Sprinkle some extra magic this festive season with fairies, films and family activities.

Follow our fairies around the museum to discover the science of winter with live shows and get hands-on with workshops related to your favourite festive films.

Plus, all month at Pictureville see Christmas classics including the return of The Polar Express in IMAX 3D.

What's on

From 6 December

Cosy up with a hot chocolate and a mince pie at Pictureville with our seasonal programme of festive favourites including The Muppet Christmas Carol, The Polar Express, Home Alone, Arthur Christmas and more. 

Explore our new fairy trail, discover the science behind the most wonderful time of year and have a go at making stop motion-animation inspired by your favourite films.

Fairy Trail

Collect your trail booklet from the museum welcome desk and use the clues to find all the fairies hidden around the museum.

Winter Wonderlab: Live Science Show

Wonderlab Studio, 11.30 and 14.00 daily. Duration 30 minutes.

Celebrate the magic of winter with this high-energy science show. Discover the science of fire with our spectacular Ruben’s tube, take part in the ultimate snowball showdown using air cannons and help us create the perfect snowy scene through long-exposure photography.  

Stop-Motion Animation Workshop 

Makespace, drop-in 10.00–16.00 daily.

In this interactive workshop, you’ll create your own mini winter movie to wow your family and friends. Use themed characters and props to craft a stop-motion animation inspired by The Nightmare Before Christmas, The Polar Express, Elf and The Snowman.