Chatsworth has unveiled this year’s festive theme - The 12 Days of Christmas - bringing one of the season’s best-loved songs to life in new and unexpected ways.
Vistors can immerse themselves in the magic of one of the nation’s most-loved festive carols, with a distinctly Chatsworth twist.
Each verse of the famous song will be reimagined throughout the house, including a striking 24ft pear tree in the Painted Hall constructed by internationally renowned willow sculptor Emma Stothard and a prized partridge crafted by Wakefield-based paper artist Andy Singleton to complete the opening scene.
The experience also incorporates treasures from the Devonshire Collections, with five gold rings from the collections on display, and a spectacular animated light and sound projection on the side of the house.
From a partridge perched high in a magnificent seven-metre pear tree to delicate paper calling birds, leaping lords, and twelve drummers encounter familiar characters and playful interpretations of the song as you explore the house and garden.
The decorations include new commissions from British and international artists and designers as sculpture, illustration, animation, sound and contemporary installations retell the festive story.
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, one of five commissions by the Wakefield-based paper artist.
Look out for intricate handcrafted details from independent makers including Peak District-based Waney Grain and Wirksworth Pottery.
A trail leads around the garden culminating in a spectacular animated light show, projected onto the South Façade of the house.
The farmyard will be also be dressed for Christmas with decorations and lights.
The event is open from November 7 to January 3.
All tickets must be booked in advance at https://www.chatsworth.org/events/christmas/
1. The 12 days of Christmas
Christmas at Chatsworth 2026 brings the classic carol "The 12 Days of Christmas" to life through immersive house and garden installations. | Derbyshire Times
2. The 12 days of Christmas
Reimagined by our Christmas design team, alongside new commissions from British and international artists, designers, and makers, this year’s experience celebrates the creativity and craftsmanship that have long been part of Chatsworth’s story. | Derbyshire Times
3. The 12 days of Christmas
Inspired by the house and its history, sculpture, illustration, animation, sound and contemporary installations retell the festive story in surprising new ways, incorporating decorative motifs, architectural details and objects from the Devonshire Collections. | Derbyshire Times
