Christmas

Christmas Time

30 November – 31 December*

Visit the American Museum & Gardens in December for a beautiful winter day out this Christmas time, with so much to see and do across the site! Please see full information for opening times below.

Festive Trail

Open now

Families are sure to love our Festive Trail with the cute characters from Alice Tait’s storybook No, Nancy, No! A Dog Chase in New York. Explore the gardens and Museum to find all the pictures of dogs playing in their Santa hats, using Alice’s beautiful map as your guide. With fun, story-themed activities to collect!

Christmas Tree

Opening from 30 November

Be enchanted by the Georgian Manor House, festooned with a stunning 18-foot fir tree, decorated trees in our historical rooms and artisan decorations, lovingly handmade this year by our creative volunteers. The theme for our decorations is the American road trip, so come on a journey through the USA with hand-crafted, unique Christmas decorations. Find out more.

Festive Weekends

30 November – 1 December | 7–8 December | 14–15 December | 21–22 December

Creative activities are available to enjoy all weekend. Christmas storytelling performances with artist Michael Loader are on 8, 15 and 22 December at 11am, 12pm, 2pm and 3pm. Michael will be performing a number of stories, including ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas! Face painting is on 30 November, 7 and 21 December.

Wreath Workshops

Get creative and make your own winter wreath to start your seasonal festivities.

27 November

Christmas Fresh Wreath-making Workshop

8 December

Macramé Wreath-making Workshop

Museum, Gardens, Deli and Shop

Be inspired at the Unforgettable Behaviour exhibition, the Wildlife Photographer of the Year show, with lots of interactive activities for families, as well as the fascinating Museum experience. At this time of year, the gardens are full of frosty seedheads and frothy grasses, set against misty valley views – a lovely setting for a wellbeing walk. Find lots of Christmas treats in the deli and festive gifts in the shop.

*Opening times

Christmas at the American Museum & Gardens is open 30 November – 31 December, except Mondays during school terms, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day, when we are closed. The site is open from 10am–4pm, however please note that areas open and close at different times within this:

• Exhibition, Gardens, Gift Shop, and Car Park: 10am–4pm (last entry 3pm)
• American Garden Deli: 10am–3.30pm (last entry 3pm, last orders at 3.20pm)
• Museum: 11am–4pm (last entry 3pm)