You Could Celebrate the Holidays at the Real-life 'Downton Abbey' Castle

No one celebrates the holidays quite like the Crawleys. And now, you can ring in the festivities just like the high-born, English family from “Downton Abbey.”

On Dec. 15, Premium Tours will be holding a Christmas Ball in true Edwardian fashion at Highclere Castle – the famous mansion used as the setting for the Masterpiece Classic show, “Downton Abbey.” As part of the one night event the current owners of the home (yes, people do live there), the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon will welcome guests to sip champagne, nibble on canapés and enjoy guided tours of the house to discover its own rich history as well as the history of the beloved TV show.

After a short reception, guests will also enjoy a three-course meal, including a starter, dessert, and main course with a choice of roasted turkey breast or a vegetarian baked “Goldcross” goat’s cheese. Surely, Mrs. Patmore would approve.

Guests will also be able to enter a free raffle to win amazing prizes like Lady Carnarvon’s novel, “Lady Catherine, the Real Downton Abbey,” or Eurostar tickets to Paris plus chocolate and (more) champagne. And the final treat of the evening includes Christmas carols by the fire.

Booking this special evening begins at £490 (just over $623 USD) per person, including seniors, students and children between the ages of three and 16. Suit and tie or cocktail dresses are required for the night, not that any of us need an excuse to dress up for a fancy party at a castle. If anything, don’t be surprised if people show up in full-on early 20th century regalia.

Premium Tours also offers a luxury motor coach that leaves London at 4 p.m. local time and returns to the city around 1 a.m.

More information on this opulent night of holiday festivities can be found on the Premium Tours website.