Nottinghamshire &amp; Derbyshire

Christmas at Chatsworth is always a delicious festive treat and this year’s Enchanted Garden theme adds a splash of whimsy and wonder to the mix. Muddy took a sneaky preview tour with Chatsworth&nbsp;Christmas&nbsp;Design Lead Susie Stokoe while final touches were being made ahead of opening day Saturday (8 Nov). It’s more than just baubles and bows. It’s&nbsp;immersive, multi-sensory and magical.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="853" height="1024" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/11/x-Chatsworth-xmas-25-mistletoe-portrait-1-853x1024.jpg" alt="giant ball of copper mistletoe hanging at chatsworth house christmas 2025" class="wp-image-15700" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/11/x-Chatsworth-xmas-25-mistletoe-portrait-1-853x1024.jpg 853w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/11/x-Chatsworth-xmas-25-mistletoe-portrait-1-250x300.jpg 250w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/11/x-Chatsworth-xmas-25-mistletoe-portrait-1-768x922.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/11/x-Chatsworth-xmas-25-mistletoe-portrait-1-1280x1536.jpg 1280w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/11/x-Chatsworth-xmas-25-mistletoe-portrait-1.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 853px) 100vw, 853px" /></figure>



It’s been 18 months in the making and Susie took The Secret Garden as her inspiration. ‘This year is an absolute belter,’ she says. ‘It’s just hitting everything really, really beautifully. You’ll find a lot of portals and peeking through doorways into enchanted places.’



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="853" height="1024" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/11/x-Chatsworth-xmas-25-painted-hall-main-1-853x1024.jpg" alt="the painted hall at chatsworth house christmas 2025" class="wp-image-15699" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/11/x-Chatsworth-xmas-25-painted-hall-main-1-853x1024.jpg 853w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/11/x-Chatsworth-xmas-25-painted-hall-main-1-250x300.jpg 250w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/11/x-Chatsworth-xmas-25-painted-hall-main-1-768x922.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/11/x-Chatsworth-xmas-25-painted-hall-main-1-1280x1536.jpg 1280w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/11/x-Chatsworth-xmas-25-painted-hall-main-1.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 853px) 100vw, 853px" /></figure>



The garden theme follows summer’s much-feted botanic-inspired exhibition The Gorgeous Nothings: Flowers at Chatsworth. This is where Chatsworth dreams up its festive themes from these days. Last year’s Year of Childhood main exhibition led to a storybook theme the following Christmas and this year it continued the main exhibition’s focus on nature and bringing the outside in.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/11/x-Chatsworth-xmas-25-two-trees-1-1024x683.jpg" alt="two christmas trees either side of wooden fireplace chatsworth house" class="wp-image-15701" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/11/x-Chatsworth-xmas-25-two-trees-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/11/x-Chatsworth-xmas-25-two-trees-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/11/x-Chatsworth-xmas-25-two-trees-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/11/x-Chatsworth-xmas-25-two-trees-1.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



With tiny fairy houses, bridges and doorways hidden among fireplaces, floating holograms of fairies captured in bell jars and even a fox peeking out from under one of the huge Christmas trees, there’s plenty of enchanting gems to discover for those who are careful to explore. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="853" height="1024" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/11/x-Chatsworth-xmas-25-butterfly-tree-853x1024.jpg" alt="butterfly decorated christmas tree at chatsworth house" class="wp-image-15717" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/11/x-Chatsworth-xmas-25-butterfly-tree-853x1024.jpg 853w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/11/x-Chatsworth-xmas-25-butterfly-tree-250x300.jpg 250w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/11/x-Chatsworth-xmas-25-butterfly-tree-768x922.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/11/x-Chatsworth-xmas-25-butterfly-tree-1280x1536.jpg 1280w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/11/x-Chatsworth-xmas-25-butterfly-tree.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 853px) 100vw, 853px" /></figure>



Newly commissioned artworks mix with impossibly pretty pieces from Chatsworth&#8217;s own collection, like the filigree silver miniatures of fairy-sized chair, spinning wheel and sword. The elegant wire dandelion clocks that adorn the Sculpture Gallery have been placed perfectly and really feel like they belong there.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="853" height="1024" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/11/x-Chatsworth-xmas-25-sculpt-main-1-853x1024.jpg" alt="sculpture gallery at chatsworth house christmas 2025" class="wp-image-15697" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/11/x-Chatsworth-xmas-25-sculpt-main-1-853x1024.jpg 853w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/11/x-Chatsworth-xmas-25-sculpt-main-1-250x300.jpg 250w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/11/x-Chatsworth-xmas-25-sculpt-main-1-768x922.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/11/x-Chatsworth-xmas-25-sculpt-main-1-1280x1536.jpg 1280w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/11/x-Chatsworth-xmas-25-sculpt-main-1.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 853px) 100vw, 853px" /></figure>



