Christmas Past: 400 Years of Seasonal Traditions in English Homes

Escape from the hustle and bustle of Christmas today and step back through time to Christmas Past.

Authentic festive decorations, lighting, music and greenery transform the museum’s period living rooms, giving an evocative glimpse into how Christmas has been celebrated in English homes from 1600 to 2000.

From feasting, dancing and kissing under the mistletoe to playing parlour games and hanging up stockings, from sending cards and decorating the tree to pulling crackers, giving gifts and throwing cocktail parties, Christmas Past reveals the stories behind the rich and vibrant festive traditions that have evolved through the centuries.

Christmas Past has taken place at the Geffrye for over 25 years and for many visitors, an annual trip to the show has become part of their own Christmas rituals.

Related events will include Christmas fairs, festive late nights, carol concerts, and Christmas decoration and greenery workshops. Seasonal food and drink will be on the menu in the café and the shop will be full of Christmas decorations and cards, stylish home-wares, gifts and treats.

A special weekend closing party will take place on 6 and 7 January to bid farewell not only to Christmas, but also to the museum which will be closing for two years to undergo a transformational development project. Visitors will have the chance to visit the Christmas rooms for the last time, join in Epiphany celebrations around the bonfire, enjoy street food, winter cocktails, live music and bargains in the shop’s sale, and meet the Geffrye team to hear all about the museum’s exciting development plans.