FOR the grandeur, magic and authentic festive feel of Christmas, there is only one place to go – Tatton Park.

Christmas at Tatton tops many season wish lists and this year is no exception.

Tatton has adopted the theme of the charming tale, The Nutcracker, and the mansion has been transformed into an enchanting world of sugar plum fairies, giant gingerbread men and enormous candy canes.

The project, in the making since January, is breathtaking: the attention to detail, astounding.

Visitors are taken on a tour of the sweeping mansion, following in the footsteps of protagonist Clara Stahlbaum and her special toy gift, The Nutcracker, and traversing the same fantastical journey.

After being greeted by The Nutcrackers standing guard at the entrance, visitors travel to the candle-lit, luxurious sugar plum fairy room, which sets the scene.

Next up is the decadent dining room, laid out for the Stauhlbaums to sit down for their Christmas feast.

As well as telling the story of The Nutcracker, the Christmas transformation helps visitors to imagine how the Egertons, who resided at the mansion for centuries, would have celebrated the season.

The 22ft Christmas tree, which took three days to decorate, dominates the hall and toys from the Egertons’ own collection nestle under the tree.

From there, visitors move through the grand staterooms; the library, music room and drawing room.

The library is barely recognisable, transformed into the battle ground of the toy soldiers and the army of mice, who are waging war on one another. Stepping over the threshold to the forest-adorned music room is like turning the page to a new chapter; the atmosphere transitions to serene, calm and tranquil.

The journey reaches its climactic end in the land of sweets; sugary-sweet aromas swirl around the room and the cotton-candy topped hut serves as the perfect photo opportunity.

The music also deserves a mention; Tatton has enlisted the help of choirs and musicians to help create a more authentic feel and mansion’s 18th century harpsichord, played by one of the tour guides, transports visitors back in time.

The experience does not end with The Nutcracker tour. Visitors are invited to the servants’ quarters, where younger visitors get the chance to dress up; Tatton’s in-house florist team offer traditional decoration demos; and costumed kitchen maids bake mince pies and cookies.

Come and experience all The Nutcracker Mansion has to offer at Tatton Park this Christmas; it will be open Friday December 12 to Sunday December 14 and Friday December 19 to Sunday December 21, from 11am-4pm (last entry 3pm).

Entry is £9 per adult and £5 per child and normal car park charges apply.

For more information call 01625 374400 or visit tattonpark.org.uk.