Christmas at the V&A

CHRISTMAS AT THE V&A 3 December 2016 – 6 January 2017 Visit both our South Kensington and the V&A Museum of Childhood sites during the festive season as we celebrate a traditional Victorian Christmas inspired by the Museums’ collections and the era in which they were founded. Enjoy a programme of events and activities for all ages, including special displays, themed trails,tours, performances, workshops and more. For the occasion, StudioXAG have been specially commissioned to dress the Museums. Honouring Victorian Britain’s leading role in advanced engineering and technology, they have designed spotlight bold metal trees which will incorporate motifs from the V&A’s iron roof framework and will have handmade, bespoke decorations reminiscent of the Victorian heyday.Read more

SEASON'S GREETINGS: VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS CARDS 28 November 2016 – 5 January 2017 A small display of Christmas cards from the Museum'scollection, including the 'first Christmas card' commissioned by Henry Cole and designed by the artists John Callcott Horsley.Read more Free admission STAGING CHRISTMAS 26 November 2016 – 6 January 2017 Many of the Christmas traditions that we recognise today arose in the 19th century including Pantomime, Christmas trees and crackers. This display explores the ways in which theatre has embraced and celebrated the joys of Christmas over the last 150 years.Read more  Free admission PRESEPIO: AN ITALIAN NATIVITY SCENE 26 November 2016 – 6 January 2017  A traditional Neapolitan presepio, or Nativity scene, on view in the magnificent surroundings of the Santa Chiara chapel. Read more Free admission

GIVE MEMBERSHIP THIS CHRISTMAS  Give the gift that lasts all year. V&A Gift Membership will give free, unlimited entry to all our current and upcoming exhibitions over the next 12 months, plus many more benefits. Membership starts at just £57, with concessions for under-26 year olds and the over 60s. Read more  To buy go online, visit the Membership Desk in the Museum or call 020 7942 2271. Please purchase your gift by Monday 12 December for it to arrive in time for Christmas GIFTING AT THE V&A SHOP Solve all your Christmas shopping dilemmas at the V&A Shop. Discover beautifully crafted and design-led gifts as well as the V&A’s stunning selection of Christmas cards, calendars and diaries inspired by the V&A archive.  The V&A have also collaborated with award winning London chocolatiers, Rococo Chocolates to create this exclusive festive hamper. It is packed with a unique combination of beautiful V&A gifts and adelicious assortment of Rococo treats, perfect for sharing over Christmas. Shop now FAMILY ART FUN: CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR 26 November 2016 – 3 January 2017  Join us for Performances every Saturday andDrop-in Design every Sunday until 18 December. From 28 December, seek out Christmas objects from The Imagination Station, discover the Nutcracker in Pop-up Performance, take part in Christmas Stitch and festive Family-led Tours. Selected dates and times. Please see website for further details. Suitable for all the family EXHIBITIONS Visit our current exhibitions: You Say You Want A Revolution: Records and Rebels 1966 – 1970Until 26 February 2017 Opus Anglicanum: Masterpieces of English Medieval Embroidery Until 5 February 2017 Undressed: A Brief History of Underwear Until 12 March 2017 V&A Members go free CHRISTMAS TRAIL, TOURS & CAROL CONCERTS  Get into the Christmas spirit through a series of free events and activities. Seek out Christmas objects in the Museum’s collection through a playful onsite trail, join aChristmas tour to discover the history and connections that the V&A has with Christmas or enjoy free lunchtime carol concertsperformed by London choirs in the Grand Entrance.  VICTORIA AND ALBERT'S CHRISTMAS CAROL  4 – 23 December It’s Christmas 1843, and Queen Victoria is reunited with her beloved Prince Albert for the last time. This magical performance will feature festive stories, carols and dancing in the British Galleries. Read more and book Free, booking essential A HISTORY AND CELEBRATION OF PANTOMIME STUDY DAY 16 December, 15.00 – 17.00 Explore the history and culture of the pantomime as we celebrate the farcical, colourful and hilarious on National Panto Day 2016. Read more and book OH YES IT IS! TOYAH WILLCOXAND THE GREAT BRITISH PANTO  13 December, 19.00 – 20.45 (includes wine reception) Join actress, singer and celebrated pantomine performer Toya Willcox as she celebrates one of her and Britain’s best loved artforms. Toyah will be in conversation with Senior Curator and Pantomime Editor of the British Theatre Guide, Simon Sladen. Read more and book CHRISTMAS AT THE V&A MUSEUM OF CHILDHOOD 3 December 2016 – 6 January 2017Take a moment to be playful this season and explore the V&A Museum of Childhood as we invite you to scour the cabinets and cases to find Christmas interventions throughout the Museum, join in choral performances and get making in our Crafternoons. Read more ALSO IN LONDON... SOUTHBANK CENTRE  WINTER FESTIVAL SUPPORTED BY NATWEST 11 – 25 November 2016 Wrap up warm and soak in the Christmas atmosphere at our Winter festival. Enjoy sparkling forests, colourful markets and festive matinees.Read more KENSINGTON PALACE VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS 26 November 2016 – 2 January 2017 Experience a Victorian Christmas at Kensington Palace, the childhood home of Queen Victoria. Enjoy beautiful decorations, festive music, talks on Christmas traditions, lantern-making workshops and more. Read more  GEFFRYE MUSEUM  CHRISTMAS EVENTS 22 November 2016 – 8 January 2017 Countdown to Christmas….Visit the Geffrye to experience how Christmas has been celebrated over the past 400 years in Christmas Past. Enjoy festive shopping and food, late night openings and greenery workshops. Read more