Christmas is coming! The winter months are a fantastic time to pay a visit to the three warm, inviting Colchester Museum sites as there is a whole host of festive fun and events that the whole family will be able to enjoy.
Let Colchester Castle, Hollytrees Museum and the Natural History Museum bring history to life this Christmas. Step inside the Castle and wonder at its twelve dazzling Christmas trees designed and decorated by community groups from across Colchester, adding that perfect festive touch!
The ever-popular annual Colchester Castle Christmas Open Evening will take place on Wednesday 11 December, 3pm – 8.30pm. As a very exciting festive treat the Castle will be opening its doors for FREE! Come and soak up the Christmas atmosphere with Christmas carols, entertainment and an opportunity to meet Santa. Entry to the Castle is free, however if you want to meet Santa and receive a gift there is a small £5 charge. You do not need to book the Grotto for the open evening simply turn up and wait!
On selected dates during December Colchester’s most magical Grotto is back and ready for little visitors. Step into an enchanted winter forest where Santa and his sleigh have arrived (until Christmas Eve at least). Meet Santa and receive a gift, then whisper your festive wish into a local oyster shell and place it on our tree. Price is £7.95 per person, advance booking required. Call 01206 282939 to book.
Don’t forget our new exhibition Adorn: Jewellery, The Human Story is still on display during the festive period. Included in Castle admission why not encourage the children to pick up an explorer backpack and journey through 3,000 years of history by exploring the hidden stories of jewellery and personal adornment with fun trails and tasks! With plenty to look at including Roman jewellery from Pompeii and some of the oldest gold objects from Britain.
Find the full programme of children’s events taking place throughout the festive period by visiting colchester.cimuseums.org.uk/events