A Glittering Invitation: Harewood’s Grand Christmas Ball swings open its doors, promising to be a“feast for the senses”. TV interior designer Siobhan Murphy has spent the last 18 months sourcing countless items from car boot sales, charity shops and Vinted to create a handcrafted yet decadent Christmas experience. This feast for the eyes is complimented by gorgeous soundscapes and projections designed by digital installations specialist Tom LeBon and BOSUN Studio. From whispered gossip and showstopping fireworks to the private reflections of the Balls’s glittering host, these moments offer visitors a glimpse into the imagined lives of Harewood’s Grand Ball guests.

More than 300 pairs of pointe shoes have also been donated by English National Ballet as part of its initiative, The Drop-Off Pointe which recycles and repurposes dancers’ used shoes. Siobhan has turned them various shades of pink, paired them with ribbon and bows and used them to create smaller rotating trees in the Entrance Hall.

What: A Glittering Invitation: Christmas at Harewood

When: Saturday 8 November 2025 – Sunday 4 January 2026. From 10am daily.  Check the website for details.

Where: Harewood House, Harewood, Leeds LS17 9LG

Admission: From £27.95 for adults, from £12.95 for children. Concessions available. £2 tickets are available for those in receipt of universal credit, pension credit, DLA and PIP. Free for Harewood members and under 4s.

Find out more and book here

More about A Glittering Invitation: Christmas at Harewood

In the Music Room, visitors will step into a Bridgerton-inspired soundscape where elegant classical music fills the air. Guests will be surrounded by animated musical notes that dance and swirl across the walls. It will also feature two large Christmas trees adorned with gold instruments as well as pink and orange feathers.

In the Gallery, they’ll witness lifelike projections of ball guests gathered at the edge of the room, gossiping about the unfolding events. The room filled with ballgowns sourced from Leeds Playhouse alongside couture pieces by fashion designer Julia Clancy.

The Spanish Library is designed to offer a glimpse into the inner world of the Ball’s glittering host. Visitors will see a projection of her writing appear in real time as she pens her thoughts into her diary. Her voice echoes softly through the space, reading aloud her reflections on the evening’s events. Siobhan herself has collected over 200 books from charity shops and car boot sales to create a stunning “book tree”.

Christmas Dining Extravaganza

Inspired by Marie Antoinette, the State Dining Room features bejewelled swans, rotating macaron trees and stunning iced cakes. The table itself is dressed with Siobhan’s bespoke tableware collection, designed exclusively for Harewood. Drawing inspiration from the House’s rich interiors and historic collections, Siobhan has created a unique pattern that adorns table runners, plates and mugs.

The final chapter unfolds in the Servants’ Hall, where it will appear that staff have been enjoying their own glittering celebration. The room will be filled with music, laughter and dancing and through the windows, visitors will see a stunning projection of fireworks bursting over Almscliffe Cragg. It’s a reminder that every corner of the house has its own story to tell. It will be a stunning room in terms of decor too with paper chains handmade from hundreds of vintage papers as well as Christmas trees made of second hand copper pans, brass jugs and spoons.

It also features a stunning series of miniatures – including some created by talented 13 year old, Arabella Duffy.

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