Discover the Magic of Christmas Through the Ages at Beamish Museum

Visitors are invited to step into a festive journey through time and experience the wonder of Christmas, from the elegance of the Georgian era all the way to the fabulous 1950s.

Beamish Museum offers something for everyone as the countdown to the big day begins the traditional way. From twinkling decorations and delicious seasonal treats to nostalgic music and hands-on activities, the museum provides a truly immersive experience.

A Historical Christmas Journey

The time-travelling Christmas adventure begins with the elegance of an 1820s Christmas at Pockerley. Guests can soak in the scent of festive greenery, admire historical food displays, and gain expertise into how Christmas was celebrated over two centuries ago.

A stroll down the stunning 1900s cobbled street reveals homes and shopfronts beautifully decorated for the season. Visitors can indulge in freshly baked festive treats from the bakery, pick up sweet delights from the sweet shop, and browse charming market stalls for unique gifts. An opportunity to capture the moment is available at the Photography Studio, complete with winter costumes (a small charge applies).

The popular Christmouse Trail returns, with even more to find across both the 1900s Town and the 1900s Pit Village and Colliery. Trail cards can be collected from various locations, and stamps are available upon completion at the 1900s Town printers and the 1900s Pit Village School.

Over in The 1900s Pit Village, visitors can experience a traditional miners’ Christmas, characterised by beautifully decorated cottages and the warm glow of community spirit.

Wartime to Retro Festivities

The journey continues to a wartime Christmas at The 1940s Farm, where the Land Girls are hard at work preparing for the holidays. Here, guests discover how people celebrated with ration recipes and handmade gifts, highlighting the resourcefulness of the era.

A stop at The 1950s Spain’s Field Farm reveals how families of the decade marked the festive season, complete with period decorations and traditional touches.

Finally, The 1950s Town promises a retro Christmas unlike any other. Visitors can explore the 1950s toy shop, catch a film at the cinema, admire classic 1950s decorations, and even treat themselves to a hairstyle at the salon (an additional charge applies). The warm community cheer in the Welfare Hall is also not to be missed.

To keep warm and well-fed throughout the exploration, hearty festive food is on offer across the museum—from hot sandwiches and steaming pies to rich hot chocolates and indulgent winter warmers.

Take a look at the museum map here.