Candlelight tours, costumed characters and cheeky elves, seasonal opera, crafting angels, classic theatre and a visit from Father Christmas are all part of the magnificent line-up at Holkham this festive season.

The stunning Palladian hall will be beautifully bedecked for Christmas ready for the start of celebrations in the Marble Hall on the evening of December 5, when one of East Anglia's most talented singing ensembles, The Upper Octave, will be performing a magical evening of music from opera to classical and popular songs. The audience will also have a chance to enjoy a glass of wine and visit some more of the state rooms decorated for Christmas.

Weekends in December 6, 7, 13 and 14, will be full of Christmas cheer and there will be something to ignite the spirit of the season in everyone. Visitors will be able to see the hall traditionally decorated with Christmas trees galore, greenery from the park and delicious scents and candlelight. There will be costumed characters to meet, a beautiful swan princess residing in the Green State Bedroom and cooks bustling in the Old Kitchen preparing seasonal fayre amidst music, choirs and bell-ringers creating a magical experience.

Outside in the courtyard, ukulele-playing elves will entertain visitors with their musical repertoire of new takes on much-loved Christmas classics, along with their mischievous wit and sense of fun. Carriage rides, face painting, art and craft activities and storytelling will add to the festive entertainment. Adding a touch of sparkle, local artist David Allsop will hold a creative art workshop over the two weekends. Visitors of all ages will be able to make their own angel, which will become part of two life-size 3D angels, which will go on display at Holkham.

The ever-popular candlelight tours will take place in the evening from Wednesday to Friday, December 10 to 12 and 17 to 19. Visitors will need to book these guided tours in advance in order to enjoy the hundreds of candles illuminating the wonderful decorations in the state rooms, with the magical ambience of live piano music echoing from the Marble Hall. Traditional mince pies and a glass of Prosecco or soft drink will also be served.

On December 13 Diva Opera, Britain's foremost chamber opera company, will be performing 'A Merry Little Christmas' including popular arias, songs and Christmas carols and music from operas The Marriage of Figaro, La Bohème, Don Giovanni and Die Fledermaus. Richard Suart, who recently celebrated 25 years of playing Ko-Ko at the English National Opera, will also perform songs by Gilbert and Sullivan, Noel Coward and Flanders and Swann to name but a few. The audience will be able to enjoy a glass of Champagne during the interval and meander through some more of the state rooms to see the beautiful decorations.

Holkham's grand finale amidst the crescendo of excitement on the countdown to December 25 will be the opportunity to have 'An Audience with Father Christmas' on December 20 and 21. After enjoying a festive biscuit and a glass of Prosecco or a soft drink, visitors will gather in the Saloon to listen to Father Christmas and his tales of wonderment and for children to receive a special Christmas present. Joining Father Christmas at this very busy seasonal time will be Mother Christmas and a team of cheeky elves to add to the entertainment. There will also be a pop-up shop where visitors can buy festive treats and decorations to remember their time at Holkham.

During the same weekend Holkham plays host to a memorable Christmas theatre production each evening with an adaptation of Charles Dickens's classic novel 'Great Expectations' performed by the Rain or Shine Theatre Company. The performances will be held in the Marble Hall as the actors depict the coming-of-age tale of Pip and the vibrant characters he meets on his journey from rags to riches and back again.

Details and prices for all Holkham's Christmas celebratory events can be found by visiting www.holkham.co.uk. Some of the events will need to be pre-booked so early planning is advised to avoid disappointment.

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For further information please contact:

Mary Rudd PR, tel 01362 821415 or 07831 719573, Email: mail@maryruddpr.co.uk