Hundreds of mice will once again descend on Fairfax House in York this Christmouse. Catch the Fairfax Townmice causing havoc amongst the festive Georgian décor from Saturday 9 November 2024 to Sunday 5 January 2025, as they take centre stage for A Christmas Mousetery: The Case of the Missing Ruby.
Fairfax Ruby
It is Christmas morning and the family have awoken to discover the famous Fairfax Ruby has been stolen by the dastardly Highway Mouse, but he did not act alone. Visitors will need to play detective to recover this precious jewel and discover who helped commit the crime. Throughout the house they’ll meet a host of mousey suspects who may have had a hand in the robbery. Each possible accomplice has a dubious alibi which will need to be examined closely to catch the inside mouse!
Explore each room in this family-friendly caper where’ll you’ll find over 400 charming whiskered guests causing chaos – swinging from the ceilings, bursting out of drawers even sneaking a swig of the Viscount’s best Port!
Sarah Burnage, Curator at Fairfax House, says:
“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.
Everywhere you look there will be a cheeky mouse up to something –on the magnificent dining table set ready for a festive feast, amongst the cheese and jellies, or sneaking a sip of leftover mulled wine in the kitchen. There’s something for all the family to enjoy this Christmas a Fairfax House.”
The adorable individual needlefelt characters will be wearing outfits lovingly hand-stitched by Fairfax House Volunteers from fabric remnants and designs inspired by period Georgian costumes. It’s a real labour of love for the dedicated team, more used to creating garments for adult humans, who have spent many hours crafting the tiny creations.
Sandie Young, one of the volunteer seamstresses says:
“The mice are only three inches tall and not necessarily the easiest clients to work with! We cut and stitch jackets, dresses and cloaks – designing the outfit as close as possible to historic garments of the period. We then spend hours beading, embroidering and felting, so that each mouse can assume its role, dressed in “authentic” Georgian mouse clothing. Having made four of new mice this year, I can’t wait to see where they fit into the story.”
The museum shop will also be packed with festive goodies to purchase as gifts, including mice, of course, and even real period Georgian trinkets in the antique section.
Tickets to Fairfax House at Christmas are £9.50 for adults and concessions are £8. Kids visit free with a paying adult. You will receive a free annual return ticket with every adult ticket.
Pre booking advised but walk ins are welcome.
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