If you’re looking for an awfully big festive adventure this Christmas, we’ve got just the thing: Christmas in Neverland at Castle Howard. As long-time devotees of Castle Howard’s Christmas experience, we were excited to head along to the preview of this year’s offering to see whether it would live up to our festive expectations (which, for some reason, are always higher than expectations at any other time of year; festive expectation inflation, perhaps?).

Well, we needn’t have worried. The talented team at Castle Howard have once again transformed the historic halls and chambers into a whimsical winter wonderland, bringing to life the timeless magic of Peter Pan. As we walked up the grand, flower-lined staircase we found ourselves transported to a world where childhood dreams and fairytales take centre stage.

The immersive nature of the Christmas in Neverland experience, from the warmth of the roaring fires to the gentle snores of a snoozing mermaid, makes it enchanting for all ages. The majestic walls and ceilings of Castle Howard are the perfect canvas for playful projections that bring the much-loved story to life. Each room is individually themed with impressive attention to detail, from Captain Hook’s flamboyant cabin (including his collection of hooks for every occasion!) to the Lost Boys’ Feast: a dining table groaning with the childhood dinner of dreams.

It’s a treat for the senses from start to finish, with plenty of highlights along the way, from beautiful lagoons to bathtime with Nana, pirate ships to glittering treasure and a smattering of Tinkerbell’s magic. Along the way, there’s also the awe-inspiring Castle Howard Christmas tree. A riot of colour, it’s a maximalist tree with lots of things to spot among the branches (and an excellent photo opportunity!). Enchanting, whimsical and very memorable, Christmas in Neverland is a triumph that the whole family will enjoy. 

Good to know

• Tickets must be pre-booked in advance, and you’ll need to book parking too
• To save money, try to opt for off-peak periods and book as far in advance as possible
• There are lots of lovely food and drink options, from full meals to tasty festive snacks. 
• Still have some Christmas shopping to do? There are some lovely gifts in the courtyard shop and Christmas marquee
• Castle Howard has two Father Christmas experiences on offer: Father Christmas in the Castle, which has all the festive bells-and-whistles, and the shorter, more relaxed Santa’s Grotto in the Courtyard. Both need to be pre-booked.