Belvoir Castle, the fairytale Leicestershire home of the Duke and Duchess of Rutland, will be dressing its Regency State rooms in festive finery this year as its Christmas event reopens.

From Saturday 29 November to Tuesday 30 December, A Magical Night Before Christmas at Belvoir Castle will invite visitors to tour the early nineteenth century historic home, decorated with elaborate and festive adornments.

Guests will be transported to a Christmas fairytale of colour and opulence throughout the castle’s Guard Room, up the grand double staircase to The Elizabeth Saloon, before entering The State Dining Room, The King’s Room, The Old Kitchen, and The Ballroom.

Belvoir’s knowledgeable guides will be on hand to impart their knowledge of the Castle’s history, which have welcomed Kings, Queens and Prime Ministers throughout its past.

Highlights include a 20ft tall Christmas tree named ‘The Wishing Tree’, on display in the Guard Room. Visitors can hang a decoration bearing their own Christmas wish on this special tree.

Through the festive period there will be Christmas carols sung by local school choirs and groups, performed on the special stage installed in The Ballroom.

Santa’s Grotto will also sit pride of place in The Old Kitchen, and every day in December, Santa Claus and his elves will add Christmas sparkle to the experience. Tickets for A Magical Night Before Christmas at Belvoir Castle are on sale now, and groups should contact Bea Edwards at bedwards@belvoircastle.com.