Sprinkle some extra magic this festive season with fairies, films and family activities.
Follow our fairies around the museum to discover the science of winter with live shows and get hands-on with workshops related to your favourite festive films.
Plus, all month at Pictureville see Christmas classics including the return of The Polar Express in IMAX 3D.
Date: 6 December 2025 – 4 January 2026
Location: Across the museum
What’s on?
From 6 December
Cosy up with a hot chocolate and a mince pie at Pictureville with our seasonal programme of festive favourites including The Muppet Christmas Carol, The Polar Express, Home Alone, Arthur Christmas and more.
From 13 December
Explore our new fairy trail, discover the science behind the most wonderful time of year and have a go at making stop motion-animation inspired by your favourite films.
Fairy Trail
Collect your trail booklet from the museum welcome desk and use the clues to find all the fairies hidden around the museum.
Winter Wonderlab: Live Science Show
Wonderlab Studio, duration 30 minutes
11.30 and 14.00, 13 December and Tuesday–Saturday from 20 December to 3 January
Celebrate the magic of winter with this high-energy science show. Discover the science of fire with our spectacular Ruben’s tube, take part in the ultimate snowball showdown using air cannons and help us create the perfect snowy scene through long-exposure photography.
Stop-Motion Animation Workshop
Makespace
Drop-in 10.00–16.00, 13–14 December and 20 December to 4 January
In this interactive workshop, you’ll create your own mini winter movie to wow your family and friends. Use themed characters and props to craft a stop-motion animation inspired by The Nightmare Before Christmas, The Polar Express, Elf and The Snowman.
Seasonal Science
Wonderlab Gallery
Drop-in 10.00–16.00, 14 December and Sundays and Mondays from 21 December
Join our Explainers for festive science demonstrations. Explore the magic of science and discover fun activities to try at home over the holidays.
The fairy trail, live shows and workshops are all included as part of your free museum admission ticket. Cinema tickets start from £3.
