Festive Family Fun
Free music and crafts
Immerse yourself in the spirit of the season with a free day of family fun at the Museum.
Make your own tree decorations and gift bags in one of our craft workshops, enjoy festive music performances throughout the day and pay a visit to ‘Stanta Claws’, our very own provider of gifts and cheer.
But what is Stanta Claws? Well it’s our beloved Tyrannosaurus rex, Stan, wearing a custom-made Santa hat of course – not the usual jolly old soul you’d expect to find in a grotto.
Check out details for the day below.
11am, 12pm, 1pm and 2pm, Sounds of the Season
The University of Manchester’s Martin Harris Student Music Society will perform a repertoire of festive favourites for you throughout the day, filling the Museum with the sounds of the season.
11am-12.30pm, WILD Gifting
Make your Christmas gifts even more special this year by adding a beautiful, personal touch.
Join Kim Bevan, from meaningful paper goods brand Beaulongings, to transform sheets of newspaper into a beautiful gift bag in this free family workshop. You’ll be able to take away your creation and leave equipped with the skills to keep on make more at home.
Recommended for ages seven and over with their parents or carers but younger siblings are welcome too.
Spaces will be limited, so sign up at the welcome desk on arrival on the day.
1.30-3pm, Beautiful Baubles
Give your tree extra twinkle by creating by creating beautiful baubles in the second of our free family workshops.
Kim Bevan, from meaningful paper goods brand Beaulongings, will be on hand again to show you how to repurpose paper-based recyclable materials to create decorations that can be enjoyed this year and next.
Recommended for ages seven and over with their parents or carers but younger siblings are welcome too.
Spaces will be limited, so sign up at the welcome desk on arrival on the day.
All day, Stan’s Secret Santa
Stanta Claws is coming roaring back into town for another instalment of our annual Christmas gift drive, Stan’s Secret Santa.
Drop in to the Fossils Gallery to take a selfie with Stanta and donate gifts and food for people experiencing poverty and homelessness. We’re looking for donations of new, non-perishable Christmas food items, including chocolate selection boxes, biscuits and sweets, as well as items of clothing.
Stan’s elves will then deliver all of your kind donations to our chosen charities Barnabus and Mustard Tree to ensure they put a smile on someone’s face this festive season.