Harewood’s Elf Village Father Christmas Experience

Your magical adventure begins as our elves welcome you into the Elf Village, where you’ll be checked in before making your way to the cosy Elf Cocoa Café.

Once everyone has arrived, the festive fun begins! You’ll have the opportunity to purchase hot drinks and festive treats while enjoying your first taste of Elf School with some fun activities. Before long, the elves and Father Christmas arrive to lead everyone in a joyful sing-along, officially welcoming you into Elf School.

Together, you’ll journey to Santa School, where you’ll enjoy an interactive festive show filled with music, laughter and plenty of Christmas magic as Father Christmas and the elves help everyone discover what it takes to become one of the North Pole’s very best elves.

Your adventure then continues as you explore different parts of Elf School, including visits to the Tinker Tents and the Elf Village Post Office, where you’ll enjoy a variety of festive, hands-on activities together.

Throughout the experience, children are encouraged, celebrated and reminded of the wonderful qualities that make them unique. We hope every family leaves feeling uplifted, connected and filled with the true spirit of Christmas.

Each family will also enjoy their own special visit with Father Christmas. There will be an opportunity to take a photograph together, and as you leave the Elf Village, every child with a child ticket will receive a special Christmas gift from Father Christmas to take home.

Tickets can be booked online in advance. We recommend booking early, as places are limited and many sessions sell out quickly.

After booking, you’ll receive a link to our Elf Questionnaire, where you can tell Father Christmas and the elves a little about each child attending. Please complete it as soon as possible so our elves have plenty of time to prepare the magic. If you book within 72 hours of your visit, or need to change any information you’ve already submitted, please email Harewood Visitor Services at info@harewood.org.

Each child ticket includes entry to Harewood’s Elf Village Father Christmas Experience, a special family visit with Father Christmas, and a special Christmas gift.  Adult tickets allow accompanying adults to enjoy the experience. Your ticket also includes admission to Harewood House, the Grounds and Gardens, including Magic at the Mansion and festive activities taking place throughout the estate.

Yes. Your Father Christmas Experience ticket includes admission to Harewood House, the Gardens and Grounds, including Magic at the Mansion and festive activities taking place throughout Harewood.

Yes, your ticket allows you to enjoy Magic at the Mansion in the House and explore the Grounds and Gardens during your visit, subject to opening times. Please check Harewood’s opening times before your visit.

We’ll always do our best to help, subject to availability. Please contact info@harewood.org for help with your booking.

The tickets will be sent to your email, and you do not need to print your tickets; they can be shown on arrival to the Visitor Reception via your phone.

You will also need to show your tickets when entering the Elf Village, so please keep them accessible throughout your visit.

Please contact info@harewood.org as soon as possible. Amendments are subject to availability.

The experience takes place within the Elf Village, located on the North Lawn opposite Harewood House.

We recommend arriving at Harewood 20–30 minutes before your designated Elf Village arrival time. This allows plenty of time for parking and making your way to the Elf Village.

Entry into the Elf Village is only possible at your designated arrival time, so we kindly ask that you do not arrive at the entrance significantly earlier, as we won’t be able to admit guests before their booked session begins.

Once your designated arrival time begins, our elves will welcome you into the Elf Village, where you’ll be checked in before your adventure starts.

Your first stop will be the cosy Elf Cocoa Café, where you’ll have the opportunity to purchase hot drinks, festive treats and light refreshments as the first moments of Christmas magic begin to unfold around you.

Current arrival times:
• 9:45am
• 12:10pm
• 2:35pm

Approximately 2 hours.

The experience takes place inside our beautifully themed Elf Village yurts. We recommend wearing warm, comfortable clothing and suitable footwear, especially if you plan to explore Harewood’s Gardens and Grounds before or after your visit. Christmas jumpers are always welcome!

No. Please add a parking pass to your booking unless parking is included as part of your Harewood membership.

That’s completely normal. Our experience has been carefully designed to help children feel safe, relaxed and included. Children remain with their families throughout the adventure, and there is never any pressure to interact with Father Christmas in a particular way.

As the experience unfolds, families and elves share songs, laughter, festive activities and magical moments together. We often find that by the time children meet Father Christmas, any initial nerves have melted away.

If your child is feeling particularly anxious, simply let one of our elves know when you arrive. We have lots of gentle ways to adapt the experience and make it feel magical, whatever your child is comfortable with. Every family will also have the opportunity to take a photograph with Father Christmas should they wish to, but this is always led by your child’s and family’s wishes.

Absolutely. If your child has any additional needs, sensory sensitivities or communication preferences, please let us know before your visit. We’ll do everything we reasonably can to help every child feel comfortable, included and able to enjoy the magic in their own way.

Space for wheelchairs and adapted pushchairs is limited, so please tell Harewood about your requirements before booking. If your party includes more than one wheelchair user, please contact info@harewood.org so the team can discuss the available options.

Of course. Father Christmas follows every child’s lead, and there is never any expectation for children to communicate in a particular way.

Absolutely. The experience has been thoughtfully designed so that children of different ages can enjoy the adventure together. Every child over 12-months old requires a ticket. Older siblings who simply wish to accompany the family and do not require a gift may attend on an adult ticket.

Absolutely. This is a magical family experience designed to be enjoyed together. We love welcoming grandparents, extended family members and carers. Every guest attending requires their own ticket.

Just as you would expect in a theatre, we kindly ask that no photographs or videos are taken during the live performances. You’re very welcome to take photographs of your own children at other points during the experience, while being mindful of other families and respecting their space. During your family’s visit with Father Christmas, there will be an opportunity to take a photograph together, and our elves will be delighted to help you capture this special moment.

Your first stop inside the Elf Village is the cosy Elf Cocoa Café, where you’ll have the opportunity to purchase hot drinks, festive treats and light refreshments as your magical adventure begins. There is also multiple cafés and food outlets across Harewood to enjoy before or after your experience.

Yes. Toilet and baby changing facilities are available close to the experience.

To make sure there is enough space for festive magic, pushchairs and prams need to be parked in the Harewood House pram park, a short walk from the experience.

Only registered assistance dogs are permitted within the experience.

Please speak to one of our elves as soon as you arrive. We’ll always do our very best to accommodate you, although this cannot be guaranteed.

Yes. The Elf Village experience takes place indoors and will operate in almost all weather conditions.