What's On

Online Event: A Victorian Christmas with Lucinda Dickens Hawksley

Get ready to step back in time for the ultimate festive treat! We’re thrilled to invite you to a cozy online evening with the wonderful Lucinda Dickens Hawksley. As the great-great-great-granddaughter of Charles Dickens, Lucinda doesn’t just know Christmas —it’s in her DNA!

Ever wondered why we send cards, pull crackers or decorate trees? It turns out we have the Victorians (and a certain Mr. Dickens) to thank for so much we love about the festive season.

Grab a mince pie and join us to discover:

• The ‘Dickens Effect’: How one little book, A Christmas Carol, saved Christmas.
• Victorian Party Vibes: From the chaotic fun of Snapdragon (yes, it involves fire!) to the very first Christmas cards.
• Decking the Halls: Find out about gorgeous handmade decorations like Golden Walnuts and Kissing Bunches.
• Family Secrets: Sweet stories of how Charles Dickens and Elizabeth Gaskell each celebrated behind closed doors.

Whether you’re a literary fan or someone who wants some Christmas joy in their life, this is the perfect way to get into the spirit this December. It’s going to be warm and wonderfully nostalgic.

So, dim the lights, pour yourself a glass of something mulled and celebrate like it’s 1843!

Lucinda Hawksley is an author, art historian, public speaker and broadcaster, specialising in literature, art, history and social history from the 19th and early 20th centuries. She is Patron of the Charles Dickens Museum.

Wednesday 9 December, 7-8pm

Tickets £6

Refer to your e-ticket for joining instructions and links. This talk will also be recorded and all ticketholders will receive a link to the recording via TicketSource after the event.

What else do I need to know?

**Refer to your e-ticket for zoom joining instructions and links. Please check your spam/junk mail for ticket. This talk will also be recorded and all ticketholders will receive a link to the recording via TicketSource after the event.**

You can also support the House by buying from our online shop via this link.

If you have any questions about this event, please see our Frequently Asked Questions.

Keep the Pages Turning

Elizabeth Gaskell’s House is run by Manchester Historic Buildings Trust (charity no. 1080606) and all money gained through private tours, talks, room hire and ticket sales goes towards the ongoing maintenance and running costs of the House. If you would like to support the House with an additional donation you can do so via this link.