Embark on a Heartwarming Festive Adventure with Father Christmas

This festive season, the Thackray Museum of Medicine is inviting families across Leeds to join Father Christmas on a magical 90-minute journey, exploring the diverse ways people celebrate Christmas around the world. This enchanting experience will offer an exciting blend of activities, crafts, and heartwarming moments with Father Christmas himself.

As part of this immersive adventure, guests can embark on a captivating activity trail throughout the museum, where they’ll uncover clues and enjoy some delightful winter crafting. Not only this, but you can strike a pose with Thackray’s very own sleigh for memorable photographs that will capture the joy of the season. 

The highlight of the experience is set to be the special audience with Father Christmas, where he will regale young and old alike with cosy festive stories. Each child will receive a thoughtfully selected gift to take home as a cherished keepsake of this unforgettable encounter.

Chief Executive Officer of Thackray Museum of Medicine, Edward Appleyard, remarked on the upcoming festivities, stating “Christmas, just like medicine, isn’t a simple story. It dates back to centuries of history from many cultures around the world, something we celebrate as being a strength of the rich diversity of Leeds and the communities that surround the Museum. It’s a great opportunity to learn about the breadth of culture we are able to represent here at Thackray, as we showcase worldwide Christmas culture in our second year of Festive celebrations.”

Alongside this, the audience with Father Christmas experience is scheduled one hour post entry time, meaning guests are able to explore and enjoy the museum’s captivating exhibits beforehand, including the critically acclaimed ‘On The Bench Exhibition’ that launched in August.

This heartwarming festive adventure promises fun and excitement for the entire family and is suitable for all ages. You can find tickets on the link HERE.

Dates for the BSL interpreted and relaxed experiences can be found below. 

BSL Interpreted Experiences:
Dates: Sunday, December 10 & Saturday, December 16
Details: For sessions booked on these dates, the audience with Father Christmas will feature a British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter, making the experience accessible to all.

Relaxed Experiences:
Dates: Saturday, November 25 & Sunday, November 26
Details: Specifically designed for children with additional sensory needs and anyone else who may benefit, these morning sessions offer a quieter environment and reduced capacity. These sessions can be booked separately.