Belvoir Castle announces 'A Magical Night Before Christmas' event
- Emily Miller
- 8 hours ago
- 3 min read
And it's the perfect start to the festive season.
There’s something almost otherworldly about Belvoir Castle. Rising out of the rolling Leicestershire countryside, its turrets and towers look as though they’ve been plucked straight from the pages of a fairytale.
Even before stepping inside, you feel that this is a place where stories come alive – where history, grandeur and imagination meet.
At Christmas, that sense of enchantment deepens. Lights twinkle against centuries-old stone, the air carries a festive warmth, and every corner seems to whisper of tradition, family, and magic.
This year, that magic is returning in full force. Belvoir Castle, the fairytale Leicestershire home of the Duke and Duchess of Rutland, will be dressing its impressive Regency State rooms in festive finery this year, as its popular Christmas event reopens after a two-year hiatus.
From Saturday 29 November to Tuesday 30 December, A Magical Night Before Christmas at Belvoir Castle will offer its visitors the opportunity to tour the early 19th Century historic home decorated with elaborate and festive adornments.
Guests will be transported to a Christmas fairytale of colour and opulence as soon as they enter the iconic Guard Room – before being carried with festive scents up the grand double staircase to The Elizabeth Saloon, The State Dining Room, The King’s Room, The Old Kitchen and The Ballroom.
Belvoir’s knowledgeable guides will be on hand to impart their knowledge of the Castle’s history, which have welcomed Kings, Queens and Prime Ministers throughout its rich past.
Belvoir Castle’s visitor experience manager Liz Flodman said: “Belvoir Castle has always been a special place at Christmas time and we are so excited to open our doors this year to welcome guests to see how beautiful it looks when decorated.
"It’s the most wonderful sight and along with our guides and volunteers, we can’t wait to bring our visitors our best Christmas event yet.”
Highlights include a 20ft tall Christmas tree named ‘The Wishing Tree’ on display in the Guard Room, on which anyone is invited to hang a decoration bearing their very own Christmas wish, a heartfelt message to loved ones, hopes for the season, or dreams for the year ahead.
Through the festive period there will be Christmas carols sung by local school choirs and groups, performed on the special stage installed in The Ballroom.
Designed to appeal to all generations, Belvoir Castle’s A Magical Night Before Christmas also offers little adventurers a fun quest through the Castle to find the mischievous Christmas mice which are hiding in nooks and crannies throughout is many rooms – with the chance of a prize at the end of the trail.
A beautiful Santa’s Grotto will sit pride of place in The Old Kitchen. Every day in December, Santa Claus and a selection of very mischievous elves will add some Christmas sparkle to the experience as little ones reveal their wish list to the man in the red velvet coat, and receive a gift from Santa.
Complete your day with a visit to the much-loved Belvoir Castle Christmas Shop to treat yourself to a festive memento ready to add to your own decorations at home.
For those wanting to book an extra indulgent experience, Christmas Afternoon Tea is available to book in the Aviary Tea Room. Homemade cakes, pastries, scones and sandwiches, and of course Belvoir Sparkling Wine produced from its own vineyard on the Estate beneath the Castle, tops off a wonderful festive experience for the whole family this Christmas.
Visit their website here for ticket info: belvoircastle.com
