Monday 12 November 2012

Christmas Past at The Geffrye Museum

400 Years Of Seasonal Traditions In English Homes

Tuesday 27 November 2012 – Sunday 6 January 2013

Each year, authentic festive decorations transform the museum's period rooms, giving visitors an evocative and captivating insight into how Christmas has been celebrated in English middle-class homes over the past 400 years. Step back through the centuries and discover the origins and meanings of some of the rich and vibrant traditions of Christmas past, from feasting, dancing and kissing under the mistletoe to playing parlour games, hanging up stockings, sending cards, decorating the tree and throwing cocktail parties.

Concert by Candlelight

Wednesday 12 December. Concert begins at 8.00pm, museum opens at 7.30pm. Tickets £15.00 in advance (includes a glass of sherry or port and a mince pie).

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

Please note that this event is now sold out.

Lunchtime Concert: The Hoxton Singers

Friday 14 December, 1.00pm. In the Chapel.

An entertaining and lively seasonal performance by the infamous local older people’s choir, The Hoxton Singers.

Workshop: Christmas Greenery

Saturday 15 December, 1.30 - 4.30pm. Tickets £30.00 (includes short talk, workshop and all materials).

Create festive arrangements with fresh greenery and a mixture of scented, natural ornaments, whilst learning about the origins of our Christmas traditions.

Exhibition Talk: Christmas Past in Focus

Saturday 15 December, 11.30am and repeated at 3.00pm. Free.

Explore the ghost of Christmas Past and learn about Victorian Christmas traditions in this informal gallery talk.

Open Evening: A Victorian Christmas

1870 room at Christmas Past (detail) photographed by Jayne Lloyd

Thursday 6 December, 5.00 - 8.00pm. Free admission.

Experience Christmas Past by candlelight, watch a musical performance inspired by The Pickwick Papers or a Christmas greenery demonstration, sing along to live festive music or bring children to a decoration-making workshop. Enjoy a festive supper in our restaurant or find an unusual gift from the shop. Come and be merry!