Christmas at York Castle Museum
Monday, 11th November 2024
Press release
11 October 2024
We’ve Got Christmas Covered!
16 November 2024 to 5 January 2025
Where can you experience the very best of a Victorian Christmas? Take a break from the 21st century and immerse yourself in all things traditional at York Castle Museum. The famous Victorian street, Kirkgate, welcomes visitors to wonder at the joys of a beautiful Victorian Christmas and entry to Kirkgate is included with admission. This beautiful twinkling street comes into its own at Christmas and its renowned period rooms are dressed to impress, plus there are many immersive experiences, perfect for children of all ages. It’s a chance to step into the much-loved world of Christmas and truly embrace the festive spirit.
It's cold outside, but in the warmth of our Victorian wonder, snow has settled and our shops are wreathed in festive greenery, displaying seasonal objects from our acclaimed collection which take you back to yesteryear. Take a quick photo sitting in our sleigh, get creative with a children’s decoration-making workshop, plus there is a chance to enjoy under 5’s storytelling from the wonderful Storycraft Theatre. Adults are also looked after so why not enjoy a craft workshop such as wreath making? (Adult workshops carry a charge, please see below and our website for details.)
Victorian Carol singers will be providing traditional musical entertainment on Mondays throughout the festive period, with additional performances from the musical miscreants, The Ran Tanners. Want to see the man himself? On Saturdays and selected weekdays leading up to the big day, as well as on Christmas Eve, a traditional Green Father Christmas will be wandering the snow-covered cobbles. Traditionally, a Green Father Christmas would talk of feasts, games, dancing and songs, bringing joy to everyone. Returning for another year, Scrooge will be performing on selected dates throughout November and December. Our Victorian Street serves as the perfect backdrop for Charles Dickens’ beloved tale A Christmas Carol.
There will also be special performances for schools and at an additional cost, an exclusive after-hours event. See website for details.
Want to experience a quieter Christmas? Tuesday 19 November and Tuesday 10 December will be quiet afternoons for those wanting to experience the festive joy in calmer settings.
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Make more of Christmas this year with this specially crafted programme. York Castle Museum’s Christmas is a great value way to soak up the Christmas spirit, providing entertainment for family and visitors throughout the festive season. Here are some dates for your diary. All included with entry.
• Ebenezer Scrooge Performances throughout the day on 17, 22, 24, 26, 29 November and 1, 3, 6, 13, 15, 17, 22 December.
• Green Father Christmas will grace us with his presence on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, 16, 20, 21, 23, 27, 28, 30 November, and 4, 5, 7, 11, 12, 14, 18, 19, 21 December, plus 24 December.
• Victorian Carol Singers create the ultimate Christmas feel on our Kirkgate on Mondays 18, 25 November, 2, 9, 16, 23 December with performances throughout the day.
• The Ran Tanners, a musical duo of roving miscreants, play traditional music of Georgian and Victorian England using Fiddles, Bagpipes and Squeezeboxes, bring fun and noise to Kirkgate on 8 and 20 December. 10.30am to 4pm.
• Storycraft Theatre brings the story of Christmas alive (suitable for under 5’s) at 11.15am, 12pm and 1pm, on 19, 26 November and 3, 10, 17 December.
• Family drop in Christmas decorations making 21 December, 10.30am to 3.30pm, suitable for all ages (under 16’s must be accompanied by an adult).
• Tales from the Trail, fun stories for visitors on 27, 28, 29, 30 and 31 December at 10.30am, 12pm, 2pm and 3.30pm (note: last performance on 31 December is 12pm) and 2, 3 and 4 January 2025.
Events and activities which carry an additional charge and must be booked in advance include:
• 17 and 18 December, 6.30pm to 8.30pm, An Evening with Ebenezer Scrooge (Suitable for 16+). Tickets cost £23 per person.
• 30 November, 10am to 1pm: Lino-printing Christmas cards workshop, £20 per person.
• 7 December, 10.30am to 12.30pm Christmas Wreath Making Workshop, £30 per person.
• 14 December, 10am to 1pm, Lino-printing Christmas Wrapping Paper Workshop, £20 per person.
There’s something for everyone and every pocket at York Castle Museum this Christmas! See York Castle Museum for information.
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Notes to Editors:
For details on York Castle Museum visit Yorkcastlemuseum.org.uk
Opens Monday 11am to 5pm, Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 5pm.
York Castle Museum, Eye of York, York, YO1 9RY. Telephone 01904 687687 for museum information only.
Tickets for York Castle Museum are £17 per adult and £10.20 per child. Concessions available. Ticket valid for 12 months. Children of York residents are free.
ENDS
For interviews, high resolution images or more information please contact:
Siona Mackelworth, Head of Communications & Marketing: siona.mackelworth@ymt.org.uk / 07483 825647 or Kendra Grahame-Clarke kendra@kendrapr.co.uk / 07910 214474