There’s a soundtrack of birdsong, hooting owls and wildlife, recorded specially for the exhibition, and the whole place smells divine – earthy and wild, like a garden after rain.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/11/x-Chatsworth-xmas-25-copper-1024x683.jpg" alt="copper archway chatsworth house christmas 25" class="wp-image-15702" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/11/x-Chatsworth-xmas-25-copper-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/11/x-Chatsworth-xmas-25-copper-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/11/x-Chatsworth-xmas-25-copper-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/11/x-Chatsworth-xmas-25-copper.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Spaces are transformed with light, sound, and shadow play. As well as the towering Christmas trees you’d expect at Chatsworth, there are shimmers of copper toadstools, twirling copper oak leaf archways and – the showstopper &#8211; a grand cluster of copper mistletoe. There are dark, earthy areas too, with flickering candles hidden between books in the library and majestic willow sculptures that feel like the roots of trees by artist Emma Stothard. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/11/x-Chatsworth-xmas-25-library-landscape-1024x683.jpg" alt="the library at chatsworth house dressed for christmas" class="wp-image-15698" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/11/x-Chatsworth-xmas-25-library-landscape-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/11/x-Chatsworth-xmas-25-library-landscape-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/11/x-Chatsworth-xmas-25-library-landscape-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/11/x-Chatsworth-xmas-25-library-landscape.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Some of the decorations are just divine (and happily many are available in the hard-to-resist shop, on a smaller scale). Peak District-based artists commissioned for this year’s event include Winning Works, Everdenes, Wirksworth Pottery and Waney Grain.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="1024" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/11/x-Chatsworth-dining-room-sq-1024x1024.jpg" alt="a light projection on the ceiling of the dining room at Chatsworth House as part of Christmas 2025" class="wp-image-15703" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/11/x-Chatsworth-dining-room-sq-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/11/x-Chatsworth-dining-room-sq-300x300.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/11/x-Chatsworth-dining-room-sq-150x150.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/11/x-Chatsworth-dining-room-sq-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/11/x-Chatsworth-dining-room-sq-500x500.jpg 500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/11/x-Chatsworth-dining-room-sq-1100x1100.jpg 1100w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/11/x-Chatsworth-dining-room-sq.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



There’s a beautiful, breath-taking light projection on the curved ceiling (photos don&#8217;t do it justice) of the dining room that feels like it just belongs there, reflected for even more dramatic effect in the vast mirrored table top.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="1024" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/11/x-chatsworth-xmas-25-fairy-hologram-1-1024x1024.jpg" alt="fairy hologram at chatsworth house christmas 25" class="wp-image-15696" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/11/x-chatsworth-xmas-25-fairy-hologram-1-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/11/x-chatsworth-xmas-25-fairy-hologram-1-300x300.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/11/x-chatsworth-xmas-25-fairy-hologram-1-150x150.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/11/x-chatsworth-xmas-25-fairy-hologram-1-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/11/x-chatsworth-xmas-25-fairy-hologram-1-500x500.jpg 500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/11/x-chatsworth-xmas-25-fairy-hologram-1-1100x1100.jpg 1100w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/11/x-chatsworth-xmas-25-fairy-hologram-1.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Not enough for you? The spectacle continues outside in the garden, with an immersive light trail that transforms some of Chatsworth&#8217;s best-loved garden landmarks, including the Cascade, Willow Tree Fountain, Rock Garden, Ring Pond and Maze. Your journey ends with a light and sound projection on the house itself, inspired by this year’s theme and brought to life by Studio McGuire.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="853" height="1024" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/11/x-chatsworth-xmas-25-trees-853x1024.jpg" alt="Ivy covered throne and trees at chatsworth house for christmas 2025" class="wp-image-15707" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/11/x-chatsworth-xmas-25-trees-853x1024.jpg 853w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/11/x-chatsworth-xmas-25-trees-250x300.jpg 250w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/11/x-chatsworth-xmas-25-trees-768x922.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/11/x-chatsworth-xmas-25-trees-1280x1536.jpg 1280w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/11/x-chatsworth-xmas-25-trees.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 853px) 100vw, 853px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-muddy-verdict">The Muddy verdict</h2>



Good for: If Christmas to you means sparkle, magic and childlike wonder, Christmas at Chatsworth will be right up your street. For a family festive treat (with the promise of the farmyard at the end too), it’s hard to beat.



Not for: Er, Scrooge?



The damage: Not bad, considering everything you can pack in. <a href="https://www.chatsworth.org/events/christmas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Christmas at Chatsworth </a>takes place from 8 Nov to 4 Jan and tickets must be booked in advance. Adults (17+) cost from £36, children (3-16) £10. For this, you get admission to the house, garden, farmyard and playground, as well as parking. Visit between 8 Nov and 14 Dec and you’ll get access to Chatsworth Christmas market too.



Chatsworth House, Bakewell, Derbyshire, DE45 1PP



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-in-the-mood-for-more">IN THE MOOD FOR MORE?</h2>



<a href="https://nottsderbyshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/november-is-go-whats-on-this-month-in-notts-derbyshire/">November is Go! What&#8217;s on this month in Notts &amp; Derbyshire</a>



<a href="https://nottsderbyshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/november-is-go-whats-on-this-month-in-notts-derbyshire/">Festive finds! Cracking Christmas markets to shop this season</a>



<a href="https://nottsderbyshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/christmas-wreath-making-workshops-notts-derbyshire/">Christmas wreath-making workshops worth booking</a>

Wonder, magic & a sprinkle of fairy dust: Christmas at Chatsworth first look

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