A family Christmas in York

Castle Howard, York, will be opening for Christmas in 2007, following the success of last year's opening. Between Saturday 24th November and Sunday 16th December, the Howard family will be welcoming visitors to experience the magic of their Christmas at Castle Howard.

The house will be adorned with the Howard family's own decorations and traditional fresh foliage displays. Friendly guides will be located throughout the house to share tales of Christmas past and present, as visitors move between decorated rooms lit by flickering candles and cosy fires.

The Hon. Simon Howard said, "We are delighted to be opening our home for visitors this Christmas, for only the second time. My wife and I had great fun decorating the trees and rooms last year, and we're looking forward to getting our family decorations out once again and adding new surprises for visitors!"

People will also be able to visit Castle Howard's award-winning Farm Shop, which sells a wide range of seasonal, local food, including Bronze turkeys and Castle Howard Aberdeen Angus beef. The Plant Centre will sell estate-grown Christmas trees and hand-made wreaths. During the weekends Father Christmas will be in his grotto and festive entertainment will take place in the Stable Courtyard.

For more information visit Castlehoward.co.uk.

• Castle Howard was open for the first time at Christmas last year, from 6th to 17th December and attracted 15,000 people.
• Castle Howard is home to the Hon. Simon Howard, his wife Rebecca and their twins, Merlin and Octavia.