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Christmas at Elizabeth Gaskell’s House

Step into a magical Victorian Christmas Experience at Elizabeth Gaskell’s House.

Visit the House from 16 November to see our beautiful House decked out in Christmas splendour. From the tradition of telling ghost stories around the fire to parlour games and festive food, you’ll feel the spirt of Christmas when you visit.

Each of the atmospheric restored rooms will tell stories of Victorian Christmas’ past. Whilst festive readings, musical entertainment and a children’s trail make the visit a real present!

A real festive delight for the whole family – the House and garden are fully wheelchair accessible and there is drop-in Christmas crafts for all ages.

Children of all ages can enjoy Christmas craft activities alongside festive treats in the Tea Room.

All included in admission and under 16s go free with a paying adult.

Plus you can enjoy short festive readings from your favourite Christmas stories every Wednesday and Thursday, live in the historic rooms.

• Rollicking – and Rueful: Victorian Christmas Poems – Wed 19 November, 2pm and 2.30pm
• Christmas Storms and Sunshine – Thurs 20 November, 2pm and 2.30pm
• A Christmas Carol – Wed 26 November, 2pm and 2.30pm
• Christmas Storms and Sunshine – Thurs 27 November, 2pm and 2.30pm
• A Christmas Carol – Wed 3 December, 2pm and 2.30pm
• Christmas Storms and Sunshine – Thurs 4 December, 2pm and 2.30pm
• Little Women – Wed 10 December, 11am and 11.30am
• Christmas at Thompson Hall and Other Christmas Stories – Wed 10 December, 2pm and 2.30pm
• Rollicking – and Rueful: Victorian Christmas Poems – Thurs 11 December, 2pm and 2.30pm
• Little Women – Wed 17 December, 11am and 11.30am
• Christmas at Thompson Hall and Other Christmas Stories – Wed 17 December, 2pm and 2.30pm
• Christmas Storms and Sunshine – Thurs 18 December, 2pm and 2.30pm

Escape the Christmas crowds and enjoy a delicious range of festive snacks and treats in our famous Tea Room too. Try our seasonal hot chocolate or specialty teas and coffee served in vintage china.

What else do I need to know?

• We would prefer you pre-book your visit, but you can pay by card on the door. (Tickets are released a month in advance – click on the link below)
• Buggies, prams and wheelchair users are welcome throughout the House and garden (we have a lift and ramped entrance), there are baby change facilities and the House is breastfeeding-friendly. We also have a ‘do touch’ policy so the majority of items in the House can be touched and chairs sat on.
• Hot and cold drinks, cakes and snacks are available to buy from the Tea Room.  We will also have festive drinks and snacks on sale throughout December.
• There is a small shop with Christmas gifts, books (new and second-hand) and decorations on sale.
• M13 residents can visit the House free of charge between 3-18 December during usual open hours. Please bring proof of your address.
• Last entry to the House is 3pm.

We are approximately a 10-15 minute walk from Manchester Museum and the Whitworth Art Gallery on Oxford Road.

The House is open every Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday 11am-4.30pm (last entry 3pm).