Norfolk

<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-21137" src="https://norfolk.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2019/12/77169695_2880278388650971_1158918043456241664_o.jpg" alt="" width="1000" height="667" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2019/12/77169695_2880278388650971_1158918043456241664_o.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2019/12/77169695_2880278388650971_1158918043456241664_o-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2019/12/77169695_2880278388650971_1158918043456241664_o-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2019/12/77169695_2880278388650971_1158918043456241664_o-720x480.jpg 720w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<p>Four weeks with both feet bandaged and elavated, I was damned if I was going to miss out on the opportunity to preview the Candlelight Tour and be one of the first to experience Christmas at Holkham.</p>
<p>The entrance was bright and welcoming with a huge red bow and inside we were met by a flurry of pink flamingos and shimmer. This is not your traditional Christmas decor &#8211; Lady Leicester, Craft Guru Catherine Zoll and Johanna Tennant have created an extraordinary stylised journey through the various state rooms of Holkham Hall.</p>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-21138" src="https://norfolk.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2019/12/79140882_2881551341857009_8111857727833112576_o.jpg" alt="Holkham Hall Christmas " width="1000" height="750" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2019/12/79140882_2881551341857009_8111857727833112576_o.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2019/12/79140882_2881551341857009_8111857727833112576_o-300x225.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2019/12/79140882_2881551341857009_8111857727833112576_o-768x576.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2019/12/79140882_2881551341857009_8111857727833112576_o-667x500.jpg 667w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<p>The Marble Hall was pretty in pink with trees, lights, baubles and beautfully designed floral garlands from the Fakenham Flower Group. This all complemented the marble wonderfully and made a little slice of Pinterest heaven. The Candy Room shimmered with temptation, the Peacock Garden was eerily beautiful and the paper Ice Queen was simply exquisite. From the scented candles to the background sound effects, this is an amazing sensory experience punctuated with interesting facts from the Guide about the rooms and history of the family.</p>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-21136" src="https://norfolk.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2019/12/thumbnail_IMG_0987.jpg" alt="Holkham Christmas snow queen" width="1000" height="750" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2019/12/thumbnail_IMG_0987.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2019/12/thumbnail_IMG_0987-300x225.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2019/12/thumbnail_IMG_0987-768x576.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2019/12/thumbnail_IMG_0987-667x500.jpg 667w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<p>I was not at all surprised to learn that it takes 11 months to plan and one month to execute this gorgeous operation. My favoutite room &#8211; A Winter Wonderland of Origami by Norfolk-based couturier, Henrietta Faire was breathtaking and just goes to show what can be done with several sheets of white paper although I&#8217;m not sure my recycled snowflakes would quite make the cut!</p>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-21135" src="https://norfolk.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2019/12/Holkham-Hall-5.jpg" alt="Holkham Christmas Kitchen " width="1000" height="667" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2019/12/Holkham-Hall-5.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2019/12/Holkham-Hall-5-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2019/12/Holkham-Hall-5-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2019/12/Holkham-Hall-5-720x480.jpg 720w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<p>I love Holkham for all it&#8217;s creativity, diversification and sustainability &#8211; the introduction of the high ropes course this year was genius. These three themes have been passed down through the generations of the Coke family and it&#8217;s well worth taking the guided Candlelight tour to learn about the estate&#8217;s progressive history.</p>
<p>Always going that little bit further than the rest, Holkham&#8217;s Christmas programme is bursting with activities. Below are a few ideas to get you in the spirit (make sure you book) and look out for our Facebook competition to win two tickets to the Candlight Experience and Nativity by Martha Fiennes on Fri 27th December.</p>
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<p><strong>Champagne, Candelight and Creators of Christmas, Sat 7th December, 6-9pm </strong><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-21128" src="https://norfolk.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2019/12/xmas-tree.jpg" alt="holkham hall christmas tree and fireplace decoration" width="1000" height="750" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2019/12/xmas-tree.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2019/12/xmas-tree-300x225.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2019/12/xmas-tree-768x576.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2019/12/xmas-tree-667x500.jpg 667w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<p>A unique chance to meet some of the faces behind Christmas at Holkham. Learn about how the original concepts are dreamed up by Lady Leicester and her team and then how the artists and makers turn these visions into reality.</p>
<p>You&#8217;ll be welcomed with champagne in the Marble Hall and harpist Zoe Anderton before exploring the Christmas rooms at your own pace. Room stewards will be present to tell you about the rooms and decorations.</p>
<p>The wonderful Laurentino Azevedo, the creative mind behind the magnificent 18ft Saloon tree will share his secrets on how to dress the perfect Christmas tree. Meet couturiere Henrietta Faire, who created the incredible Freya dress made entirely out of paper. Emma Thorburn from local bakery Buns of Fun will wow you with her gingerbread-baking talents and last but not least Lady Anne Glenconner (Princess Margaret&#8217;s Lady in Waiting for you fans of the Crown) will be signing copies of her best-selling memoir.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.holkham.co.uk/events/christmas-at-holkham/champagne-candlelight-and-creators-of-christmas">Book tickets:</a>  Adult £45</p>
