In Christmas 2025, Beaulieu launched a new festive experience, A Palace House Christmas – a magical journey through the story of pantomime, created by designers extraordinaire, Charlotte Lloyd Webber and Adrian Lillie of CLW Event Design.
The new experience took place in Palace House from the 29 November 2025 – 4 January 2026, where the story of pantomime was told through a series of theatrical installations, taking visitors on a magical journey around the stately rooms bedecked with immersive soundscapes, decorations galore and multi-coloured lighting.
What’s to see!
A GRAND ENTRANCE
Masked Harlequin mannequins ‘greeted’ visitors at the entrance, while their midnight banquet was already laid with sugary treats and jewel-themed glassware in the impressive Dining Hall. Their travelling cart outside was overflowing with props, costumes and musical instruments in the Fountain Courtyard.
A life-size Pollock theatre
The life-size Pollock theatre was set around the magnificent fireplace in the Lower Drawing Room, which was created with artwork by Lord Montagu’s mother, Belinda, Lady Montagu.
PANTOMIME ANIMALS
Visitors discovered weird and wonderful panto animals in the Portrait Gallery, from the time of Mummers right through to the modern-day pantomime horse.
A 22ft Christmas Tree
No Christmas at Beaulieu is complete without a Christmas tree – and visitors were spoilt for choice by the 22ft centrepiece dressed in the Harlequin theme and shocking pink faux creation, with jewelled fruits and gemstone-inspired decorations.
BEHIND THE SCENES
Then visitors followed swags of lavish, colourful decorations up the grand staircase to take a peek in the backstage dressing rooms above – where feathers, floristry and glamorous gowns fill the rooms.
THE GRAND FINALE
Pierrot was sitting in a crescent moon at a window in the newly-opened private wing, and visitors were amazed by the towering 14ft pantomime dame and mirrored catwalk of principal boy mannequins in the Upper Drawing Room for the grand finale!
Festive food & Drink
Palace House Courtyard
Down at Palace House after your magical journey through the story of pantomime, there was delicious festive food on offer in the courtyard to refuel, including Bratwurst, pigs in blankets with dipping pot, sausage rolls, vegan hot dogs and pies to get you in the festive spirit. Or, visitors could choose from a warming and refreshing drinks menu with seasonal Mulled Wine, Mulled Cider, soft drinks and warming hot drinks to choose from.
Christmas Gifts & Souvenirs
Visitors were able to take a little bit of Christmas magic home with them from a tempting range of A Palace House Christmas themed baubles, decorations and gifts which were on sale in the Palace House Gift Shop.
BEHIND THE SCENES
Take a look behind the scenes as the team behind A Palace House Christmas brought the experience to life.
