Petworth House reveals this year's Christmas spectacular

Visitors to Petworth can expect a winter wonderland, paper-crafted installations, show-stopping trees and mischievous mice from the end of this month.

The 17th century house will be filled with stunning trees and twinkling lights, while choirs will sing in the courtyard on certain weekends.

A festive makers' market, creative workshops and atmospheric late openings will round off the the Grade I listed home’s Christmas offering.

Playful mice and festive treats at Petworth (Image: ©National Trust Images_Megan Taylor) After stopping for the perfect photo opportunity in the courtyard’s sleigh, visitors will be transported to an enchanting world of Yuletide colour, inspired by the collection and historic décor of Petworth’s state rooms.

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Blue and white baubles will hang in the oak hall and a tree in the Somerset room will be swathed in dusky pink. A giant paper lantern will illuminate the square dining room, with silhouetted details based on Petworth’s history.

The marble hall will be turned into a snowy woodland, where large foliage mice call home.

In the carved room, a 3D paper-crafted winter scene, inspired by the town of Petworth, will glow in the central fireplace. A showstopping 15ft high tree fills the red room, and in the chapel a life-sized paper nativity scene will take centre stage, alongside trees for hanging Christmas wishes. A display of fanciful desserts will be waiting in the historic kitchens, where eagle-eyed visitors may spot more playful mice hiding among the sensational puddings.

There is a photo opportunity in the sleigh in the enchanted winter garden in the marble hall at Petworth (Image: ©National Trust Images_Megan Taylor) Choirs will sing in the courtyard on select weekends and there will be special late openings. There will be a Christmas makers' market on Saturday, November 30, and Sunday, December 1, featuring stalls lined with artisan gifts including jewellery, homewares, textiles and art. This event is being held in partnership with Petworth Pop Up.

Sarah Gunn, senior programming officer at Petworth House, said: “We can’t wait to welcome visitors to our Christmas spectacular. The display is bigger than ever, the mischievous mice that were so popular last year have taken centre stage and there’s so much more to enjoy, from the choirs singing to the intricate paper-crafted installations, and of course the magical evening openings. It promises to be a feast for the senses.”

A Christmas Spectacular at Petworth is open from Saturday, November 30, to Sunday, January 5, 10.30am to 4.30pm, last entry 4pm. Closed December 24 and 25. The garden and main car park are open from 10am to 5pm. No advanced booking needed but visitors are required to purchase a ticket to the site to enter. It is free for National Trust members.