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<p><strong>Candlelight Tour of the Historic State Rooms, select dates between Sun 1st &#8211; Wed 18th December, 6-9pm </strong></p>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-21133" src="https://norfolk.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2019/12/thumbnail_IMG_0976.jpg" alt="Holkham Christmas present sleigh" width="1000" height="750" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2019/12/thumbnail_IMG_0976.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2019/12/thumbnail_IMG_0976-300x225.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2019/12/thumbnail_IMG_0976-768x576.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2019/12/thumbnail_IMG_0976-667x500.jpg 667w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<p>A magical opportunity to see the magnificent State Rooms adorned with opulent Christmas decorations and beautiful flickering candlelight. Join a knowledgeable guide for a 45 minute tour where you will learn about how the rooms were created and the inspiration behind them. Receive a complimentary glass of Prosecco and a mince pie in the Courtyard Café before your tour.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.holkham.co.uk/events/christmas-at-holkham/candlelight-tours">Book tickets:</a> £25 for adults and £12.50 for children.</p>
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<p><strong>Create your own Festive Wreaths, selected dates between Mon 2nd – Wed 11th December</strong></p>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-14696" src="https://norfolk.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2018/11/wreath-making.jpg" alt="" width="1000" height="667" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2018/11/wreath-making.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2018/11/wreath-making-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2018/11/wreath-making-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2018/11/wreath-making-720x480.jpg 720w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
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<p>Master the art of wreath making this Christmas with expert tuition from florist Jo Constance and her team. Held in the Lady Elizabeth Wing, visitors will create wreaths using fresh greenery from Holkham’s parkland. Complimentary glass of mulled wine and a mince pie included.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.holkham.co.uk/events/christmas-at-holkham/festive-wreath-making">Book tickets:</a> £55, including parking and refreshments.</p>
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<p><strong>Diva Opera &#8211; Next Stop Christmas, Thursday 5th and Friday 6th December, 7pm</strong></p>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-21139" src="https://norfolk.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2019/12/christmas-at-holkham-diva-opera.jpg" alt="" width="940" height="480" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2019/12/christmas-at-holkham-diva-opera.jpg 940w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2019/12/christmas-at-holkham-diva-opera-300x153.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2019/12/christmas-at-holkham-diva-opera-768x392.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2019/12/christmas-at-holkham-diva-opera-720x368.jpg 720w" sizes="(max-width: 940px) 100vw, 940px" /></p>
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<p>Britain&#8217;s foremost chamber opera company Diva Opera will be sharing a selection of opera musicals and festive favourites. The narrative tells the story of strangers on a train, all with somewhere important to be for Christmas &#8211; but will the fates (and the weather) allow them to get there on time?</p>
<p><a href="https://www.holkham.co.uk/events/christmas-at-holkham/diva-opera-at-christmas">Book tickets:</a> £42 (Auditorium), £35 (Gallery – restricted view).</p>
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<p><strong>Festive Food Fair, Sat 14th &amp; Sun 15th December, 10am &#8211; 4pm  </strong></p>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-21134" src="https://norfolk.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2019/12/Holkham-Food-Fair-1.jpg" alt="Holkham Food Fair 1" width="1000" height="667" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2019/12/Holkham-Food-Fair-1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2019/12/Holkham-Food-Fair-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2019/12/Holkham-Food-Fair-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2019/12/Holkham-Food-Fair-1-720x480.jpg 720w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
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<p>It&#8217;s back and bigger than ever before! Indulge your tastebuds with the best of the county&#8217;s food and drink &#8211; homemade jams, chutneys, cheeses, Norfolk gins and much more. The live cookery theatre is &#8216;game on&#8217; with a selection of well known local chefs to keep visitors entertained throughout the day and provide inspiration for new and exciting ways to make a Christmas dinner.</p>
<p>Free &#8211; more details and full list of exhibitors <a href="https://www.holkham.co.uk/events/christmas-at-holkham/festive-food-fair">HERE</a></p>
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<p><strong>Candlelight Experience and Nativity by Martha Fiennes, Fri 27th – Mon 30th December, 3pm – 9pm</strong><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-21130" src="https://norfolk.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2019/12/nativity.jpg" alt="Holkham nativity scene " width="1000" height="750" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2019/12/nativity.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2019/12/nativity-300x225.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2019/12/nativity-768x576.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2019/12/nativity-667x500.jpg 667w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
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<p>After exploring the beautifully decorated state rooms by flickering candlelight, you will have the exclusive and rare opportunity to enter the Hall&#8217;s Chapel (not normally open to the public). ‘Nativity’ is a pioneering, moving image artwork by award-winning director and artist, Martha Fiennes. generated by artificial intelligence where no two viewings are the same. Music written specifically for the artwork by composer Magnus Fiennes will accompany the exhibition, creating a mesmerising and highly immersive experience.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.holkham.co.uk/events/christmas-at-holkham/candlelight-experience-with-nativity">Book tickets:</a> £35 for adults and £17.50 for children. Complimentary glass of prosecco, elderflower presse and live music in the Marble Hall on arrival.</p>
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<p>Ps. The shopping evenings have been and gone and &#8216;An Audience with Father Christmas&#8217; has already sold out! Book early for next year as this is the real St Nick in all his historic glory.</p>
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Christmas at Holkham

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