Christmas detective mystery with 400 mice at Fairfax House

Fairfax House and volunteers from the York Civic Trust are seeking help this Christmas in solving the mystery of 'A Christmas Mousetery: The Case of the Missing Ruby'.

The event, which is set to take place from now until January 5, 2025, sees more than 400 mice take over Fairfax House in Castlegate to tell the festive story of the Highway Mouse and the Christmas morning theft of the Fairfax Ruby.

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After discovering that the culprit did not work alone, visitors are asked to assume the role of the detective - reading witness statements and investigating clues dotted around the home - to work out which of the home’s residents was the Highway Mouse’s accomplice.

Aimed primarily at families but suitable for people of all ages, guests will be given free reign to explore each room of the house and spot all of the hidden mice hiding in every nook and cranny.

Some of the highlights include a group of jewel thief mice suspended from the air by the stairs, a hidden Highway Mouse in each room, a handful of mice enjoying the Christmas festivities, and an Adam and Eve creation in one of the house’s many bedrooms.

The Highway Mouse with the Fairfax Ruby (Image: Alice Kavanagh) The house took five days to set up and a team of volunteers have spent hours creating costumes and props for each of the mice.

Sandie Young, one of the volunteer seamstresses, said: “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 the new mice this year, I can’t wait to see where they fit into the story.”

A mouse shows off her art (Image: Alice Kavanagh) Sarah Burnage, curator at Fairfax House, said: “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.

Mouse-rie Antonette enjoying a fine meal (Image: Alice Kavanagh) "There’s something for all the family to enjoy this Christmas a Fairfax House.”

Tickets to Fairfax House are an annual pass, with no extra charge for Christmas, priced at £9.50 for adults, £8 for concessions, and children free with a paying adult.

Mice can also be purchased to take home in the museum gift shop.