For something seriously cute to do in York this Christmas with your family, it doesn’t get much sweeter than A Town Mouse Christmas at Fairfax House. If you’ve never visited, Fairfax House is one of York’s most magnificent Georgian townhouses, a literal stone’s throw from Clifford’s Tower. It’s had a glorious festive makeover and a full-on mouse takeover! We went along to the preview this evening and it’s so lovely – keep reading to find out what to expect and to have a squeak sneak peek at some pictures.

Hundreds of town mice have descended on the house, cooking, drinking, climbing, gossiping, sleeping and even skiing! We really enjoyed exploring each of the rooms, looking high and low for rogue rodents along the way.

It’s utterly charming and perfect for children who might think that old houses aren’t for them. Although the mice are the glittering stars of the exhibition, there’s much else to discover along the way, from Georgian traditions to decorations and fun facts. It’s accessible and lighthearted: perfect for a young audience with a short attention span.

It’s easy to assume that places like Fairfax House won’t interest children, but the team have gone out of their way to create an engaging and enjoyable experience for the whole family. In fact, Fairfax House is a great place to visit at any time of year, but we’d really recommend that you add this to your festive diary (especially as children visit for free).

Good to know

A TownMouse Christmas runs at Fairfax House until 23rd December 2022. The exhibition is free for under 16s, and adult admission is £7.50. There’s no cafe, but plenty of places to eat and drink nearby. You can pre-book your tickets online.

Fairfax House,  Castlegate, York YO1 9RN