Christmas at Harewood House in Leeds

Christmas at Harewood House in Leeds is one of my favourite Christmas events in Yorkshire. You can be sure you will have an enchanting experience when you visit. Here is everything you need to know about visiting Harewood House at Christmas.

In this guide you’ll find everything you need to know about Christmas at Harewood House. You will discover all the information you need before you visit, plus, a review of a previous Christmas at Harewood House event.

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Christmas at Harewood House: Know Before You Go

Before you visit Harewood House this Christmas, here is an overview of everything you need to know before you go.

Please note, the information provided about this event may be subject to change. For the most up to date information, always check the Harewood House website prior to booking.

Where is Harewood House?

Harewood House is in West Yorkshire. You will find the stately home in Harewood, located 10 miles north of Leeds City Centre.

Why visit Harewood House?

Harewood House is one of the most beautiful stately homes in West Yorkshire. No matter what season you visit, you will find the house and gardens delightful. But, for a truly memorable visit, you need to experience Harewood House at Christmas.

How to get to Harewood House

By car: Harewood House is easily accessible via the junction of the A61/A659 on the Leeds/Harrogate road. They have plenty of free car parking available. Simply navigate to LS17 9LQ to reach the main archway.

By bus: Harewood House is well connected by bus from Harrogate and Leeds via the number 36 bus service, which runs every 15-30 minutes. Alternatively, the 923 service runs from Otley to Tadcaster via Wetherby daily except for Sundays.

By train: The closest train stations are Leeds and Harrogate. You can catch the 36 bus service as outlined above close to both stations.

Why is Harewood House famous?

If you think Harewood House looks familiar, you may have spotted it in several films and TV episodes. Just some of the famous names filmed at Harewood House include Emmerdale, Downton Abbey the Movie, Gentleman Jack, Death Comes to Pemberley and Victoria. You can find more famous filming locations in Yorkshire here.

Here are some other facts about Harewood House that make it a recognisable attraction in Yorkshire.

• Harewood House has some of the finest art collections in England.
• The impressive 1,000 acre garden was designed by England’s greatest gardener, Capability Brown.
• Harewood House was the home of Princess Mary, the only daughter of George V.

Why see Christmas at Harewood House?

Christmas at Harewood House is an enchanting experience. The beautiful rooms look spectacular decked with festive decor and the festooned walks are magical on a crisp winter evening.

Harewood House always have a skill for hosting unique Christmas experiences. They are set in this historic home with a real flavour of Christmastime gone by but incorporate modern technology to provide an immersive experience with a modern feel. It’s a truly timeless Christmas at Harewood House.

How much does it cost to visit Christmas at Harewood House?

When purchasing tickets to Christmas at Harewood House there are different price options available. Here is an indication of the starting prices for tickets.

• Adult tickets from £27.95
• Child tickets from £12.95
• Member tickets are free but advance booking is essential. Become a member here.

Christmas at Harewood House 2025

Christmas at Harewood House has always been one of my favourite festive traditions, and this year’s event, A Glittering Invitation, felt even more magical than ever. From the moment we stepped inside, the State Floor shimmered with lights, colour and grandeur, each room drawing you deeper into the story of a glittering Christmas ball in full swing.

The journey begins with soft notes of Regency music that immediately set the scene for an evening of elegance and excitement. Each space tells a different part of the story. From the anticipation of arriving guests to the whirling gowns and tailcoats beneath twinkling chandeliers. Just when you think you’ve found your favourite room, the next one steals the show all over again.

For me, the real showstopper was the enormous pink ballerina tree that greeted us as we entered. It is utterly breathtaking and perfectly whimsical. But then came the blue-and-white Delft-inspired room, all cool tones and porcelain charm, followed by a suave top-hat-themed tree that oozed sophistication. Every space felt like a new chapter in a festive fairy tale.

Whether you’re there for the lavish decorations, the creative storytelling, or simply the joy of stepping into another world for a while, A Glittering Invitation captures everything that makes Christmas at Harewood so special: imagination, tradition, and a touch of sparkle around every corner.

