It’s VisitYork’s largest visitor attraction of the year, but Christmas is the most magical time to call in at Castle Howard. MATT CLARK went to see the preparations.

YOU know what people say about swans; they glide effortlessly and elegantly across the water, but under the surface legs are paddling furiously.

It's been a bit like that at Castle Howard this week as staff rushed around to prepare the house for its Christmas opening tomorrow.

The biggest job was to carry giant fir trees into the great hall and long gallery. This took a team of 12 men from the estate to navigate past the busts and plinths. Then there was the small matter of making the trees stand up straight, armed with little more than a long stick. Fortunately everything went to plan.

Elsewhere, oak branches have been painted and adorned with baubles to create the traditional Howard family twigs, smaller trees evoke memories of family Christmases gone by, while foliage and berries gathered from the estate, have been crafted into wreaths to line the grand staircase.

There are winter garlands and floral arrangements, all of which will be glow in candle and firelight, not to mention the new attraction for 2014: a huge red painted twig tree in the garden hall, which Kelly Smith has painstakingly decorated with glass ornaments.

"We are using scaffolding to decorate the larger trees and have lots of people on hand to thread baubles, hang decorations and untangle lights, " says Kelly. "It’s been worth it though, the results are spectacular."

Indeed they are and not only in the house. There are more than 60 Christmas trees lining the drive, adding extra sparkle to the grounds and the gift shops have been transformed into winter wonderlands with hundreds of baubles.

The baker is also in on the act making some 2,500 festive scones and a range of traditional Christmas cakes which will go on sale in the estate's farm shop.

"Getting the house ready for Christmas has been a big job, with the family and staff all working together, often into the night to make sure everything is ready," says Kelly. "It really looks amazing."

Now Castle Howard is set to glide swanlike and elegantly towards Christmas, thanks to those furiously paddling legs.

Castle Howard is open for Christmas from this Saturday until December 21. Standard admission charges apply.