Christmas at Caphouse
🎄 Seasons Greetings! Discover Santa in his magic workshop, plus enjoy a fun-filled programme of events over the Christmas period. 🎄
✨ Light Up Festival
Sat 22 November 2025, 10am-7pm, Free, just turn up
Join us for performances, dazzling lights, music, and a spectacular projection created by children and young people from across the district. Make your own lantern and join in with the unmissable community lantern parade. Plus, don’t forget to enjoy some tasty festive treats in the Museum Café.
🎅 Santa’s Magic Workshop
Sat 22 Nov – Wed 24 Dec 2025
£12.50-13.50 per child (£5.50-6.50 per adult), pre-bookable
Step into a world of festive wonder at our brand-new Christmas experience, Santa’s Magic Workshop! Meet Father Christmas and his busy team of elves, as they tinker away preparing for the big day in their twinkling, enchanted, toy-making workshop. Enjoy a very special, heartwarming Christmas story, and recieve a very special gift.
Christmas Market
Sunday 23 November, 10am-4pm, Free, just turn up
Get your Christmas shopping sorted in style at the Museum’s enchanting festive market, lovingly curated by Tilly & Primrose. Whether you’re hunting for stocking fillers, indulgent goodies, or something truly special, this charming event promises a magical shopping experience wrapped in holiday cheer. On the day we will also be offering a delicious festive afternoon tea (pre-booking required), making it the perfect Sunday trip out.
Festive Breakfast with Mrs Claus
Sat 6 & 13 December, 9am-10am, pre-bookable
£17.50 adults, £15 children, £60 Family Package (2 adults & 2 children)
Join us in our café for a magical breakfast with Mrs Claus. Enjoy a delicious festive breakfast as Mrs Claus delights guests with festive tales and spreads Christmas cheer. Perfect for families, this special event includes seasonal treats and plenty of opportunities for little ones to share their Christmas wishes.
Caphouse Creators (7-12 yrs)
Sun 7 December
11am-12.30pm & 2pm-3.30pm
£7 per child, pre-bookable
Step into the glow of Christmas past as you wire and solder your own Victorian style flickering candle. Using simple electronics and traditional techniques, you’ll create a charming festive decoration while learning about how Victorian miners and their families lit their homes over the festive season.
☃ Wacky Wednesday Christmas Special (Under 5s)
Wed 10 December
£5 per child, pre-bookable
Play and learn with your pre-schoolers through Christmas-themed interactive storytelling, activities, singing and crafts. Oh and if you’ve been good, a very special guest may be swinging by to say hello..!
The Polar Express Film Screening
Saturday 20 December at 1.30pm, pre-bookable £2.50 booking fee
Step into the magic of Christmas with a heartwarming screening of The Polar Express on. Whether you’re young or just young at heart, this enchanting film is the perfect way to kick off the festive season. Enjoy steaming mugs of hot chocolate and delicious festive treats available to purchase, all in a cosy Christmassy atmosphere.
🎁 Makers’ Shed
Every weekend (Saturday & Sunday) – Until Sun 21 December, Free, 11.30am – 3.30pm
(Mon 23 Dec – 11am-3pm, Tue 24 Dec, 10.30am-1pm)
Get crafty this Christmas and make your own festive decorations.
Horsekeeper Talks
School holidays and weekends, Free Drop-in
Pony Discovery Centre
Visit Eric, Ernie, Finn, Al and Bud. Join us for our Horsekeeper talks at 12pm, see what they are fed at 2.30pm.
Adult Art Workshop
Sun 14 December, £15, pre-bookable
Textile Printing with Ali Taylor – Explore traditional printing techniques to create vibrant fabric designs inspired by mining and industrial architecture. Play with shape, contrast, and texture to craft your own unique textile piece.
Tours:
Pithead Baths Explore
Wed-Sun, 12pm, Free
Meet at Pithead Baths
Discover the daily routines of miners, from the start to the end of their day, in this fun family tour!
🚶 Heritage Walk
Thu 18 December
Free, 10am, pre-bookable
Enjoy a festive ramble? Fascinated by local heritage? Combine the two by joining our friendly guide in this 2-hour circular walk around the Museum. Discover shadows of the industry hidden in the landscape that may surprise you!
Festive treats are available from the Café and there will be chance to catch up on your Christmas shopping at the Museum Shop.
Other activities also include our Nature Trail, Discovery Spots and much more!
PLEASE NOTE: THE MUSEUM IS CLOSED MONDAYS & TUESDAYS
