Christmas Past

Each year, authentic festive decorations transform the Geffrye Museum’s period rooms, giving visitors a magical glimpse into how Christmas has been celebrated in English middle-class homes over the past 400 years. A perennial favourite, many visitors say that the Christmas Past exhibition has become an essential part of their Yuletide traditions.

Step back through the centuries and discover the origins and meanings of some of the rich and vibrant traditions of Christmas past, from feasting, dancing and kissing under the mistletoe to playing parlour games, hanging up stockings, sending cards, decorating the tree and throwing cocktail parties.

A full programme of events will accompany the exhibition. Festive food will be served in the restaurant, and visitors can browse for original gifts, decorations, cards and books in our shop.

Events include:

Open Evening: An Edwardian Christmas
Thursday 5 December, 5pm - 8pm
Enjoy Christmas Past by candlelight, listen to a seasonal talk, watch a greenery demonstration, sing along to live festive music or bring children to a decoration-making workshop. Enjoy a festive supper in our restaurant or find an unusual gift from the shop. Come and be merry!

Farewell to Christmas
Sunday 5 January, 3.30 - 5 pm
Join us in the Geffrye’s traditional burning of the holly and the ivy, with carol singing, stories about Epiphany and a taste of mulled wine and Twelfth Night cake. Please note that this event takes place in the garden, so wrap up warm!

Concert by Candlelight
Wednesday 11 December, concert 8pm
Acclaimed group Bocca Aperta returns to the Geffrye with a moving recital of a capella Christmas music under the Christmas tree in the reading room.

Christmas Greenery Workshop
Saturday 14 December, 1.30pm – 4.30pm
Join the Geffrye gardeners to create a festive door decoration with fresh greenery and a mixture of scented, natural ornaments, whilst learning about the origins of our Christmas traditions.

See official website for full event schedule.