Have a Russian Christmas as Chatsworth decks the halls

RUSSIAN art, folk tales and the Nutcracker story are brought to life in this year's Christmas decorations at Chatsworth.

The estate in the Peak District, home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, will be open to visitors each day until Thursday, December 23.

A spokesman said: "The Sugar Plum Fairy is the inspiration for a candy-coloured confection in one corridor, while the chapel creates a Nativity scene with Russian peasants and two gigantic noble firs.

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Peter and The Wolf and other well-loved stories are brought to life in the house, with storytelling from the guides helping to create a magical Christmas experience.

"A sleeping brown bear, giant cossacks, peasants and snowflakes are all used to great effect on the Christmas journey, lit in the evocative glow of candlelight.

"The experience finishes with a magical walk through a snowstorm, created with stunning light effects in the sculpture gallery, which has been transformed into a frosty winter garden with its stone figures picked out as if by moonlight."

Activities at the estate also include children's dressing-up sessions, a Nativity in the farmyard, Christmas markets and performances from brass bands and choirs.