Midlands stately home reveals highly anticipated festive theme based on beloved Christmas carol

As we’re officially in autumn, it is only natural to think about one of the most magical times of year.

Chatsworth is set to transform into a spectacular celebration of The 12 Days of Christmas. Visitors will be immersed in the magic of one of the nation’s most-loved festive carols, with a distinctly Chatsworth twist.

Created in collaboration with acclaimed artists, designers and makers, this year’s experience will see each verse of the famous song reimagined throughout the house.

There will be delicate paper calling birds, gleaming gold rings, music, projections and expertly crafted installations to take visitors of all ages on a journey through light, sound and imagination.

The adventure will begin in the house, with highlights including a striking 24ft pear tree in the Painted Hall constructed by internationally renowned willow sculptor Emma Stothard.

A prized partridge crafted by Wakefield-based paper artist Andy Singleton will complete the opening scene, before his intricate paper birds appear throughout the route, including two turtle doves in the Chapel and three French hens in the Oak Room.

The experience will also incorporate treasures from the Devonshire Collections, with five gold rings from the collections on display, weaving the history of the house into the magic of the installations and the much-loved Christmas classic.

The story continues in the garden with a new light trail and installations carefully crafted to respond to the landscape and architecture of the garden including Flora’s Temple, the Rock Garden and the Maze, illuminating it in new and unexpected ways.

The journey concludes with a spectacular animated light and sound projection on the house, inspired by this year’s theme.

Susie Stokoe, Head of Textiles at Chatsworth, said: “The 12 Days of Christmas is one of the most well-known carols, which makes it a wonderful theme to rediscover in a completely new and unexpected way here at Chatsworth.

“Visitors will recognise the lyrics as they move through the house, with each room offering its own surprise, from intricate paper birds and glittering gold rings to playful projections, music and beautifully crafted installations.

“It’s been a joy to see local artists and makers respond to such a familiar Christmas story in such original and creative ways, and we can’t wait for visitors of all ages to experience the carol brought to life at Chatsworth this festive season.”

When is Christmas at Chatsworth?

Christmas at Chatsworth takes place from November 7 2026 to January 3 2027.

Tickets must be booked in advance.

Tickets provide admission to the house, garden, farmyard and playground, as well as parking, plus access to the Christmas market between 7 November – 13 December.

There are also a number of relaxed time slots during which the experience will be adapted for children, families and neurodivergent visitors who may benefit from a calmer experience.

A programme of festive events is taking place throughout the season, including the Winter Pride & Prejudice Ball on 4, 10 and 11 December, where guests can enjoy drinks and canapes in the Painted Hall followed by a three-course dinner and Regency-style dancing in the Carriage House.

Chatsworth's annual Christmas market also returns from November 7 to December 13, with over 100 exhibitors offering festive-themed gifts, food and drink.

Chatsworth's Orangery and Stables shops will be open all season, with Christmas gifts, homewares and clothing made by some of the region's finest sustainable producers, designers and craftspeople.

Every penny generated by ticket sales and membership goes directly to the Chatsworth House Trust charity, which is dedicated to looking after the house, collections, garden, and parkland, for everyone to enjoy.

More information about the Christmas experience, other festive events and ticket details can be found online at chatsworth.org/christmas