News Beat
Fairfax House York Christmas display 2025: Mousequerade
Fairfax House in York has once again been transformed into a winter wonderland for its annual Christmas display: A Christmas Mousequerade
Running from November 15, 2025 to January 4, 2026, visitors invited to step into the sparkling world of Georgian York with the home’s history shown through hand-crafted mice, dressed in miniature Georgian outfits.
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The immersive experience imagines the Fairfax family preparing for an extravagant Christmas ball, complete with all the amusements and traditions of the 18th century.
Throughout the rooms of Fairfax House, visitors will find a Georgian boxing ring, a gambling den, parlour games, and a theatre ballroom – all culminating in a grand ballroom where the festive party begins.
Collections Manager Rachel Willis explained that the year’s theme – Georgian entertainment – was inspired by a loan exhibition that had been held at Fairfax House around a half a decade ago.
She said: “We did all this research on what type of things they did for fun during the period back then and then, for the Mousequerade, we tried to theme each room around a different one, so you have got horse racing, boxing, gambling, and theatre then you actually end up in the party at the end.
“It’s just attending like a Fairfax family party – they’ve put on this entertainment and series of events for the guests.”
She also explained that many of the outfits and mice had been repurposed from previous events, with a team of volunteers who use scraps of fabric to make both traditional costumes and nods to the modern day.
Rachel added: “A lot of the costumes that you see our handmade by volunteers – they’re amazing. Five of them do the sewing for the mice and throughout the year, they get given naked mice and they add what we need to make the story
“They’re brilliant, none of them never say no; they never go “you’re mad, I’m not making a mouse jockey!”
“We’re lucky to have really talented, but also really willing, volunteers to help and so, it’s great to see what creative ideas they come back with.”
Tickets for A Christmas Mousequerade are priced at £9.50 for adults and £8.50 for concessions and children can visit for free.
Candlelight evenings will also be available on December 17, 19, and 22 where, from 5pm to 7pm, Fairfax House will be lit by candlelight, offering guests the chance to experience the Mousequerade in the warm, intimate atmosphere of a Georgian evening.