Christmas at Harewood Review

There are many things to do at Harewood House, which I have detailed for you below. But no visit to Harewood House at Christmas should miss a tour of the beautifully decorated rooms, so here is a flavour of what is in store.

This is a review of the 2023 Christmas event, Harewood’s Great Time Travelling Christmas, to give you an idea of what to expect when visiting Harewood House at Christmas.

Harewood’s Great time Travelling Christmas

As soon as you enter the house you are immersed in this unique Christmas event. You are greeted by a vibrant neon tunnel, illuminating a giant sculpture.

Before you enter the first room, one of the volunteers provides a helpful introduction to the event so you know what to expect. They explain that you are entering a time machine to transport you to Christmas celebrations of the past and future.

However, the machine has gone a little topsy-turvy, so you’re going to have to figure out the timeline for yourself! As you wander through each room you will have to keep your eyes peeled for clues to work out which decade you are in.

After the introduction, it is time to step back in time and celebrate Christmas through the ages.

A Vibrant Celebration

If the neon entrance wasn’t enough of a hint that this Christmas event is one-of-a-kind, the first room you enter is ready to set the tone!

In the middle of the room sits a grand piano, surrounded by a few hints to help you guess the decade. As you are dazzled by the glow of the giant glitter ball it isn’t tricky to spot the leather jacket, flamboyant feather boa and iconic star-shaped glasses!

And just in case you need an extra hint, the soundtrack is sure to give it away!

This first taste of Harewood’s Great time Travelling Christmas is a great start to the party ahead of you.

Looking Ahead

After the initial taste of a lively Christmas party, the next room is somewhat sobering. While no one knows what lies ahead, the distopian Christmas future of 2050 shows a stark image of where we might be heading.

This silent room joins a family of the future as they tuck into their Christmas dinner of super-sized, lab-grown dishes beside their holographic Christmas tree.

This exaggerated, bleak impression of a future Christmas is an interesting interpretation of what the holiday might look like in the future. But despite the outlook, it still maintains its playful nature with some creative Christmas dishes…prawn cocktail scorpions, anyone?

Back to the Past

As you travel back in time again, you land in my favourite room; the 90s silent disco!

As a child of the 90s, spotting the popular toys of the era on the tree was so much fun. Plus, you can don your own set of headphones and listen to popular 90s music from club anthems to pop hits. Or instead, opt for classic Christmas songs as you explore the room.

Leaving the 90s (and the headphones) behind, you’re transported back another generation.

This Christmas sees a collection of popular boardgames under the tree, ready for a fun family Christmas. There is a giant snakes and ladders game laid out on the floor so you can even take your turn at the game for a live-sized competition!

The final rooms in your tour of the State Floor are just as fun to explore. You have the opportunity relive the vibrant Christmas lights of the noughties, and witness a historic moment; Queen Elizabeth II’s first televised Christmas speech.

Plus, there is an entire room dedicated to that timeless Christmas tradition that has stood the test of time; the Christmas cracker! Make sure you read the jokes that line the walls, they’re exactly what you would expect from a cracker!

Going Below Stairs

After soaking up the grandeur of the upper floor, it is time to head below stairs. Follow the festive garlands down to the rooms where the servants would have been busily preparing for the Christmas celebrations.

Along the way you will be guided through the Christmas shop. This is the perfect spot to pick up some wonderful stocking fillers or some extra decorations for the tree.

As you enter the kitchen, you can see the festivities are just as rich down here as upstairs. Every pot and pan in the room is illuminated by glistening fairy lights and festive cheer. It is a fitting place to step back into 2023 as you conclude your Christmas adventure.

This fun Christmas event stands out as a completely unique experience. It evokes nostalgia of Christmas traditions that have been passed down through the generations. Harewood House presents us with a larger than life Christmas through the decades that feels exaggerated and yet strangly familiar.

