About Festive family days

Sunday 10, 17 and Wednesday 20 December 2023

10.30am - 4pm

Join us for a magical and memorable Festive Family Day, with creative, drop-in workshops, cosy storytelling, and meeting Victorian Father Christmas!

Prices

Festive Family Days with Father Christmas

Child £14 | Member Child £12.60
Accompanying adults must have admission
Adult £13.50 | Members are free but tickets must be booked

Book tickets >

*Please note that Festive Family Days with Father Christmas is now sold out on the 17 December 2023.

Festive Family Days (no Father Christmas visit)

Child £6 | Member Child £5.40
Accompanying adults must have admission
Adult £13.50 | Members are free but tickets must be booked

Book tickets >


Activities to enjoy on the day

Father Christmas - Limnerslease

*Please note that Festive Family Days with Father Christmas is now sold out on the 17 December 2023.

10.45am, 11.30am, 12.15pm, 1.45pm, 2.30pm and 3.15pm.

10.45am sessions on Sunday 3 and 10 December are reserved exclusively for families with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities - see more information below.

Experience the magic of Christmas with a visit to George and Mary Watts's home, Limnerslease. Meet our Victorian Father Christmas and listen in as he shares a classic Christmas story and join in with other families for a festive sing-along.

For each Father Christmas time slot, there will be a maximum of 12 childrens spaces available. For the SEND time slots, capacity will be less.

Arty Wrapping - Clore Studio

Drop in between 10.30am and 4pm

Try different creative and crafty techniques to print your own wrapping paper – to wrap up a present for someone you love.

Clay for Christmas - Foyle Studio

Drop in between 10.30am to 4pm

Create a clay Christmas decoration, inspired by Mary’s love for Celtic designs, to gift to someone special or to yourself!

Storytelling - Old Kiln

11am, 11.45am, 12.30pm, 1.45pm, 2.30pm and 3.15pm (20 minute sessions) – first come, first served.

Join us for a cosy storytelling celebrating the magic of changing seasons.

Also on the day, don’t forget to:

  • Add your winter wish to our Christmas wishing tree!
  • Take a festive photograph in front of the Gallery with your family.
  • Pick up one of our self-led trails and activities from the Visitor Centre.

If you’re looking for something for your family to do on those lazy days after Christmas and before New Years Eve, join us back at Watts Gallery for The Make Space, from Thursday 28 to Sunday 31 December 2023.

Father Christmas SEND sessions

Sunday 3 and 10 December, 10.45am

The sessions on Sunday 3 and 10 December at 10.45am will be reserved exclusively for families with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, for those who would benefit from a quieter, calmer session and additional support.

Please get in touch at learning@wattsgallery.org.uk if you have any questions, and if you need to add a carer to your booking.

We will be in touch with those who booked these sessions in advance to find out how we can further provide support during families’ time meeting Father Christmas.

Christmas tree in Limnerslease, studio and home of G F Watts and Mary Watts