The sound of jingle bells can be heard across the city as Christmas comes to Birmingham Museums. Take a visit to the museums and historic properties to celebrate the festive season with dazzling events and activities for everyone to enjoy.
Thinktank, Birmingham Science Museum
Get immersed in the world of science this Christmas at Thinktank, Birmingham Science Museum. Kick off the festive season by helping to decorate MiniBrum, Thinktank’s mini city attraction on Saturday 30 November and Sunday 1 December. MiniBrum was designed with the help of children, so it only seems right to let them get creative and help with the festive decorating! Families can share their own traditions and join in with activities, including tree decorating, paper chain making, snowflake cutting, plus much more, to make sure MiniBrum is looking its best for this special time of year. One very important man will be taking time out of his busy schedule to officially celebrate with everyone too! Activities are included in the price of admission to Thinkank, making your visit extra special.
Continue the celebrations and follow the festive trail around the museum from Sunday 1 December to Monday 23 December to see if you can find all the naughty Christmas elves. Visit the Planetarium for seasonal fun and join an adventure through the solar system with Vladimir the polar bear and James the travelling penguin.
Refuel during your visit at the Signal Box Café with tasty food in a fun family setting, dining next to iconic objects that tell the story of Birmingham’s transport revolution, such as the City of Birmingham locomotive.
Plan your visit to Thinktank at www.birminghammuseums.org.uk/thinktank.
Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery
Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery (BMAG) will be getting a sprinkling of Christmas magic this festive season. See the museum decked for Christmas and join in with a festive wellbeing sing-a-long with Quinborne Choir on Friday 20 December. As well as being a wonderful way for everyone to celebrate, singing can be therapeutic and has been proven to have positive benefits for those with dementia and mental health conditions. Gather in the Round Room from 1 – 2pm to sing and enjoy Christmas classics and leave with a warm festive feeling.
The British Sign Language (BSL) Santa’s Grotto will be open at BMAG on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 December from 3.30 – 4.30pm, where a BSL interpreter will accompany Santa as he spreads Christmas cheer to families.
Stop off at the Edwardian Tearooms to enjoy a delicious three-course Christmas lunch or a new festive afternoon tea until Monday 23 December. A visit to the Edwardian Tearooms is the perfect way to relax, stay in the warm and continue a festive visit to BMAG.
Find out more at www.birminghammuseums.org.uk/bmag.
Experience Christmases past and visit the Historic Properties
Once upon a time in a festive land, far, far away, there stood a grand old mansion filled with magic this Christmas. Join the family festivities at Aston Hall on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 December as your favourite fairy tales and pantomimes come to life in the Hall’s spectacular surroundings.
See Birmingham’s magnificent historic properties decorated for the season and explore how Christmas was celebrated in the past by joining one of the special festive tours.
You can find out how the Georgians celebrated with a tour of Soho House, hear the history of a Tudor Christmas at Blakesley Hall, celebrate in style at Museum of the Jewellery Quarter with costumed guides, and see Aston Hall beautifully decorated for the season in all its splendour. Tours take place on various days throughout December, so be sure to check the website for more details. www.birminghammuseums.org.uk/whats-on
There are lots more festive happenings across the historic properties too. Santa will be making his way over to Blakesley Hall on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 December. Come along and meet Father Christmas in the perfect setting of the Great Hall! Littles ones can make a Christmas card to take home and write a letter to Santa and the elves, ready for the big day.
For adults looking to get crafty this Christmas, there is the Christmas wreath workshop at Museum of the Jewellery Quarter on Saturday 7 December from 12 – 4pm. You’ll be inspired by the historic surroundings of the museum and guided through the workshop to create your very own decorative Christmas wreath. Tickets must be booked in advance, so don’t miss out.
Find out more about the festive events across Birmingham Museums at www.birminghammuseums.org.uk/category/christmas.
Unique Christmas gifts
Looking for unique gifts for loved ones that will impress on Christmas morning? Look no further.
Visit the enchanting Sarehole Mill for the Christmas Craft Fair on Sunday 1 December. There will be crafts, vintage treats, and handmade goods on sale for some inspiring gift ideas.
There is a truly unique range of gifts available from our museum shops, including at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery where you can find fantastic gifts from local makers and bespoke treats for museum and art lovers. Shop the bespoke range inspired by the city’s museum collection from the comfort of your own home at shop.birminghammuseums.org.uk/.
Your purchase will help Birmingham Museums Trust to care for Birmingham’s unique collection and heritage, ensuring it can continue to inspire future generations.
