Enjoy unforgettable festive celebrations at Beamish, The Living Museum of the North

Step back in time and enjoy the magic of Christmas past at Beamish, The Living Museum of the North from Saturday 22 November to Wednesday 24 December.

From twinkling decorations to delicious seasonal treats, nostalgic music and hands-on activities, the award-winning County Durham open air museum will be brimming with Christmas cheer, offering something for everyone to enjoy.

As you travel around the museum, meet merry costumed folk and discover how they’re getting ready for the festive season, from the 1820s to the 1950s.

Visit Pockerley Old Hall to discover how Christmas was celebrated over 200 years ago in Georgian times. Admire the festive greenery and historical food displays.

Experience a traditional miners’ Christmas in The 1900s Pit Village, don’t forget to take a walk through Elf Wood to see what the elves are up to!

Take a stroll down the Edwardian cobbled street and see the homes and shopfronts beautifully decorated for the season. Indulge in freshly baked festive treats from Herron’s Bakery, pick out your favourite sweets from Jubilee Confectioners and browse The Town stalls for unique Christmas gifts. Don’t forget to complete the Christ-mouse trail!

Head to The 1940s Farm to discover how people celebrated a wartime Christmas with ration recipes and handmade gifts.

Step into a 1950s Christmas, see how the decorations in the decade differ from the earlier time periods, enjoy the community cheer in the welfare hall and treat yourself to a seasonal hairstyle at Elizabeth’s Hairdresser’s (small charge applies). Don’t forget to call into the 1950s toy shop to pick up gifts for the young and young at heart!

Don’t forget to call into 1950s Spain’s Field Farm to see the period decorations and traditional touches.

Visit Father Christmas in his twinkling Grotto at Rowley Station Goods Yard (Grotto tickets must be booked online in advance, subject to availability, and aren’t available to purchase at the museum).

See either Father Christmas or Mrs Claus travelling around the museum in traditional transport on weekends and local school holidays – be sure to give them a wave as they pass by.

Paul Foster, Beamish Museum’s Events Manager, said: “The magic of Christmas past will come to life at Beamish Museum from Saturday 22 November right up until Christmas Eve.

“Join us as we tell the story of the North East during the 1820s, early 1900s, 1940s and 1950s. Stroll around the beautifully decorated museum, enjoy the traditional tastes of Christmas and make unforgettable memories with your loved ones.”

Visitors can also enjoy a selection of classic Christmas films in the 1950s cinema, guaranteed to get you in the festive spirit. From old favourites including Miracle on 34th Street (1947), The Holly and the Ivy (1952) and White Christmas (1954), to Arthur Christmas (2011), Elf (2003) and How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000), there are feel-good films that the whole family can enjoy together. The Grand Christmas Cinema screenings are separate ticketed events and pre-booking is essential. Tickets are available at www.beamish.org.uk

Plus, enjoy all your favourite Beamish Museum experiences with added festive cheer!

Christmas at Beamish daytimes are included in admission and are free to Unlimited Pass holders and Friends of Beamish members, pay once and visit free for a year.

The fun continues after Christmas with Twelfth Night Celebrations from 27 December 2025 to 4 January 2026 (Closed 1 January). Plus, The Beamish Amateur Dramatic Society will be putting on its own adaptation of Dick Whittington and his Cat in the 1950s welfare hall on weekends in January and February (small extra charge for panto tickets, which must be pre-booked online, subject to availability. Tickets will be available soon, see Beamish website for more information).

For more information about Christmas at Beamish, including full opening times, visit www.beamish.org.uk