'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'

Each verse of the famous carol will be reimagined throughout the house, combining delicate paper calling birds, gleaming gold rings, music, projections and expertly crafted installations to take visitors 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 State Apartments feature in the Christmas experience for the first time since 2020. In the Great Chamber, watch exotic birds and butterflies from Chatsworth’s distinctive Chinese wallpaper take flight across the walls; meet Inigo Jones’ dancing ladies in the State Bedroom; and in the State Music Room, encounter a dramatic reinterpretation of ‘eight maids a milking’ by Andy Singleton.

Elsewhere, discover new commissions from American illustrator Lukas Palumbo and Danish installation artist Sophie Nielsen, each offering their own creative response to the familiar Christmas song, complemented by intricate handcrafted details from independent makers including Wirksworth Pottery, Waney Grain, Everdenes and Wiltshire marbling artist Jemma Lewis.

Visual storytelling experts Orpheo, Chatsworth’s new design partner for 2026, will create bespoke projections and animations as part of the trail, including showcasing the six geese a-laying in the Great Chamber.

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 once again 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, commented: “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.”

Christmas at Chatsworth takes place from 7 November 2026 to 3 January, and 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 7 November to 13 December, with more than 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.

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

Chatsworth Friends memberships offer great value for families all year round and include a range of benefits, such as complimentary tickets to Christmas at Chatsworth and the Christmas market. Full details are available on the Chatsworth website.

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.