A North East museum will bring back its Victorian Christmas this winter, complete with Father Christmas, festive workshops and a new family pantomime.
Preston Park Museum in Stockton will take visitors back more than a century with its popular festive programme of traditional celebrations.
Councillor Nigel Cooke, cabinet member for environment, leisure and culture at Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, said: "Christmas is a truly magical time of year at Preston Park Museum as it offers people the chance to step back in time and soak in the atmosphere of a Victorian Christmas.
Preston Park Museum Christmas event 2025 (Image: Dawn McNamara Photography)
"We know the museum is a firm favourite for many people when they are choosing their Christmas activities and this year there's a packed programme on offer with different activities, events, and workshops too which will really help spread Christmas cheer.
"And the best way to find out about everything Preston Park has to offer is to sign up to the digital newsletter.
"It only takes a few minutes and you'll be the first to know when tickets go on sale."
Preston Park Museum Christmas event 2025 (Image: Dawn McNamara Photography)
The museum’s “A Magical Victorian Christmas” will run every weekend, giving families a taste of festive life more than a century ago.
The museum’s Victorian Street will be dressed with twinkling lights, garlands and period decorations.
A Museum Pass includes activities such as writing to the North Pole with dip pens and ink, listening to community choirs and making traditional crafts.
Children can meet Father Christmas in his traditional grotto on Victorian Street.
Preston Park Museum Christmas event 2025 (Image: Dawn McNamara Photography)
The weekend grotto experience costs £16 per child and includes a gift.
Visitors also need a Museum Pass to enter.
New for 2026, the Father Christmas Storytime Picnic will be held in the museum’s Music Room on Fridays, December 4, 11 and 18.
Sessions at 4pm and 5.30pm include a picnic, storytelling, hot chocolate and a gift.
Preston Park Museum Christmas event 2025 (Image: Dawn McNamara Photography)
Tickets cost £20 per child and must be booked in advance.
A quieter, relaxed session will take place at 4pm on December 11.
New this year, Same Difference Theatre will present the lively Goldilocks Christmas Show, a pantomime packed with songs, laughter and audience participation.
Twilight Christmas Evenings will take place at the museum on December 4, 11 and 18, from 6.30pm to 8pm.
Visitors can explore Victorian Street under festive lights after dark, with seasonal activities for all ages.
The on-site Christmas Shop will open on November 5 in the historic Hall’s Billiard Room, selling seasonal gifts and decorations.
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Festive workshops in the Music Room include wreath-making on November 26 and December 3, and watercolour Christmas-card sessions with artist Jo Pickering on November 14.
At a festive painting session on November 22, visitors can decorate their own Christmas cake.
For event details, tickets and Museum Pass bookings, visit the Preston Park Museum website.