The Museum of Somerset is preparing plenty of festive family fun for the Christmas holidays. The Museum will be open until 2.00 pm on Christmas Eve, and will then close for Christmas and Boxing Day before re-opening on Tuesday 27 until 31 December.
Christmas events start on Thursday 1 December with late night opening from 5.00 pm to 8.00 pm. There will be community carol singing and crafts as part of Christmas Fest LIVE celebrations on Castle Green and late night shopping in the town. This is a free drop-in event.
Santa’s Grotto will be open on Saturday 3, 10, 17 and 24 December, as well as on Wednesday 21 December between 10.00 am and 5.00 pm. Families are encouraged to book their time slot in advance to avoid disappointment. Throughout December families can also enjoy the Reindeer Trail around the museum in search of cuddly reindeer. Santa’s Grotto costs £4 per child, and includes a gift, and the Reindeer Trail costs £1 per child.
The Museum is also hosting two festive musical events, including seasonal and local songs.
On Saturday 10 December at 7.30 pm the museum welcomes the Voice of the People Community Choir and Halsway Manor Choir for ‘A West Country Christmas.’ Directed by Yvette Staelens, they will perform traditional and folk carols from the West of England. Tickets are £8.50 and booking is advised.
The evening compliments ‘Somerset Sisters in Song,’ a new exhibition at the museum which explores the story of Cecil Sharp and folk song collecting. The exhibition focuses on the female singers who sang hundreds of songs to Sharp in the early 1900s.
On Tuesday 20 December at 7.30 pm the acclaimed historical musicians GreenMatthews will perform ‘A Medieval Christmas’. The evening will feature long-forgotten festive songs played on authentic instruments. Tickets are £12.50 and booking is advised.
Susie Simmons, Visitor Services Manager at the museum, said: “We’re really looking forward to welcoming visitors to our festive events this Christmas. Santa’s Grotto looks magical for the children and the musical events will be the perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit.”
Full opening hours
Tuesday 20 to Friday 23 December 10.00 am – 5.00 pm (last entry 4.30 pm)
Christmas Eve 10.00 am – 2.00 pm
Christmas and Boxing Day – closed
Tuesday 27 to Saturday 31 December 10.00 am – 5.00 pm (last entry 4.30 pm)
January 10 to 13 the museum has its annual closed period allowing essential behind-the-scenes work to take place
Booking
Santa’s Grotto is via the museum on 01823 255088 with concert tickets available via www.ticketsource.co.uk/themuseumofsomerset