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 29th November to Tuesday 30th December (excluding Christmas Day and Boxing Day), 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.

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.

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.

Little adventurers – 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.

Tickets for A Magical Night Before Christmas at Belvoir Castle are on sale now

Here’s what’s included with your Christmas ticket:

Entry to Belvoir Castle

Access to the Gardens & Adventure Playground

A Festive Adventure Trail

Live Christmas Choir Performances

Upgrade: Visit Santa’s Grotto