Yule love A Victorian Christmas at Milton Keynes Museum December 1-3, 8-10 & 15-17

The countdown to Christmas is on, and Milton Keynes Museum will be turning back the clock and celebrating Yuletide with the return of its popular A Victorian Christmas – which is set to be bigger and better than ever!

Visitors can eat, drink and be merry with freshly roasted chestnuts to nibble on, and mulled wine, or a non-alcoholic alternative, served for just 20 shillings a glass, and you’ll want to be in tune if you fancy joining in with the Carols in the Parlour.

As you move around the Museum at leisure you’ll see all of the usual attractions which will have been dressed for the festivities, and the volunteers will be suitably attired too.

There will be more seasonal surprises; purchase Christmas sweets in the Post Office and get those stocking fillers and quirky gifts sorted at the Country Market (Sat & Sun only).

Children will experience real magic – come rain or shine there will definitely be snow in the Street of Shops, and some special Christmas crafts to keep them entertained.

If you want to make things even more special for the youngsters, book them in for a meeting with the man in red – Santa Claus is leaving home early this year and setting up his grotto at the Museum where he will be greeting and giving gifts to those boys and girls who have been good all year through. Or at least for some of it!

“There is nowhere else I would rather be in the lead up to the special ho-ho-holiday,” Santa said, “This year I am setting up my grotto in the Field Study Centre in the Museum grounds. It’s the perfect working space for the elves, and Rudolf and the other reindeer will be able to rest ahead of their Christmas Eve travels.

“We’re all super excited to be returning to the Museum,” he added.

Mrs Christmas will be busy making reindeer snacks to leave out for Santa’s aides on Christmas Eve – and visiting children will be encouraged to help out.

“Christmas is one of our favourite times here,” added Museum director Bill Griffiths, “Everything is sprinkled with a little magic and the excitement is palpable, and not just from the children on their way to meet Santa – adults feel it too!

“It’s a welcome chance to escape the pressures that Christmas can bring, and to get back to the real meaning of the season of goodwill; a time for togetherness. The fire will be roaring in the parlour to stave off any winter chills…and did we mention our moreish mince pies?

“Come and spend a little time with us this December and we guarantee your Christmas will be merry and bright!”

> For more details on A Victorian Christmas, and for tickets to visit Santa’s Grotto (pre-booking essential) visit miltonkeynesmuseum.org.uk