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Christmas at the Natural History Museum

The front exterior of the Natural History Museum while snowing

Event Information

Celebrate the festive season at our special after-hours event full of wonderful wintery activities and seasonal science.

Friday 20 December 

18.30-21.30

Adult: £27, Members: £24.30

Book your tickets

Tis the season to be jolly! Join us this December as we get in the festive spirit.

Explore our galleries away from the daytime crowds, chat with our scientists about their work and take part in a whole bunch of fun yuletide activities. From festive fossils to wintery whales, join Wild Life Drawing’s drop-in workshop and create your very own nature-themed Christmas card.

Since it’s the season of giving, why not take part in our mystery Christmas book swap? Bring a book you’re happy to give away and at the end of the night pick up a gift bag with a new book donated by another attendee.

Take our special Women in Science: Winter Wonders Tour or swan around our Birds: Brilliant and Bizarre exhibition. Plus, pop into our latest Wildlife Photographer of the Year display to see stunning snowy scenes. Grab a mince pie and enjoy exploring at your own pace accompanied by beautiful music played by our harpist. Don’t forget to say hello to our animatronic T. rex wearing its new Christmas jumper and pick up a matching one for yourself in our giftshop.

With your ticket you’ll get to: 

  • explore our galleries away from daytime crowds 
  • visit our exhibitions Wildlife Photographer of the Year and Birds: Brilliant and Bizarre 
  • chat to our scientists at their wintery science stations 
  • design your own nature-themed Christmas card at Wild Life Drawing’s workshop 
  • enjoy performances from our harpist 
  • see life-size animal artworks created by artist Jennie Webber
  • join our Women in Science Tour: Winter Wonders 
  • take on our Christmas-themed trail, with a prize for one lucky team
  • option to take part in our mystery Christmas book swap

  • Important information

    Enter via our main entrance on Cromwell Road.

    Doors open at 18.30, last entry is at 20.30 and the event ends at 21.30.

    Some activities may end before 21.30.

    Some activities have limited capacity and will be available on a first come first served basis.

    This event is for adults aged 18 and over. We operate a challenge 25 policy, so you’ll need to show a valid form of photo ID on entry.

    We’ll be carrying out bag searches.

    You’re not allowed to bring your own alcohol in – any alcohol will be confiscated.

    You must bring an electronic or printed copy of your ticket.

    We can’t provide refunds or exchanges.

    This event is wheelchair accessible. If you have any questions about accessibility, email us at after-hours@nhm.ac.uk.

    We reserve the right to make any necessary changes to the event as required, such as adjusting the locations, timings or content of the activities, to ensure we deliver a safe and excellent experience for all guests at all times.

    Photography and filming may take place during this event, in which you may be identifiable. These images may be used for marketing purposes on our website, social media and printed publicity materials. If you have any concerns about being photographed, speak to our staff at the event.

    Ticket prices are subject to change.

Discount member tickets

Members can purchase discount tickets for this event. Please bring your membership card with you to the event. Not a member? Join today.

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