It’s time for a magical adventure – as Castle Howard have unveiled their 2023 Christmas event, Christmas in Neverland.
Castle Howard’s 300-year-old House is transformed with floristry, installations, props, soundscapes, and projections, creating a Peter Pan-inspired festive experience.
Christmas in Neverland will run at Castle Howard from 11 November 2023 to 7 January 2024.
Due to popular demand, Castle Howard extended the run which was originally billed to close on 2 January.
Charlotte Lloyd Webber Event Design have created the magical installations inside the House for the sixth year running, including a Mermaid’s Lagoon, Captain Hook’s Cabin, and the Jolly Roger.
The team have prioritised sustainability and used recycled materials including paper and glass in their designs. imitating the dog, a Northern theatre company specialising in digital projections, have joined the team for the first time to create immersive projections and soundscapes.
“I hope visitors are going to get an added element of magic,” said Simon Wainwright from imitating the dog. “Playfulness, a lot of magic, and a lot of fun.”
Abbi Ollive, director of marketing and visitors, said: “Christmas at Castle Howard is a special event for so many of our visitors and we’re thrilled to launch our 2023 experience.
“The grand Castle Howard halls have been transformed by the talented CLW Event Design and imitating the dog teams into a festive treat full of creative storytelling, designed to delight and inspire our visitors.
“The Peter Pan story is beautiful, nostalgic, and heart-warming, and we’re hoping everyone that experiences it rediscovers their inner child and leaves believing in fairies.”
Castle Howard’s charity partner for 2023 is Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity (GOSH Charity), and the stately home are delighted to fundraise for them this Christmas.
The magical adventures of Peter Pan and the Darling children have captured the imagination of children and adults for generations, but for families at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH), JM Barrie’s story carries an even greater significance.
Author JM Barrie gifted the rights to the Peter Pan story to GOSH in 1929, and to this day the royalties continue to benefit the seriously ill children from across the UK who are treated at the hospital.
This special experience at Castle Howard will continue this legacy. Visitors to the site will also get the opportunity to donate to GOSH Charity when they purchase tickets or in the Chapel.. GOSH Charity raises money to fund the hospital’s most urgent needs, and all the money raised over the festive season will help get as many children as possible home to their families in time for Christmas.
It will also help make the hospital feel like a home from home for children whose treatment needs to continue over Christmas.
Christmas in Neverland follows the traditional story of Peter Pan, and each room evokes the feeling that the characters have just left – and for visitors to discover.
“It’s really for the children this year,” said Ammie Jones, head of sales at Castle Howard. “It really is full of wonder – it’s something that people will marvel at and remember for a long time.
“It does take people’s breath away and we’ve had some emotional responses to it as well.”
British-grown Christmas Trees, local Christmas supplies from the Castle Howard Farm Shop, and beautiful keepsakes from the Gift Shop and Bauble Emporium will also be on offer over the festive period.
Christmas Afternoon Teas are also available, plus a festive menu in the Courtyard Café and Christmas Marquee.
To find out more and to book your tickets, visit the Castle Howard website.
