Holkham Hall, the stately home in north Norfolk, will be dressed in its festive finery this Christmas for Holkham Hall by Candlelight, a much-loved, unmissable opportunity to enjoy this festive season with friends and family. Holkham’s wonderfully varied Christmas programme also includes The Christmas Market, Cut, Stick and Be Merry Craft Workshop and a Christmas Weaving Workshop.
New and exclusive to Holkham Hall by Candlelight this year are installations by the much celebrated Luxmuralis, taking the form of two immersive sound and light displays with visuals created by Peter Walker and music by David Harper MSC. Luxmuralis is renowned for working with iconic landmarks including Lincoln Cathedral, Canterbury Cathedral and many more.
Alongside these are other Holkham highlights including a ‘Pop Art’ inspired design room and a ‘Weddings’ themed room where Lady Leicester’s and Lady Glenconner’s own wedding dresses will be on display for the first time.
Throughout December Holkham Hall opens its doors to unveil its opulent Christmas decorations and show-stopping installations, with guided or self-guided tours lit by flickering candlelight. Every year, Holkham works with original and talented makers to deliver an
inspiring and unforgettable experience for visitors, with Lady Leicester and Catherine Zoll, Christmas connoisseur, at the helm.
During the tours, Holkham’s knowledgeable guides will share how the installations were created and divulge the inspiration behind each enchanting scene, along with an overview of the rich history of the rooms. Afterwards, visitors are encouraged to head to Holkham’s Stables
Courtyard Gift Shop to discover baubles and decorations to purchase as a memento of their visit. Look out for the festive winter scene on the courtyard and shop windows, hand painted by local designer Georgia Kossowicz. A glass of Prosecco and a mince pie are included with
each ticket.
The candlelight tour begins in the Marble Hall where visitors can enjoy live music and take in the magical scene of mistletoe and snowdrops, designed by Emmeli Kimhi. Stepping into the state rooms and taking centre stage in the North Dining Room will be the stunning wedding
dresses of Lady Glenconner and Lady Leicester, designed in 1956 and 1996, respectively. The ‘weddings’ themed room will be complete with crystal, pearls, champagne glass towers and a decadent wedding cake created by Love Wedding Cakes.
Next, visitors will delight in the ‘Ambient Winter’ themed Statue Gallery, a fully immersive light projection experience by Luxmuralis. Visitors will be invited to sit or even lay down on the floor to fully appreciate the beauty of the installation. Further along in the tour and new for this year, visitors will be able to enter the Chapel where a second light installation by Luxmuralis promises to amaze.
The South Drawing Room will be transformed into a pop art wonderland, created by stylist Alice King and cake designer and baker Claire Owen, with art work by modern artist Constance Read. Grand Christmas trees will also feature a special collection of limited-edition pop art baubles, which will be available for visitors to purchase in the Gift Shop.
A magical autumn-themed room awaits in the Saloon, and the South Dining Room will enthral visitors in nostalgia, filled with traditional toys, trains, a puppet theatre and a rocking horse.
The Landscape Room will embrace natural materials and modern floristry with a large wreath suspended from the ceiling. The tour will end in the Old Kitchen where a ‘citrus Christmas’ feast awaits, including exquisite Christmas bakes by Thida Bevington atop the show-stopping
table.
The Christmas Market (free entry)
Holkham’s popular Christmas Market returns on 9th and 10th December in The Lady Elizabeth Wing and Courtyard. With over sixty local and regional producers showcasing artisan food, drink and gifts, there’s plenty to taste and lots of gorgeous gifts to buy. Live music by
Fakenham Town Band and Nelson’s Shantymen will help visitors get into the festive spirit.
Christmas Workshops (adults and children)
Holkham is hosting some great workshops, including two Willow Weaving workshops for adults with Karen Bek on 30th November and 11th December. Taking place over the course of an entire day, Karen will teach the intricacies of weaving and provide the opportunity to create one large star decoration and a variety of smaller designs, including Christmas trees and a flat weave reindeer. Tickets are £90 each and available to purchase from Karen Bek’s website.
For little ones, Cut, Stick and Be Merry workshops are taking place on 2nd and 16th December. Led by Holkham’s learning team, kids will be given a step-by-step tutorial of how to make a variety of special Christmas creations whilst singing along to all the Christmas hits. Running for 90 minutes, children will have the opportunity to make up to three magical creations to take home. (Suitable for children aged 7 to 12 years of age.
