FESTIVE films, live music and Christmas wreath-making are some of the events taking place at Leicester’s Guildhall this winter.
This weekend (Saturday 30 November – Sunday 1 December), the city’s medieval Guildhall hosts its annual Christmas Craft Fair, offering shoppers the chance to buy unique handmade gifts and locally-made arts and crafts.
A roaring fire, drinks from the Daisy Moon Bar, and a Christmas tree in the courtyard will add to the festive atmosphere.
Admission to the Christmas Craft Fair is £1 (no charge for children) and doors open at 11am.
Anyone who’s ever wanted to make their own Christmas wreath has an opportunity to do so at the Guildhall on Saturday 7 December. All materials will be provided and, at the end of the two-hour session, those attending will go home with a beautiful, traditional wreath. Tickets are priced at £35 and should be booked in advance.
Leicester Museum & Art Gallery is also getting in the Christmas spirit, with a free festive event that everyone’s invited to.
Taking place on Saturday 7 December, the event will include crafts for kids, with the chance to make a Christmas decoration, a free screening of the 1935 film Scrooge at 2pm, and a chance to pick up gifts from the museum shop – such as dinosaur-themed toys and items from the Made in Leicester range – at specially discounted prices.
Santa’s Magical History Tour will be running events at the Guildhall for the under-fives on 13 December and 20 December (tickets £6), with an event for older children on 13 December (tickets £10). All events will feature stories, interactive songs and lots of festive fun.
Sunday 15 December is movie day at the Guildhall, with the chance to see two classic Christmas films in the atmospheric setting of the medieval hall.
The Muppet Christmas Carol (U) will be shown at 12 noon and 3pm, while the Bruce Willis epic Die Hard (18) will be screened at 5pm. Tickets are £6 (Muppet Christmas Carol) and £8 (Die Hard).
Also at the Guildhall, there will be Christmas music, sung a cappella, from Ocho on Monday 16 December (£10), with the popular Kingfisher Chorale performing three concerts on 17, 19 and 21 December (£13).
Assistant city mayor for culture Cllr Vi Dempster said: “The Guildhall is the perfect venue for a festive fair or a Christmas concert, with its roaring fire and cosy ambience helping everyone to get into the Christmas spirit.
“Head to the museums’ website for full details of all these events, as well as information about many other events taking place between now and Christmas.”
Events taking place at Leicester’s Guildhall this winter can be found at leicestermuseums.org/leicester-guildhall