Step Back in Time During Christmas at Beamish, 23rd November to 24th December*
Visitors to Beamish Museum this Christmas can discover unforgettable and unique yuletide celebrations, starting this weekend (23rd November).
Christmas at Beamish daytimes run from 23rd November to 24th December 2024, with delightful decorations, festive food, merry music and Christmas crafts – a chance to join in the celebrations of generations past. From Georgian times right the way through to the 1950s, be immersed in an enchanting Christmas through time.
Join in the Georgian festivities at 1820s Pockerley Old Hall, with festive greenery and food displays.
Take a walk through Elf Wood to see what the mischievous elves are getting up to. In The 1900s Pit Village, see the mining families all set for Christmas in the traditionally-decorated pit cottages.
Stroll down the beautiful Edwardian cobbled street in The 1900s Town and see the exquisitely-decorated homes and shops, and tuck into delicious festive treats from the bakery and sweet shop. Browse the stalls for that perfect present, or stop off for a festive photo in the 1900s photography studio, where there’s a stylish range of winter costumes (small extra charge applies). Be sure to keep a look out for the merry little mice hiding around The Town…
At The 1940s Farm, the Land Girls are preparing for Christmas, with homemade gifts and ration cooking on the menu. Don’t forget to call into 1950s Spain’s Field Farm to find out how the residents are celebrating the festive season.
Call into the new toy shop in The 1950s Town to explore a wide range of great gifts for the young and the young at heart. See the 1950s decorations, take a trip to the cinema, get a fabulously festive 50s hairstyle (small extra charge applies) and experience Christmas community spirit in the welfare hall.
Across the museum visitors can enjoy festive food and drink, including hearty pies, hot sandwiches, and a range of indulgent hot chocolates.
Keep an eye out for Father Christmas or Mrs Claus travelling around site in their splendid horse-drawn carriage on weekends!
Paul Foster, Events Manager, said: “We can’t wait to celebrate the Christmas season at the museum – it’s definitely a highlight of the year for us!
“Visitors can enjoy our traditional decorations, delicious festive food, Christmas music and crafts, and there’s even a fun museum-wide trail to complete – can you find all of the Christmas characters?
“With more to see than ever this Christmas, with the completion of our 1950s Town, including a cinema and toy shop, and our new Georgian Drovers Tavern and pottery, this is set to be one of our most spectacular Christmas events yet!”
The opening of the 1950s cinema means that this year the museum is also hosting a series of festive Grand Cinema Events. Visitors can enjoy Christmas movies in the 1950s Grand cinema – How the Grinch Stole Christmas on 1st December, The Muppet Christmas Carol on 8th December and White Christmas on 22nd December. Find out more at www.beamish.org.uk.
This year there’s also the chance to wear your love for Christmas and Beamish on your sleeve with the launch of the museum’s very own Christmas jumper! Inspired by exhibits including The Tramway, Waggonway and the Edwardian sweet shop. Available from Beamish’s gift shop and online shop, see www.beamish.org.uk/shop.
As well as our new jumper, you’ll find lots of amazing Christmas gift ideas for all your friends and family at Beamish’s online shop and at the museum.
Christmas at Beamish daytimes are included in admission and are free to Unlimited Pass holders and Friends of Beamish members, pay once and visit free for a year.
The fun continues after Christmas with Twelfth Night Celebrations from 27th December 2024 to 5th January 2025. Plus, The Beamish Amateur Dramatic Society will be putting on its own adaptation of Jack and the Beanstalk in the 1950s welfare hall on weekends in January and February (small extra charge for panto tickets, which must be pre-booked online, subject to availability. Tickets will be available soon, see Beamish website for more information).
*Winter Opening Times:
4th November 2024 – 13th December 2024: Open Wednesday-Sunday, 10am-4pm
14th – 24th December 2024: Open daily, 10am-4pm
25th and 26th December 2024: Closed
27th December 2024 – 5th January 2025: Open daily, 10am-4pm
6th January 2025 – 21st February 2025: Open Friday-Sunday, 10am-4pm
22nd February 2025 – 2nd March 2025: Open daily, 10am-4pm
3rd – 30th March 2025: Open Wednesday-Sunday, 10am- 4pm