Overall, it is an exciting and immersive Christmas event in Yorkshire that keeps you guessing what is hiding behind the next door. We had a brilliant visit and as soon as we completed our tour I wanted to start it all over again!

Other things to do at Harewood House at Christmas

Christmas at Harewood House is much more than a visit to the house though! Here are some more festive delights you can enjoy on your visit.

Admire the Terrace

Once you have completed your tour of the house, you will emerge out onto the terrace.

If you’re lucky enough to visit Christmas at Harewood house later in the day, you will be treated to a twilight view of the terrace. It is festooned with twinkling lights which you can admire from above and take a stroll beneath.

Illuminated Trails

Following the enchanting lights from the terrace, you will find two illuminated trails through the grounds.

Enjoy a peaceful lakeside walk beneath festooned lights and warm up with a hot chocolate or mulled wine from the Bothy Teahouse beside the walled garden.

Alternatively, there is a magical parkland and woodland walk through the North Park to the church.

Toast Marshmallows

If you visit the Bothy Teahouse on a weekend, you can indulge in a spot of marshmallow toasting!

Get cosy around the firepits and treat yourself to some marshmallows, ready to be toasted over the fire.

Visit the Church

If you decide to take the North Park walk, make sure you stop by All Saints’ Church. It is stung with festive lights and has a nativity scene on display.

Christmas Shopping at Harewood House

Harewood House is the ideal place to do a spot of Christmas shopping! Make sure you don’t miss these retail highlights on your visit.

Festive Gift Shop

Harewood House has created a special festive gift shop to mark the season.

It is located Below Stairs, and you will find it just before you exit the house after your tour. This shop is filled with seasonal decorations, festive treats, and great gift inspiration!

Festive Gift Fair

As you enter the courtyard you will discover another festive treat. A giant tepee has been erected to house the Festive Gift Fair.

On select days throughout the Christmas season this tepee is home to local artisans who will be selling their handmade gifts. You are sure to find something, even for the trickiest recipient!

Courtyard Shop

And finally, you can also do a spot of Christmas shopping in the Courtyard Shop.

This gift shop is filled with homewares and food items from local companies. There is a good range to choose from, so you’ll find plenty of Christmas gift inspiration!

Visit Harewood House at Night

For a truly magical Christmas experience, Harewood House are opening their doors on a select number of evenings so you can enjoy Christmas at Harewood House at night.

This unique experience gives you the chance to really appreciate the twinkling outdoor lights and the magical indoor displays like never before.

Enjoy Festive Afternoon Tea

Enjoy a classic afternoon tea with a festive twist at the Terrace Cafe.

Afternoon tea costs £40/adult for members or £45/adult for non-members. This price includes full site entry. A minimum of two reservations need to be made per booking.

For children, tickets cost £20/member or £25/ non-member. Members must present a valid membership card at the entry gate.

Afternoon tea must be booked in advance. Get your tickets here.

Should I visit Harewood House at Christmas?

Christmas at Harewood House is an absolutely magical experience and one of my personal favourite Christmas Events in Yorkshire each year. If you book your tickets online in advance, the cost is very reasonable when you consider how much there is to see.

I have now visited Harewood House at Christmas in 2023, 2024 and 2025 and every year Harewood House goes above and beyond with their Christmas experience to make it even more playful and memorable than ever.

The unique nature of the event helps to bring life to your journey through the house. It is a truly immersive and enchanting Christmas event that visitors of all ages loved.

Make sure you book your tickets so you can be one of the first to experience Harewood House at Christmas this festive season!

If you want to get into the Christmas spirit, I strongly recommend a visit to Harewood House during the festive season!

Discover the best of Christmas at Harewood House

So, will you enjoy Christmas at Harewood House this festive season? If you’re ready to enjoy this fun Christmas adventure, buy your tickets here.

If you want to discover more Christmas events in Yorkshire, check out this guide to even more of them you don’t want to miss!

And if you love Yorkshire as much as I do, sign up for my weekly newsletter for even more Yorkshire adventures and tips!

Until our next adventure,

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