Christmas at Elizabeth Gaskell’s House

Shekina Rose, Families Editor
Christmas at Elizabeth Gaskell's House Kids Christmas tree craft with festive decorations
Elizabeth Gaskell's House

Family Fun – Christmas at Elizabeth Gaskell’s House at Elizabeth Gaskell’s House, Manchester 1 — 15 December 2024 Tickets from £0.00 — Book now

Step back in time for a Victorian Christmas at Elizabeth Gaskell’s House this festive season. Experience the charm of an iconic literary house, beautifully decorated with a stunning Christmas tree and traditional decorations that will transport you to another time.

As well as taking in the atmosphere, there’s loads of other activities to do at Elizabeth Gaskell’s House. Little ones can get creative in the Servants’ Hall, creating their very own tree decorations during the arts and craft sessions. And there’s so much other entertainment too, such as dressing-up in old fashioned outfits, colouring, and other interactive activities. You can also take part in the popular Cranford the Cat trail, which takes you on a fun-filled exploration of the house.

After all the holiday excitement, sit back and relax, in the classic tea room, There’s delicious hot chocolates, mince pies, and even cake – yum yum!  

Family craft activities are included with admission, and children under 16 enter free with a paying adult. Even better, your ticket offers 12 months of unlimited visits, ensuring there’s always a reason to return.

Whatever the weather, Christmas at Elizabeth Gaskell’s House is a reasonably priced activity to enjoy with the entire family during the winter holidays. Come along and create some lovely memories in a special place packed with literary delight.

Family Fun – Christmas at Elizabeth Gaskell’s House at Elizabeth Gaskell’s House, Manchester 1 — 15 December 2024 Tickets from £0.00 Book now

Where to go near Christmas at Elizabeth Gaskell’s House

Manchester
Library
Gaskell Society

These regular talks in both Manchester and Knutsford unpack the meaning and significance of Elizabeth Gaskell’s writing.

Manchester
Gallery
Chuck Gallery

Chuck Gallery is the first private art space in North West England dedicated to the promotion of contemporary African art in Manchester and beyond. Our focus is the provision of a varied collection of high quality, original and exceptional artwork

Pankhurst Centre
Manchester
Museum
The Pankhurst Centre

The Pankhurst Centre houses a small museum and heritage centre that remains as a legacy to the Pankhurst family and the Suffragette movement born in this city.

Much Ado About Nothing at Victoria Baths
Manchester
Event venue
Victoria Baths

Victoria Baths no longer functions as a ‘water palace’ and Turkish Baths, but the Grade II-listed building hosts regular events and is a stunning visit, with stained glass, terracotta tiles and mosaic floors.

Manchester
Bar or Pub
Big Hands

Big Hands is the one-time haunt of legendary Manchester band Elbow; it’s shabby, loud and dark, with a jukebox and excellent roof terrace.

The Whitworth
Manchester
Gallery
The Whitworth

This much-loved gallery-in-a-park is open for business, showcasing some of the city’s finest contemporary and historic exhibitions.

Manchester
Music venue
Manchester Academy 3

Brilliant venue for catching a touring band on the rise. The boringly titled Academy 3 or more interesting Hop and Grape, as it was once known, is a self contained…

Cafe at the Museum
Manchester
Café or Coffee Shop
The Cafe
at the Museum

Manchester Museum’s cafe is run by the people behind award-winning cafe Teacup Kitchen. The menu features home-baked cakes, the finest loose leaf teas and breakfast, as well as a wide selection of mains and meals for kids.

What's on: Families

Two young visitors looking up at a banner in a case, holding pencils and an activity sheet.
Until
ActivityManchester
2025 Banner Bingo at PHM

Explore the People’s History Museum with your banner bingo card in hand as you navigate their galleries through the lens of craftivism.

free entry

Culture Guides

Okechukwu Nzelu
Literature Events in the North

If it's inspiring, inclusive events and avant-garde, experimental afternoons you're after, look no further than live literature this spring – we've got you covered.

Theatre in Manchester and the North
Theatre in the North

Dynamic dance, party-performance, high-energy stand-up and a site-specific show set in a pub. All this and more in our newest theatre guide.

A woman sits in a car with hands holding the steering wheel.
Cinema in the North

Vintage Alfred Hitchcock and a family friendly film festival are amongst our highlights this May.

Sextile
Music in the North

Open air clubs, new festivals and long-awaited gigs. The North West's live music scene is heating up this spring. 

Laura Ellen Bacon, Into Being, 2025. Photo © India Hobson, courtesy Yorkshire Sculpture Park
Exhibitions in the North

Willow weaving, textile collages, digital arts and ecology - all this and more in our exhibition top picks this month

Image by Jonathan Schofield.
Tours and Activities in the North

We've got many a good time in store this month as we round up the best walking tours, cultural classes and makers markets in the land.