• Join Santa for storytelling at Thinktank or breakfast at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery.

• Experience Aston Hall by candlelight or a Tudor Christmas at Blakesley Hall.

• Enjoy classic Christmas films in Thinktank’s Planetarium.  

Birmingham’s museums are set to sparkle this festive season with a host of joyful events and experiences for all ages, from magical meetings with Santa to historic celebrations by candlelight.

At Thinktank, Birmingham Science Museum, little ones can step into the magic of the season from 29 November at Santa’s grotto to enjoy a Christmas story read by Santa, before heading off to his workshop for a hands-on craft activity. While families get creative, each child will be invited to meet Santa personally to receive a special gift and for parents to take a photo to remember the day.

Over at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, families can start their day by having breakfast with Santa Claus in the stunning surroundings of its tearoom. The sound of jingling bells will announce the arrival of Santa, who will visit every table to hand out a special gift to each child and stop for a festive photo.

Thinktank Planetarium’s 360° dome will also be full of festive cheer, showing the classic Christmas-themed films The Muppet Christmas Carol, Gremlins, Elf and It’s A Wonderful Life on 12 and 13 December.  

Visitors to Blakesley Hall can experience the magic of a Tudor Christmas on selected Thursdays in December, with the historic house dressed for the season. A costumed festive guided tour exploring Tudor Christmas traditions and stories will end with traditional wassailing in the orchard in the Blakesley garden.

Meanwhile, one of Birmingham’s most atmospheric festive events, Aston Hall by Candlelight, is returning from 12 to 14 December. Visitors will be taken on a guided tour through the grand Jacobean mansion illuminated by flickering LED candlelight and will learn how modern Christmas traditions such as the yule log and Christmas tree came to be.

Zak Mensah and Sara Wajid, co-chief executives of Birmingham Museums Trust, said:  

“We’re thrilled to open our doors this festive season and invite everyone to experience the magic of our historic spaces. Whether it’s gathering for stories with Santa, stepping into the glow of candlelit Tudor halls, or discovering age-old traditions, there’s joy to be found for all ages.

“This is a time for togetherness, wonder, and celebrating the rich heritage that makes Birmingham so special.”

More information about what’s on at Birmingham Museums during the festive season can be found on the website.