LEICESTER’S historic museums are getting ready to deck the halls this Christmas, with festive events taking place in some of the city’s most atmospheric buildings.
From Christmas concerts and wreath-making, to festive films, afternoon teas and craft fairs, Leicester Museums have a packed programme of activities for all ages in the run-up to Christmas.
Venues including the Guildhall, Abbey Pumping Station, Jewry Wall Museum and the King Richard III Visitor Centre will be inviting visitors in to enjoy some seasonal entertainment this winter – with some events requiring advance booking.
Getting the festivities under way is the Guildhall’s annual Christmas Craft Fair, with dozens of stalls offering unique gift ideas created by local makers. Taking place on Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 November, it’s an opportunity for gift-hunters to wrap up their Christmas shopping in the festive setting of the medieval hall. Admission is £1, with no charge for children.
Abbey Pumping Station’s Christmas Steam Day on Sunday 29 November promises to be a family day out with something for everyone.
The pumping station’s majestic engines will be in full steam, vintage toys and vehicles will be on display, the narrow gauge railway will be running and there will be a chance to do some Christmas shopping at the museum shop.
There will also be music from a traditional brass band, refreshments from the café and freshly-made chips from the coal-fired chip van. Tickets are discounted when bought in advance, with a family ticket (two adults, two children) costing £17 when booked online (£20 on the door). There is no charge for children under 5.
Those looking for festive entertainment in an atmospheric setting will find a varied programme of events at Leicester’s Guildhall this Christmas.
On 1 December, audiences can enjoy two chilling tales from M R James, the master of the English ghost story. Presented by the Nunkie Theatre Company and performed by R M Lloyd Parry, Dead Men’s Eyes will feature A View From A Hill and The Treasure of Abbot Thomas. Tickets cost £13 (£11 concessions).
The Guildhall will also welcome Kingfisher Chorale, for traditional Christmas music and a glass of mulled wine, on 17, 21 and 23 December. Tickets cost £15, or £13 for concessions.
For families looking to settle down with a Christmas favourite, the Guildhall will host festive film screenings on Sunday 13 December, including the much-loved The Muppet Christmas Carol (£6) and Alastair Sim’s classic 1951 portrayal of Ebenezer Scrooge (£8).
There are opportunities to get creative too, with Christmas wreath-making sessions taking place at the Guildhall on 5 and 6 December. The two-hour sessions are run by an experienced tutor and all the materials needed for a beautiful wreath are provided. Places cost £40 and should be booked in advance.
Festive food is also on the menu at the museums this Christmas. The King Richard III Visitor Centre will host a Regal Christmas Afternoon Tea at 1pm on 5 December, costing £17.50 for adults and £12.50 for children. Places must be booked in advance, and a valid admission ticket for the visitor centre is also required.
Jewry Wall Museum will offer a festive afternoon tea for all the family at 3pm on Saturday 12 December, costing £17.50 for adults and £15 for children. Young visitors will also receive a small festive gift to take home. Advance booking required.
Assistant city mayor Cllr Vi Dempster said: “Our museums and heritage venues offer a wonderful way to celebrate the festive season. With everything from craft fairs and family fun to concerts, films and afternoon teas, there are lots of opportunities to enjoy Leicester’s historic attractions and get into the Christmas spirit.”
Full details of Leicester Museums’ Christmas programme are available at leicestermuseums.org/whats-on