London for Christmas

Christmas Past - 400 Years Of Seasonal Traditions In English Homes
29 November 2011 – 8 January 2012

Recapture the magic of Christmas with a visit to the Geffrye, when the eleven period rooms are decoated in authentic festive style, evoking some of the rich and colourful traditions and celebrations of the past. From feasting, dancing and kissing under the mistletoe to playing parlour games, decorating the tree and throwing cocktail parties, the exhibition illustrates how Christmas has been celebrated in English class homes over the past 400 years.

Throughout the exhibition, festive food will be served in the restaurant and visitors can hunt for original gifts, decorations, cards and books in the shop.

Adults Workshop: All That Glitters
3 December, 13.30 - 16.00.
Tickets £30.00 (includes all materials).

Create a range of glitzy Christmas decorations using a variety of different techniques.

Workshop: Christmas Greenery
10 December, 13.30 - 16.30.
Tickets £30.00 (includes short talk, workshop and all materials).

Make festive arrangements with fresh greens and a mixture of scented, natural ornaments.

Exhibition Talk: Christmas Past in Focus
10 December, 11.30 and repeated at 15.00.

Explore Christmas traditions in this informal gallery talk.

Christmas Concert: Concert by Candlelight
15 December, concert begins at 20.00, museum opens at 19.30.
Tickets £14.50 in advance (includes a glass or sherry or port and a mince pie.

Acclaimed group Bocca Aperta returns to the Geffrye with a moving recital of a capella Christmas music.

Families Seasonal Family Day
3 December. Workshops run from 10.30 - 12.30 and from 14.00 - 16.00. Carol singing at 13.00 and 14.00

A lively day of Christmas workshops for children aged 3 and over, and carol singing for all ages with Andrea Robinson.

Open Evening: Find Your Festive Spirit
8 December, 17.00 - 20.00.

Enjoy Christmas Past by candlelight, listen to a seasonal gallery talk, sing along to live festive music or bring children to a decoration-making workshop. Come and get merrry!

Farewell to Christmas
6 January 2012, 16.00-17.00. Free admission.

Join in the Geffrye's own traditional burning of the holly and the ivy, celebrated with carol singing, stories about Epiphany and a taste of mulled wine and Twelfth Night cake. Please note that this event takes place in the garden, so wrap up warm!

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