From the 2nd of December to the 4th of January 2026, the Grade I listed mansion in Rotherham will be transformed into The Snow Queen’s icy kingdom. A shimmering world of frosted roses, mirrored halls, and golden carriages.
The popular events have previously created magical worlds based on "Twas the Night Before Christmas," "A Tale as Old as Time" and "Once Upon A Christmas."
Over 18,000 tickets have been released for The Snow Queen, the Preservation Trust’s festive fundraiser this year.
This year, the Trust has turned to North East-based project and production management company Culture Creative, experts in creating magical family experiences in historic settings.
With a BAFTA award- winning designer in its team, its lavish indoor experiences have drawn record numbers to heritage properties across the country, including Oxfordshire stately home Blenheim Palace, known as Britain’s greatest palace. This winter Culture Creative is also partnering with Great Ormond Street Hospital to present an outdoor touring version of Neverland, which retells JM Barrie's story of Peter Pan.
Its first collaboration with Wentworth Woodhouse will light up the mansion’s Palladian East Front for visitors on arrival and then take visitors into the pages of Hans Christian Andersen’s cherished story of love and friendship triumphing over evil.
Families will journey in the footsteps of young heroine Gerda as she searches for her best friend, Kai, the boy whose heart was turned to ice before the Snow Queen spirited him away to her kingdom.
The story will be told across 13 unique spaces in the mansion, each with its own enchanting soundscape, dazzling lighting effects and immersive sets.
Expect polar bears in the Pillared Hall, reindeer in the Marble Saloon and a glittering throne in the State Dining Room, mirrored halls, princely chambers, a robber’s den and the frozen, frosted majesty of the Snow Queen’s palace.
Thanks to the temporary installation of an elevator provided by the RHS for this summer’s Flower Show, until December 31 the Snow Queen Experience will be fully accessible for visitors with mobility issues.
The entire Christmas experience will be staged indoors this year, after harsh winter 2024 weather disrupted the outdoor Christmas light trail. But visitors to the gardens will find a family activity trail to seek out the animals that can be found in the Snow Queen’s enchanted garden.
“The Christmas experience is always our biggest fundraising event of the year, and the Trust relies on every penny as it regenerates this magnificent house for the community and to boost the local economy.
“This year, we are extremely excited to be partnering with Culture Creative to stage our most magical festive event ever.
“Culture Creative has a strong reputation for transforming heritage sites into living storybooks; The Snow Queen is set to be incredibly atmospheric, with family selfie opportunities at every turn.
“Our festive spectacular crowns a host of child-centric, family-friendly events we have staged to celebrate Rotherham's year as the world’s first Children’s Capital of Culture.
“But families can rest assured that we have even more fun and playful arts-themed events planned in our 2026 diary.”
The self-led experience will take you on a magical journey around the State Rooms, exploring the Snow Queen fairytale. It is anticipated that the House experience will last approx. 45 minutes, however, this is not time limited, and visitors are able to experience the house at their own pace.
In addition, guests can also choose to visit the Butler’s Pantry Cafe for a warming hot chocolate, the cosy Library Lounge for a festive tipple or the gift shop for a last-minute stocking filler.
Tickets for The Snow Queen are £20 for adults and £14 for children aged 3-16. Family tickets are also available and My Wentworth members can book free tickets at off-peak times.
Wentworth Woodhouse website
Images: WWPT / Rikard Osterlund courtesy Culture Creative
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