IT’S after-hours, the doors are closed and it’s the moment when Harewood House really comes alive.

The statues are singing, the paintings are gossiping and there’s hustle and bustle both above and below stairs, with the anticipation of an important guest in the run up to Christmas.

Christmas at Harwood, created by acclaimed British artistic duo, Davy & Kristin McGuire from Studio McGuire,runs for six weeks from Saturday, November 23. Open the doors, look under the stairs, listen out for the chatter and follow the music, as Yorkshire’s most exciting country house presents its interpretation of Christmas, with workshops, festive-themed music, events, Christmas market weekends, cooking demonstrations and an encounter with Father and Mrs Christmas.

Jane Marriott, Director, Harewood House Trust, said: “We’re particularly delighted to be working with Yorkshire-based artistic duo Davy and Kristin McGuire, who created a phenomenal piece for Hull UK City of Culture. It’s really exciting to announce our plans for Christmas 2019, as we continue our vision to work with some of the most vibrant and unexpected studios and artistic partnerships in the UK.

“Expect a discovery of new locations at Harewood, with some intriguing stories and tales, as the House plans for a visit this Christmas.”

Admission tickets give access to all areas of the Christmas experience.

Father Christmas is a separate pre-bookable event and not included in the ticket price.

Christmas Markets: 7 & 8 December / 14 & 15 December. Book online before 3 November and save as much as £10.

Full details, information and tickets harewood.org/christmas