Leicester’s historic Guildhall is the place to be this winter, with a packed schedule of festive events, including Christmas craft fairs, live music, movie screenings, and wreath-making workshops.
The festivities kick off this weekend, with the Christmas Craft Fair taking place on Saturday 30 November and Sunday 1 December.
The medieval Guildhall will be filled with unique handmade gifts and locally-made arts and crafts, perfect for those looking for special Christmas presents. Visitors can also enjoy the warmth of a roaring fire, drinks from the Daisy Moon Bar, and a beautifully decorated Christmas tree in the courtyard. Admission to the fair is just £1, with free entry for children. Doors open at 11am.
Picture credit: Leicester Guildhall
For those feeling creative, the Guildhall is offering a Christmas Wreath-Making Workshop on Saturday 7 December. For £35, participants will be provided with all materials needed to create their own traditional Christmas wreath. The two-hour session promises to leave attendees with a beautiful handmade wreath to take home. Advance booking is essential.
Leicester Museum & Art Gallery will also get into the festive spirit on 7 December with a free event for all the family. Activities include Christmas crafts for children, a free screening of the classic 1935 film Scrooge at 2pm, and the chance to purchase unique gifts from the museum shop at discounted prices.
Families with younger children can enjoy Santa’s Magical History Tour at the Guildhall on 13 and 20 December. These interactive events, aimed at under-fives, will feature stories, songs, and plenty of festive fun. Older children can join the fun on 13 December with a special event tailored for them.
On Sunday 15 December, the Guildhall transforms into a cozy movie venue with two classic Christmas films. The Muppet Christmas Carol (U) will be shown at 12 noon and 3pm, followed by the action-packed Die Hard (18) at 5pm. Tickets are £6 for The Muppet Christmas Carol and £8 for Die Hard.
For music lovers, the Guildhall offers a range of festive performances. On Monday 16 December, the a cappella group Ocho will perform Christmas music for £10. The Kingfisher Chorale will also perform three concerts on 17, 19, and 21 December, with tickets priced at £13.
Assistant city mayor for culture, Cllr Vi Dempster, said: “The Guildhall is the perfect venue to get into the Christmas spirit, whether you’re shopping for gifts, enjoying a festive concert, or watching a classic Christmas movie in front of a roaring fire.”
For full details of these events and more, visit: https://www.leicestermuseums.org/whats-on/?museum=Leicester+Guildhall&dm_i=4MPG,1OU5R,5OFCTK,7YD2Q,1
