TRADITIONAL FESTIVITIES AT MUSEUMS

BIRMINGHAM Museums is pulling out all the stops this festive season with a magical programme of events.

There will be opportunities to experience the sights and sounds of Christmases past, visit handmade craft fairs, dance the night away at a museum and, of course, meet Father Christmas!

The festive season begins at Thinktank, Birmingham Science Museum on November 27 and 28 with Mini Christmas.

Activities at its MiniBrum attraction include festive crafts, tree decorating, a reindeer trail and a special appearance from Father Christmas.

For grown-ups there will be a chance to party amongst the trains, planes and robots at Thinktank during a Silent Discos on November 27 and December 4, with DJs playing a mix of party, dance, rock and hip-hop.

In the weeks before Christmas visitors to Thinktank can also follow a festive Elf Trail around the museum.

At Aston Hall (above), Christmases Past will be brought to life by historical figures on December 4, 11 and 12, when there will also be a Festive Handmade Craft Market.

Families can meet Father Christmas at Aston Hall on December 17 and 19 when young children will receive a small gift and activity pack.

The hall will be festively decorated and open every Wednesday – Sunday until December 19.

The Great Hall at Blakesley Hall Museum in Yardley will also be dressed in readiness for Santa on December 11 and 12.

Children will be able to make a Christmas card to take home and write a letter to Santa and the elves, ready for the big day.

There’ll also be a Christmas Market selling handmade crafts and gifts and festive treats on offer in the Herb Garden Café.

To find out more visit www. birminghammuseums.org.uk