Festive celebrations at Chatsworth
BE TRANSPORTED on a journey around the globe with Chatsworth this Christmas as you enter an immersive experience full of atmospheric lights, rich colours and the evocative sounds and scents of lands far, far away.
The grand rooms of the house are dressed in homage to countries traversed by generations of the family, so that you can follow in their footsteps led by famous explorers from fiction and life, Phileas Fogg and Amelia Earhart. Your guides will be sharing stories of adventure and derring do from all over the world, while a special children’s trail will add to the fun for families.
Wintry scenes abound with snow, frosty lights and a sleigh sure to deliver the essence of Christmas. The Chapel, inspired by a baroque Portuguese church, is set to look breath-taking with a classic Nativity scene complete with floating candles, mirrors and stained glass.
Blossom trees, Chinese lanterns and a 10-metre spiralling Chinese dragon bring a flavour of Eastern Asia, while Russian dolls and rustic stars dress the gigantic Nordic Fir tree taking pride of place in the Painted Hall.
Insights and anecdotes from historical Dukes and Duchesses of Devonshire are woven throughout your journey, including the letters between Victor (9th Duke of Devonshire) and his wife Evelyn, as she travelled in India with Queen Mary in 1911, and letters home from Canada while Victor was posted there as Governor General, describing a family Christmas and new experiences in a faraway land.
The team has delved into the collection to find a treasure trove of memorabilia from around the world, including a Christmas card from America’s first family, the Kennedys, who have many connections to Chatsworth. Morocco, India, Holland, Italy, China, Japan, Portugal and America all feature in what is one of the most ambitious Christmas seasons staged by Chatsworth, famous for its festive displays. Venetian masks, pagodas, origami decorations, frosted ferns and Indian fabrics are just some of the props used to stage a rich, eclectic experience on a journey around the world.
Before they leave, visitors can hop into the hot air balloon basket for a photo opportunity.
There is a relaxed day for visitors who would like a quieter experience on January 2. During a quiet session the lights will be subdued, the music will be turned off and there will be no queuing for prebooked tickets.
Tickets for House and Garden are priced at £25 per adult and £15 per child (aged between 3-16). Family tickets are also available. For more information, visit www.chatsworth.org