Janis P.
Over the Christmas holidays, many of the UK’s best museums have some fantastic events for families, so we’ve handpicked a few of our favourites to share here with you. Please feel free to add activities or events from your local museum too using the comments box below, and check out Kids In Museums to find out more about the UK’s most family friendly museums.
Ulster Museum, Northern Ireland
Throughout December the Ulster Museum has something for every child to join in with. Craft workshops run daily until 23rd December where your kids can make Christmas angels and decorations to take home, discover winter animals up-close and learn about Christmas toys from days-gone-by. What’s more, on 15th December you can catch a special showing of The Snowman and Father Christmas, or watch Miracle on 34th Street on 22nd December. Ulster Museum presents a great day out for the school holidays and is definitely one for multiple visits.
http://www.nmni.com/um/What-s-on/Courses—Workshops/Kids-Christmas-Crafts
London Science Museum
For something to do towards the end of the holidays, head to London’s famous Science Museum between 22nd December and 6th January. Make paper snowflakes, learn why crackers go bang and discover whether reindeers really can fly! A fortnight packed with free, interactive shows and storytelling events, the London Science Museum should be part of every family’s educational Christmas.
http://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/Home/visitmuseum/christmas_2012.aspx
Museum of London Docklands
The Museum of London Docklands has a festive schedule that will leave you busier than Santa’s elves. Aimed more at the over 5s, gather at the museum from 8th December to make felt decorations and badges, listen to Christmas stories, make Victorian paper toys, visit Santa’s Grotto or, for the more daring children, go and pay a visit to old Ebenezer Scrooge!
http://www.museumoflondon.org.uk/Docklands/Whats-on/Family-events/
Nottingham Contemporary
Every weekend in December the Nottingham Contemporary museum is hosting a variety of alternative Christmas events. Attend the ‘Haitian Christmas’ weekend and help build a grotto, decorate an upside down Christmas tree, make your own wrapping paper and look out for Santa Zebra! If this sounds a bit too much, then take part in Nottingham Contemporary’s Read and Relax weekend – bring your favourite book to chill out before the big day. Some great ideas.
http://www.nottinghamcontemporary.org/event/family-weekends-0
National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh
For the more traditional amongst you, attend concerts by local choirs, take part in a drawing competition or practice your Soldiers and Snowflakes dance steps at the National Museum of Scotland which has a bit of everything going on this Christmas. Take part in a spectacular, local tradition on New Year’s Eve too as the museum sets off Edinburgh’s hogmanay celebrations right outside its doors.
http://www.nms.ac.uk/our_museums/national_museum/whats_on/everyone/festive_museum.aspx
Liverpool World Museum
Not booked to go and see a pantomime this year? Never fear, on December 22nd the Liverpool World Museum is hosting its very own version of Aladdin, and it’s free! Want to do something a bit more crafty? Head to the greetings card workshop on December 16th or the innovative Inuit snow goggles workshop on December 29th and 30th. With the first snowfall already landing in the UK, you might find a pair of snow goggles is just what you need!
http://www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/events/wml/
What’s on at your local museum or gallery over the school holidays? Add a comment below!
