image: York Civic Trust
This holiday season, Fairfax House will once again welcome hundreds of mischievous mice for its highly anticipated event, A Christmas Mousetery: The Case of the Missing Ruby. Running from Saturday, 9 November 2024 to Sunday, 5 January 2025, the event invites visitors to explore the grand Georgian home while unraveling a festive mystery.
On Christmas morning, the family at Fairfax House awakens to a troubling discovery: the famous Fairfax Ruby has been stolen by the cunning Highway Mouse. However, it is clear that he didn’t act alone. Visitors are encouraged to play detective, encountering a variety of suspicious mice, each with their own dubious alibi. The goal is to identify the “inside mouse” responsible for aiding in the theft of the precious jewel.
This family-friendly adventure takes visitors through each elaborately decorated room of Fairfax House, where over 400 whimsical mice await. Expect to find these cheeky characters swinging from ceilings, hiding in drawers, or even sneaking a sip of the Viscount’s best Port. The experience is designed to immerse visitors in a traditional Georgian Christmas setting, filled with playful scenes and curious suspects.
The delightful needle-felted mice will be dressed in costumes meticulously hand-stitched by dedicated Fairfax House volunteers. Each tiny outfit, inspired by period Georgian designs, is a labour of love, with every jacket, dress, and cloak embellished with intricate details. “The mice are only three inches tall and not necessarily the easiest clients to work with!” shares volunteer seamstress Sandie Young. She and her team spend countless hours creating authentic looks for these pint-sized characters, ensuring they perfectly embody their roles in the story.
Sarah Burnage, Curator at Fairfax House, shares her excitement about the event, stating, “This wonderfully charming event is back by popular demand and offers our visitors the chance to experience a traditional Georgian Christmas with lots of mousey fun. You’ll meet a cast of suspicious mice who all have a motive for helping the Highway Mouse. Your job is to play detective, read their alibis and find the inside mouse.”
The Fairfax House gift shop will be filled with festive goodies, perfect for seasonal gift shopping. Visitors can choose from a selection of adorable mice, period-accurate trinkets, and other unique finds. Tickets for the event are priced at £9.50 for adults, with concessions at £8.00. Children can attend free of charge with a paying adult, and each adult ticket includes a complimentary annual return pass.
Opening hours are Monday to Saturday 10am-5pm and Sunday 11am-4pm
Pre-booking is recommended, but walk-ins are welcome. For more information and to book tickets, visit the official event page.
Don’t miss this enchanting holiday experience, and uncover A Christmas Mousetery this festive season at Fairfax House!