Fairfax House in York is once again hosting its annual Christmas display, "A Christmas Mousequerade," from November 15, 2025, to January 4, 2026. This immersive experience transforms the historic Georgian home into a winter wonderland, featuring hand-crafted mice dressed in miniature 18th-century outfits to depict the Fairfax family preparing for an extravagant Christmas ball.
The display is themed around Georgian entertainment, inspired by past research into the leisure activities of the period. Visitors can explore rooms showcasing various amusements like a Georgian boxing ring, a gambling den, parlor games, and a theatre ballroom, all leading to a grand ballroom where the festive party culminates.
The charming mice and their elaborate costumes are largely created or repurposed by a dedicated team of volunteers. These volunteers craft traditional Georgian attire and also incorporate modern elements using fabric scraps, bringing the narrative of the mice's activities to life.
The collection manager highlighted the volunteers' creativity and willingness to undertake even unusual requests, such as making a "mouse jockey." Tickets for "A Christmas Mousequerade" are priced at £9.50 for adults and £8.50 for concessions, with children admitted for free. Special candlelight evenings are also scheduled on December 17, 19, and 22, offering a unique atmospheric experience from 5 pm to 7 pm.
