairfax House so enchanting.
A Christmas Mousequerade at Fairfax house is a magical Christmas event for all ages that you absolutely don’t want to miss! It is well worth visiting while it is on – make sure you don’t miss it!
Christmas at Fairfax House Frequently Asked Questions
Here’s everything you need to know when planning your visit to Fairfax House at Christmas.
How long will I need to spend at the exhibition?
You will need to spend between 60-90 minutes at Fairfax House to admire the full exhibition.
You can walk through the rooms and read all the displays in an hour but set aside an extra 30 minutes as you’ll spend more time mouse spotting than you think!
When is A Christmas Mousequerade at Fairfax House on?
The Christmas at Fairfax House exhibition opens on the 15th November 2025 and runs until the 4th January 2026. Make sure you catch it while you can!
Things to know about visiting Fairfax House in York
If you’re itching to plan your festive trip to enjoy Christmas at Fairfax House, here’s all the information you need to know before you go.
Fairfax House Opening Times
Fairfax House is open from 10am until 5pm Monday-Saturday and 11am until 4pm on Sundays. Last admission is 45 minutes before closing. The house will be closed on the 24th, 25th, 26th and 31st December, plus the 1st January.
It is recommended that you pre-book your tickets online.
Fairfax House Ticket Prices
Admission to Fairfax house costs £9.50/adult or £8.50/student or concession. Children aged 16 years or under can enter for free with a paying adult.
Get your tickets to visit Fairfax House here.
How to get to Fairfax House
Here is everything you need to know about how to get to Fairfax House:
By car: Castle car park (YO1 9WY) is the largest and closest car park to Fairfax House. This pay and display car park is a two-minute walk from the attraction.
By bus: As Fairfax House is in the centre of York, there are numerous bus options to get you close to the attraction. Many destinations throughout Yorkshire offer bus services to the city. Most will drop you off a short walk from Fairfax House.
Alternatively, York has a fantastic park and ride network. There is a total of seven car parks at various locations around York City Centre.
Park for free, then pay a small fare for the return bus journey in and out of the city centre.
With limited parking available in York, park and ride is a great alternative. Find out more about York park and ride here.
By train: Fairfax House is a 15-minute walk from York Train Station. This makes it a really accessible attraction via train.
Christmas at Fairfax House
So, if you’re looking for magical Christmas events in Yorkshire, make sure you don’t miss the chance to visit A Christmas Mousequerade at Fairfax House.
If you have missed the A Christmas Mousequerade Exhibition, check out what’s on at Fairfax House to see the current calendar of events and exhibitions.
And if you want more York inspiration ahead of your visit, download your free York Quick Start Planning Guide for a list of the top 10 attractions in York, plus a guide to where to stay, when to visit and more!
Plus, you’ll get four bonus travel planning printables you can use when it comes to planning and packing for any trip!
Until our next adventure,
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Hello, I’m Hannah! I’m a writer and photographer who loves experiencing the wonders of Yorkshire. My guides will help you escape from your daily routine by showing you that you don’t have to go far to find an adventure.