Waddesdon Manor is gearing up for a sparkling Christmas season with a Sleeping Beauty-inspired transformation.

From November 15 to January 5, the manor promises a magical festive experience featuring decorated interiors, light projections, a glittering garden trail, and a Christmas market.

The Sleeping Beauty story, cherished by generations, holds special significance for the Rothschild family.

In 1913, James and Dorothy de Rothschild commissioned Belarusian artist Léon Bakst to paint panels depicting scenes from the tale, using Rothschild family members and pets as models.

(Image: National Trust)

For the first time since installation, four of these panels will be moved to the Red Ante Room for the Christmas season.

The manor's grand rooms will come alive with theatrical installations, projections, and soundscapes, brought together by a team of designers and artists.

The White Drawing Room will be reimagined by Tom Piper MBE, a renowned theatre designer, with an installation evoking the Sleeping Beauty story.

Visitors can follow the tale through the house, with surprises in every room.

Paper artist Andy Singleton returns to Waddesdon with an extraordinary paper sculpture of a dragon for the Smoking Room, drawing on the character of Maleficent.

Outside, the Sleeping Beauty story continues with bespoke projections on the Manor façade by motion graphics designer Jamie Shiels.

The grounds will be transformed into a kaleidoscope of colour, lights, and music, with highlights including a tunnel of lights, a giant Christmas bauble, pixel trees, and illuminated reindeer.

A walk-through installation at the Stables will showcase artworks by school children, based on the theme 'Happily Ever After'.

Waddesdon’s popular Christmas Fair, running until December 22, offers a festive shopping experience with artisan stalls in wooden chalets.

(Image: National Trust)

A dedicated Food Village will provide a selection of takeaway food and drink for visitors to enjoy while exploring the grounds.

Visitors can also indulge in a special festive afternoon tea in the Manor Restaurant.

New for this year, visitors can enjoy five late-night openings on selected Fridays, giving more time to explore everything on offer.

The grounds will be open from midday to 9pm, and the house from 12.30pm to 8pm on November 22, November 29, December 6, December 13, and December 20.

Pippa Shirley, Director of Waddesdon, says: “Taking the story of Sleeping Beauty and the genius of Leon Bakst as our starting point seems completely appropriate.

"I’m particularly excited about the ways in which our contemporary designers and artists are responding to the inspiration of Bakst and Waddesdon. It promises to be an unforgettable year.”