Christmas is a very special time of year for trees, a time when they take centre stage and are squeezed, shaken and shunted into living rooms across the country, decorated lovingly with baubles of all shapes and sizes and greatly admired by family and friends. However, there is one particular tree this year, which is shining out amongst them all. The Castle Howard Christmas tree is always a sight to behold but this year, it is something truly special. Looking glorious in the light of a flickering open fire, the 26ft Nordmann fir stands resplendent in the Great Hall. With over 3500 baubles and 1500 fairy lights, it is a stunning Christmas centrepiece and the ‘sprig of holly’ on the top of Castle Howard’s ‘12 Days of Christmas’ experience. The tree started life at The Tree Barn in Watlington, Oxford; a small, family-run Christmas tree farm who have previously supplied one of their prize-winning trees to No. 10 Downing Street. Hand selected especially for Castle Howard, this particular Nordmann fir was chosen for its grand stature and handsome green foliage. Having been felled and carefully wrapped, the tree began its long journey from Oxford to North Yorkshire. 200 miles later, the tree arrived at Castle Howard where it took a team of 10 strong staff members to squeeze this giant through the Great Hall doors and into the domed room beyond. It took 3 days to decorate the tree, with the Castle Howard Christmas elves scrambling up scaffolding to reach the top, bearing baskets of rainbow coloured ornaments and the allimportant fairy.
Head of Marketing & Sales, Abbi Ollive comments, “After much hustle and bustle, the tree now stands ready, proudly bearing its branches of glittering, shimmering baubles and wowing visitors on their tour of the stately house. A real festive treat for one and all.” The Castle Howard Christmas tree is just one element of Castle Howard’s ‘12 Days of Christmas’ themed extravaganza in which the whole House is decorated in celebration of the famous song. Be prepared to see swans-a-swimming, a partridge in a rather unusual pear tree and a gallery full of lords-a-leaping. For more information on 'The Twelve Days of Christmas' please click here.