In his many writings about Christmas, Charles Dickens said: “But I am sure that I have always thought of Christmas time, when it has come round as a good time; a kind, forgiving, charitable, pleasant time; the only time I know of, in the long calendar of the year, when men and women seem by one consent to open their shut-up hearts freely.”
Dickens had much to say about Christmas in particular through his book A Christmas Carol. So, I’m sure this great Victorian writer would have approved of this year’s celebration of the festive season to be staged by Wymondham Heritage Museum.
On November 29th and 30th, the museum is holding a Dickensian Christmas. You can join in the festivities from 12noon to 5pm on each day. Admission is free, something that would no doubt have gained the approval from that mean Dickens’s character, Scrooge, following his joyous conversion from miser to benefactor. Listen out for the sound of jingling bells; it’ll be Father Christmas arriving in his sleigh.
The museum will be transformed with Christmas decorations and lights, creating a Dickensian and Victorian-style Christmas. The dungeon will have a Dickensian theme too, with a Christmas Carol escape room.
There will be Christmas music throughout the museum, plus a children’s choir. In the Tearoom bedecked with traditional decorations, you can relax and enjoy seasonal fayre including mince pies, sausage rolls and other festive treats.
For the children, a special Dickens Christmas Trail challenges them to find the author’s books hidden around the museum. Note the clues to solve the Christmas word or phrase and win a prize. There are also other games to win prizes, including last year's popular Poke a Tree, while upstairs in the Bridewell room, they can show their creative skills with Christmas crafts and activities. Everything they need will be provided.
And, of course, the man in the red coat and white beard will be there. What was once the prisoners' remand cell will be transformed into a grotto for Father Christmas and his elves to greet wide-eyed youngsters. He will be there between 1pm and 4pm each day. There is a charge, but each child will receive a present.
If you’re looking for stocking fillers, don’t miss the stall of museum gifts and homemade crafts. Make sure you buy a raffle ticket for the chance to win some great prizes.
The museum’s elves are still busy getting everything ready so keep an eye on our social media pages for more information.
As Charles Dickens wrote: “There seems a magic in the very name of Christmas. And so, as Tiny Tim observed, God bless us, every one!"
