Christmas Events At Barnsley Museums
24th November 2023
Cannon Hall Museum, Park and Gardens
Cannon Hall Museum looks absolutely wonderful decorated for Christmas; best of all, it’s absolutely free to visit!
Whilst you’re there, see if you can find all of the 12 Days of Christmas objects on a free, fun family trail.
A Very Victorian Christmas
If you want to see Father Christmas himself, he will fit Cannon Hall into his very busy schedule on the dates below. Join the Victorian nursery maid to hear a Christmas story and play with traditional Victorian toys before sitting down with Santa to share your wish list for Christmas Day and receive a special gift.
2nd & 3rd, 9th & 10th & 16th & 17th December with a relaxed session at 11 am each day.
Tickets are £15 per child and can be booked at
After booking, please email learning@barnsley.gov.uk with your child’s name and age so they can receive an age-appropriate gift.
There is a relaxed session at 11 am daily with Makaton storytelling, a visual story, and a sensory gift.
Children must be accompanied by an adult, and due to the size of the space, we ask that a max of two adults attend per child.
A Christmas Carol with Chris Cade
If you enjoy the Dickens classic A Christmas Carol, don’t miss this wonderful performance by master storyteller Chris Cade in the beautiful setting of the Cannon Hall ballroom. Meet miserable Ebenezer Scrooge and the ghosts that assist his redemption. Some audience participation is available for those willing to take a hat and a role.
2nd & 3rd December.
Suitable for all ages. Children must be accompanied by an adult. There is a relaxed session at 12 noon on both days, which offers a quieter experience, and British Sign language interpreted sessions on the 2nd of December at 1.30 pm and 2.30 pm.
Tickets cost £6 for adults and £3 for children and can be booked at A Christmas Carol with Chris Cade on Saturday, December 2nd and Sunday, December 3rd. Relaxed session at 12 noon. – Cannon Hall Museum, Park and Gardens – Art Tickets
Festive Wreath Making
Head to the beautifully decorated Ballroom and learn how to make your own festive wreath using seasonal foliage and a selection of dried sundries. Will you create a beautiful display for your own door or as a gift for someone else?
Carole from Wickham & Taylor will guide you step by step while you use your own creativity to make something you love.
All materials will be provided, but we kindly ask that you could bring your own scissors/secateurs, as there are a limited number of pairs available to borrow.
Teas and coffee refreshments will be included.
6th December at 6 pm
£47 per person. Book at
Carols in the Ballroom
There will be festive music playing in the ballroom courtesy of a variety of local musicians, including local bands and community choirs, as well as a violin soloist.
16th December 12 pm – 3 pm
The parkland and gardens are open every day, but for museum opening times, please check Visit | Cannon Hall (cannon-hall.com)
Experience Barnsley Community Toy Swap
Do you have toys that your children have outgrown? Bring them along to the community toys swap between 10.30 am and 2 pm and maybe exchange them for something they will love.
2nd December
Elsecar Heritage Centre
Earl’s Tipis
We are eagerly awaiting the arrival of the Tipi and VIP domes this weekend, after which you will be able to enjoy open fires, your favourite tipple and tasty food all in one place.
There will be live music will be every Friday and Saturday from 8 pm onwards. The tipi will be open from 12 pm – 11 pm during weekdays and from 11 am – 11 pm during weekends. There will be live music will be every Friday and Saturday from 8 pm onwards.
The tipi is walk-in only, but it is possible to book the VIP domes via https://bit.ly/3QS120i
Unique Craft Fair
Unique Gift Fairs are back with another fabulous Craft and Gift Fair, with 95 stalls selling a wide range of gorgeous gifts, handcrafted goods and delicious, tasty treats. A great day out for all the family. Located inside The Ironworks. The cafés, shops and antiques centre will all be open on site too.
2 & 3 December
Free entry 10 am – 4 pm.
Suppa Club
Barnsley’s dedicated street food, craft beer and live music event where you can expect the tastiest food, thirst quenching beverages, and just one heck of a good time in general!
The best street food, DJs and all-round entertainment visit Elsecar once a month and this month will coincide with the Earl’s tipi and VIP domes, creating an even more amazing experience.
22nd & 23rd December
Friday 5 pm-11 pm & Saturday and Sunday 12 pm-11 pm.
Worsbrough Mill and Country Park
Festive Craft and Makers Market
Little Hummingbird Events returns to Worsbrough Mill with the ever-popular outdoor festive craft and makers market on Sunday 10th, December. The very best in local crafters, makers, bakers, artisans, creators and more will be in attendance.
If you’re looking for that unique handmade gift you won’t find in stores, then this is the event you need to complete your Christmas shopping list.
10th December
10 am – 3 pm
Shopping
As well as the craft fairs and makers’ markets at Elsecar, Worsbrough, and in the town centre, don’t forget that all Barnsley Museum sites have a lovely gift shop offering a wide variety of unusual and quirky gifts. Elsecar also has a fabulous selection of independent retailers who can help you get everything on that shopping list crossed off!
