Christmas starts here at Preston Park: A magical Victorian Christmas returns following major redevelopment

Preston Park has announced the return of its much-loved festive experience, A Magical Victorian Christmas, taking place every weekend from 29 November to 21 December 2025.

Visitors can step back in time and experience the sights, sounds and spirit of a traditional Victorian Christmas. The museum's iconic cobbled Victorian Street will be transformed with twinkling lights, wreath-adorned doorways, and costumed volunteers bringing history to life.

This year marks the first Christmas season since the museum's multi-million-pound redevelopment, featuring the opening of The Spence Building and wider improvements across the park.

Families can enjoy a host of seasonal activities, included with an annual or day museum pass, including:

• live choir performances from local community choirs, spreading festive cheer
• craft stations where children can make magical reindeer food and handmade decorations
• traditional letter writing to Father Christmas using dip pen and ink
• Victorian dress-up and photo opportunities in the museum's vintage photography studio
• The 12 Days of Christmas Trail, a fun and interactive way to explore the museum and uncover hidden festive surprises
• Elf HQ, discover if you will be on the naughty or nice list!
• seasonal refreshments and treats served in The Spence Café Skip the queues and save time on arrival by purchasing a Museum Pass online

Enjoy Twilight Christmas Evenings

Thursdays 4, 11 and 18 December 2025

Back by popular demand, the museum will host three special late-night openings, offering visitors the chance to experience the museum after dark.

As dusk falls, the Victorian Street will twinkle with festive lights, traditional decorations and the nostalgic magic of a Victorian winter evening. Highlights include:

• step back in time on the beautifully decorated Victorian Street - the Christmas lights look even more magical at night.
• late-night shopping in the newly refurbished gift shop, featuring unique gifts from local artists and stocking fillers
• festive food and drinks from The Spence Café, including seasonal hot drinks and sweet treats

In addition to the festive offer included with the annual or day pass, visitors can also join us for two special ticketed events with Father Christmas himself.

Meet Father Christmas

Every weekend from the 29 November until the 21 December.

£12 per child (with an annual or daily museum pass), pre-booking is required.

One of the most anticipated events of the season, Meet Father Christmas, returns to Preston Park Museum. Families will find Father Christmas in his traditional grotto on the Victorian Street, surrounded by festive lights and a giant gingerbread house.

Each child will receive a gift to take home and enjoy a host of festive activities, including:

• Christmas craft stations, including decorations and reindeer food making
• make your letter to Father Christmas extra special, writing it with a traditional dip pen and ink
• dress-up and take a selfie in our Victorian Photography Studio
• The 12 Days of Christmas Trail
• seasonal music and refreshments

There will also be relaxed Meet Father Christmas sessions taking place with reduced numbers and lower noise levels. Please look out for more details on Preston Park's website and social media.

Advance booking is essential. All attending visitors must also hold a valid museum pass, available to purchase online.

Festive tales with Father Christmas

Thursday 11 and 18 December, from 4:30pm

£15 per child (with an annual or daily museum pass), pre-booking is required.

Join Father Christmas as he shares an enchanting 45-minute story telling session in the beautiful Music Room inside The Hall.

Children can gather around the fireplace to hear a festive story read by Father Christmas himself, before receiving a special gift to take home. Families can also explore the museum after hours as part of this magical evening experience.

What do councillors think?

This year's festivities celebrate an exciting new chapter in Preston Park's history. The Spence Building offers improved visitor facilities, dynamic new exhibition spaces and a stylish new café. Visitors also enjoy the refurbished Park Café, complete with a new entrance, covered outdoor seating, and upgraded facilities.

This is also the last chance to see Tracks of Change, the exhibition series presented by S&DR200, including Corridors -a stunning floral exhibition by artist Rebecca Louise Law and All Aboard! - a giant replica train for young explorers and Women of Experiment by Suzie Devey.

Councillor Nigel Cooke, Cabinet Member for Environment, Leisure and Culture at Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, said: "It's been wonderful to see so many people rediscover Preston Park Museum since we reopened in September, and we're grateful to the thousands of visitors who've already come through our doors

"A Magical Victorian Christmas is one of our most loved and anticipated events and this year will be extra special as we celebrate our first festive season following the museum's transformation.

"We can't wait to welcome even more visitors to experience the magic of Christmas at Preston Park."

For more information, to purchase your Museum Pass or to book tickets to see Father Christmas, visit Preston Park Museum and Grounds website.