Having a ball at A Christmas Mousequerade at Fairfax House. Picture: Celestine Dubruel
FAIRFAX House’s much-loved Christmas display returns for 2025 with a new theme of A Christmas Mousequerade, combining more mousechief than ever before in the “ultimate 18th century house party”.
A multitude of mice is dressed in hand-crafted and exquisitely miniature Georgian finery, custom made by Fairfax House volunteers, as you step into the glittering world of Georgian York and join the Fairfax family as they prepare for the most spectacular ball of the season.
Wandering through the house, you will find all manner of Georgian amusements brought to life: the excitement of the boxing ring, the bustle of a gambling den, classic Christmas parlour games, and a ballroom dressed for a truly grand occasion. You will discover fabulous examples of Georgian fashion throughout, offering a glimpse into 18th-century style.
Enjoying the party at A Christmas Mousequerade at Castle Howard. Picture: Christopher John Photography
As Ann Fairfax and the Viscount prepare to welcome their distinguished guests, keep your eyes peeled for the Townmice, who are determined to not miss out on the celebrations and may even cause a little festive mayhem along the way.
Suited to all ages, A Christmas Mousequerade offers an enchanting experience for families this festive season. Children will delight in spotting the mice in their elegant ballgowns and playful poses, while adults can revel in the beauty of Georgian Christmas traditions brought vividly to life.
Curator Dr Sarah Burnage says: “We absolutely love this time of year when the house is dressed for a Georgian Christmas and over-run with our mischievous mice.
Masking up at A Christmas Mousequerade
“It’s always a pleasure to imagine how the Fairfaxes might have celebrated Christmas over 250 years ago, especially when hosting such a big party. We really hope visitors enjoy what we’ve created this year; we’ve certainly enjoyed creating it.”
Tickets for A Christmas Mousequerade at Fairfax House are on sale at https://fairfaxhouse.co.uk/event/christmas-at-fairfax-house/, priced at £9.50, adults, | Concessions £8.50 | Under 16s go free
In addition, as a special seasonal highlight, visitors can experience A Christmas Mousequerade by candlelight on three magical evenings, December 17, 19 and 22, 5pm to 7pm.
A tall order for a mouse jockey, taking a giraffe for a ride in A Christmas Mousequerade
Fairfax House will glow with soft candlelight, evoking the atmosphere of an intimate Georgian gathering. For tickets, go to: https://fairfaxhouse.co.uk/event/a-christmas-mousequerade-by-candlelight/.
Last Christmas, more than 1,000 hand-crafted mice were sold during the exhibition run; this time, 2,000 have been ordered for sale in the shop.
Fairfax House, run by York Civic Trust, has been awarded the 2025 Historic Houses Collections Award, a prestigious annual award introduced in 2022 to honour the owners, curators and conservators who preserve, restore and interpret the beautiful and significant objects on show inside historic houses, enabling the public to understand and enjoy them and the stories that they tell.
A mouse making off with the cheese at A Christmas Mousequerade at Fairfax House. Picture: Celestine Dubruel
A mouse working out on the weights in A Christmas Mousequerade at Fairfax House. Picture: Celestine Dubruel
“We are deeply honoured to receive this award and thrilled that the creativity and dedication of the Fairfax team has been recognised,” says Dr Burnage.
“This award will make a meaningful contribution to the development of our ongoing work, and we are immensely grateful to the judges, Historic Houses, and sponsors Dreweatts for this generous acknowledgement.”
Fairfax House came out on top of a competitive shortlist, including Burton Constable Hall & Parkland, in Yorkshire, Browsholme Hall, in Lancashire, Chawton House, in Hampshire, and Scone Palace in Perthshire, all featured in standalone episodes of the Country House Podcast, hosted by judging panel member Geoffrey Heath-Taylor.
Fairfax House: back story
Fairfax House, 2025 Historic Houses Collections Award winner, looking resplendent for A Christmas Mousequerade. Picture: Celestine Dubruel
ONE of England’s finest Georgian townhouses, located at No. 27, Castlegate, York, near Clifford’s Tower and York Castle Museum.
Restored beautifully to showcase its exceptional architecture, period interiors and world-class collection of 18th-century furniture and decorative arts.
Offers immersive experience of Georgian life through its exhibitions, events and carefully
preserved historic rooms. Run by York Civic Trust, chaired by Dr Delma Tomlin.
CharlesHutchPress entering into the spirit of dressing up at A Christmas Mousequerade at Fairfax House. Picture: Celestine Dubruel