Harewood House Trust is preparing to welcome visitors to its Christmas event, A Glittering Invitation: Harewood’s Grand Christmas Ball. TV interior designer Siobhan Murphy has worked closely with the team to bring the house to life in an “amped up” Regency style inspired by Bridgerton.
Images released by the Trust reveal rich colours and striking designs across the State Floor. Digital specialist Tom Le Bon and BOSUN Studio have added projections that carry visitors from one scene to the next, showing whispered gossip, bursts of fireworks, and the private thoughts of the Ball’s host.
Siobhan Murphy said the event will be a “feast for the senses”. In the Entrance Hall, an 18ft ombre Christmas tree made from 700 second-hand ballerina tutus will dominate the space. More than 300 pairs of pointe shoes, donated through The Drop-Off Pointe, have been painted pink and transformed into smaller rotating trees.
The Music Room offers a different rhythm, with classical music filling the space while animated notes swirl across the walls. Two tall Christmas trees decorated with gold instruments and feathers in pink and orange complete the scene.
In the Gallery, projections show guests gathered at the room’s edge, quietly sharing gossip, while ballgowns from Leeds Playhouse and couture by Julia Clancy line the walls. In the Spanish Library, visitors glimpse the host’s private reflections as her diary appears in projection and her voice reads her thoughts aloud. More than 200 books collected from charity shops and car boot sales form a “book tree” in the room.
The State Dining Room takes inspiration from a festive feast held by Marie Antoinette. Bejewelled swans, rotating macaron trees, and iced cakes made with Great British Bake Off contestant Helena Garcia adorn the table, which is dressed with Siobhan’s bespoke tableware inspired by Harewood’s historic interiors. Visitors can purchase the collection online or at the Christmas Shop.
Finally, the Servants’ Hall shows staff enjoying their own celebration, filled with music and laughter. Projections through the windows display fireworks over Almscliffe Cragg, while Christmas trees made from copper pans, brass jugs, and spoons stand alongside long chains crafted from vintage papers.
To create these spaces, Siobhan and Harewood’s volunteers have crafted more than 10,000 decorations using second-hand items, including over 2,000 saved from charity shops and car boots. DOME, Harewood’s Official Christmas Fragrance Partner, has also returned to provide a bespoke scent that enhances the bold colours and patterns throughout the house.
Children will discover miniature scenes placed throughout the House. Nine miniaturist artists, including Michael Robbins and thirteen-year-old Arabella Duffy, have created intricate displays for families to follow on a free trail.
Zoë Hughes, Head of Public Programme at Harewood, said: “There’s nothing quite like Christmas at Harewood, and this year’s celebrations will be our most spectacular yet. Siobhan Murphy’s dazzling, maximalist designs will reimagine the House in true Regency style, while Tom Le Bon’s vibrant light projections will elevate the experience even further, creating showstopping moments, unexpected surprises, and memories to treasure long after the festive season ends.”
A Glittering Invitation: Harewood’s Grand Christmas Ball runs from Saturday 8 November 2025 to Sunday 4 January 2026. Tickets are available at harewood.org/christmas
