An elegant Derbyshire estate is pulling out all the stops for Christmas this year.
One of Chatsworth House’s festive features aims to entertain people by giving them the chance to play piano, similar to what Tom Hanks’ character played in Hollywood mega hit Big.
People can head to the historic Cascade, whose 24 stone steps will be transformed into an illuminated, interactive musical instrument that visitors can play, the giant keys lighting up to music when pressed.
Big is a family favourite and one of Hollywood’s acclaimed films that saw it being nominated for three Oscars.
It also led to a Golden Globe Best Actor award for Hanks.
The Cascade in the garden is just one of Chatsworth’s showstoppers.
The stately home in the Derbyshire Dales, one hour away from Derby city centre, decorates the house in stunning decorations each year in the run up to Christmas.
Fabulous festoons and hundreds of twinkling lights will transform the elegant home of the Devonshire Family into a magical winter wonderland.
This year the overarching theme of Chatsworth is The Palace of Advent, which runs from November 4 till January 7.
Inside
Once you’ve channelled your inner Tom Hanks on the musical steps, you can start browsing 24 festive themed rooms.
Archways adorned with candy canes, handmade Christmas stockings and mistletoe are just a few of the delights that you can explore.
Wander through infinite snowflake showers or get caught up in the hustle and bustle of Father Christmas’ workshop, with mischief-making elves and a giant exploding Christmas cracker.
A highlight in the house will be a glittering Christmas tree brooch forest featuring 2,000 brooches from the extensive Guinness World Record breaking collection of Adam Wide.
Outside
Apart from the Cascade in the garden, the illuminated light and sound trail will take you to Chatsworth’s best-loved garden landmarks.
The light trail will culminate in a spectacular animated light show that transforms the house into a giant advent calendar.
Created by Derbyshire-based digital artists Illuminos, the light installation will animate 24 Christmas scenes emerging from 24 windows on the south façade of the house.
Paul Hayes, Visitor Experience Manager at Chatsworth said: “We’ve spent more than a year planning our celebration of advent, working with wonderful artists and creative partners to ensure that every visitor finds moments that mean Christmas to them.
“Christmas is a magical time at Chatsworth, and we can’t wait to share the Palace of Advent.”
Chatsworth’s annual Christmas market also returns from Saturday 4 to Sunday 26 November.
Visit over 100 exhibitors offering Christmas crafts, gifts and decorations, as well as festive food, drink and live music.
Here are a selection of photos that give people an idea of what to expect when they visit Chatsworth House at Christmas this year.
More information about the event and ticket details can be found online at their website here.
1. Christmas at Chatsworth is a magical experience and this year the House has gone all out to wow crowds
Chatsworth visitors are in for a treat as they can explore musical steps, candy cane adorned archways and more. | DPC PhotographyPhoto: DPC Photography
2. Kick off the festive season by having a mooch in Chatsworth’s Library when The Palace of Advent starts on November 4
The whole house will be a treat for those who love Christmas. Here is the library replete with cosy lights and giant Christmas tree. | DPC PhotographyPhoto: DPC Photography
3. The view from the grand library is magnificent
These are library goals, which Chatsworth always seems to smash at Christmas. Just look at those heavy green boughs decorating the beautiful, bulging, bookshelves. | DPC PhotographyPhoto: DPC Photography
4. Chatsworth’s Painted Hall is stunning
The vantage point from the mezzanine gives a breathtaking view of the Painted Hall and house below. | DPC PhotographyPhoto: DPC Photography