A Victorian Christmas at Tower Bridge

This December, visitors to the Tower Bridge Exhibition will gather round the decked and lighted tree for an hour of anecdotes, stories, music and games that rekindles the magic of Christmas past.

Find out why London sweetie-maker Tom Smith came up with the cracker; how all those turkeys trotted to London’s markets; why robins got pride of place Christmas cards – and where exactly did Father Christmas come from?

After a lively and light-hearted look at these and other festive traditions introduced in Victorian times, visitors are treated to a taste of vintage, Victorian fun.

Enjoy the re-telling of the ‘Story of the Goblins who Stole a Sexton’ - a Christmas tale from The Pickwick Papers by Charles Dickens, who spent memorable years of his early childhood in Southwark.

Try your hand at cup-and-ball, a favourite find in many-a Victorian Christmas stocking then form a line for tip-it - a popular parlour game that Dickens’ characters would have known and loved.

Round off the magic hour with a rousing Christmas carol – composed by a Victorian, of course!

Gather round for A Victorian Christmas at Tower Bridge on 2 –3rd, 9th – 10th and 16th – 23rd December, at 11:00 am, 1.00 pm, 3.00 pm in the North Tower Lounge. The activity is included in the usual Tower Bridge Exhibition admission price - adults: £5.50; children: £3.00; concessions: £4.25. No booking is required. For further details, visit towerbridge.co.uk.