Christmas Volunteering

Our Victorian Christmas Experience is one of the highlights of the Elizabeth Gaskell’s House year and helps to generate much needed income for our small independent museum.

In November and December, the House is transformed into a Victorian Christmas experience, enabling people to learn more about how the Victorians celebrated Christmas and to enjoy the festive atmosphere. The House is decorated for the season with Christmas trees in most rooms and a festive meal laid out in the Dining Room. Visitors can also enjoy festive treats in our Tea Room and browse our Gift Shop.

Last year, we welcomed nearly 1000 visitors over the two months, making it one of the busiest events of the year. To make this year’s event even more magical, we’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers to join our team.

Why volunteer with us?

As a Christmas volunteer, you’ll have the opportunity to:

Meet and work alongside a friendly team of volunteers and staff
Help our visitors create lasting Christmas memories
Experience the House during its festive transformation
Gain confidence and develop customer service skills
Learn more about the history of the House and its collections

Whether you want to gain experience, make new friends or simply enjoy being a part of our festive season, we’d love to welcome you to the team.

Volunteer roles

We’re looking for volunteers for the following roles:

A volunteer with red hair holding a ticket out to a visitor at a museum welcome desk.

Welcome Desk Volunteers

As one of the first people our visitors will meet, you’ll play an important role in creating a warm first impression. You’ll welcome visitors, check and sell tickets and answer any questions people have. You’ll be helping everyone get their Christmas visit off to a great start.

Tea Room Volunteers

Help create a cosy festive atmosphere by serving hot drinks and seasonal treats such as cake and toasted crumpets in our Tea Room and Gift Shop. You’ll provide a friendly welcome to visitors as they enjoy their refreshments and browse our selection of books and gifts.

A volunteer wearing glasses and an apron, stood behind a counter in a museum tea room, smiling at a visitor.

The important details

This is a short-term volunteering opportunity running from Sunday 15 November to Sunday 20 December 2026.

We know Christmas is a busy time for everyone, so we’re keeping the commitment flexible. We’re asking you to commit to a minimum of 6 shifts. If you’re able to volunteer for more, we’d be delighted to have your help.

Shift Information

Shifts: Morning – 10am – 2pm, Afternoon – 12.30pm – 4.30pm

Available days: Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays

When do we most need help?

Sunday shifts are our priority, so we particularly need volunteers who can help on Sundays.

We also welcome volunteers on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

You will be able to tell us what day you would prefer when you apply.

How are roles and shifts allocated?

You can choose to do one of the roles or both, it’s up to you.

You may on occasion be asked to steward one of our Victorian rooms, but we don’t expect you to have extra training for this.

Once you’ve completed your training and paperwork, you will need to choose your shifts by Monday 9 November.

Induction and training

Before you start, you’ll need to attend one of our induction sessions:

Tuesday 20 October – 11.30am – 12.30pm
Sunday 25 October – 3pm – 4pm

Induction sessions are only available on these dates.

Following your induction, you’ll attend a training session for your chosen role(s):

Welcome Desk Volunteers: Tuesday 3 November, 11am – 1pm
Tea Room Volunteers: Friday 6 November, 2pm – 4pm

These sessions will provide all the information and practical training you will need to feel confident in your role before the event begins.

You will also be given a training pack which will cover everything you need to know.

What do you need?

No previous experience is required, and we will provide all training.

We’re simply looking for people who are:

Friendly and welcoming
Enthusiastic and keen to learn
Reliable and able to commit to agreed shifts
Comfortable working as part of a team
Happy to chat with visitors and provide excellent customer service

Additional Information

Minimum age

16. Unfortunately we cannot accommodate applications from people under this age.

Accessibility

We welcome applications from people with special needs and disabilities. Our building is accessible, with ramped and ground-level entrances, a lift to all floors and multiple accessible toilets. Further accessibility information can be found by clicking here.

Parking

We have a very limited number of spaces in our small car park which are subject to availability. Parking is available on Swinton Grove, free for up to 3 hours on weekdays and all day on Sundays. Cycle racks are also available on-site.

Travel reimbursement

Travel costs can be reimbursed up to £10 per day.

Refreshments

We provide free tea, coffee and biscuits for all volunteers. Dietary requirements can be accommodated. Volunteers wanting to do a full-day shift can bring a packed lunch.

Dress code

We’d love it if you’d consider wearing something festive, like a Christmas jumper, but this is not a requirement. We just want you to be comfortable to enjoy your time volunteering with us.

What will you get?

References for future job or volunteering applications
Free admission to the Victorian Christmas Experience for two people, worth £19
Travel expenses reimbursed up to £10 per day
An invitation to our Christmas volunteer social event in December
The opportunity to gain valuable experience whilst supporting an independent museum and your local community