Enjoy a Victorian Christmas in Stratford-upon-Avon
Step back in time to experience a magical Victorian Christmas as the award-winning Creaky Cauldron Museum transforms all three floors of the historic and quirky building into a Victorian Winter Wonderland based on the novels of Frank L Baum.
With twinkling lights, icicles and snow, there will be more than just a nod towards the Wonderful Wizard of Oz.
From 1 December until Christmas Eve, children of all ages will have the chance to meet Santa Claus who will be taking up residence in his book lined study on the first floor of the building. Entry to see Santa Claus is included in the Museum entry charge and free to anyone who comes dressed as a character from the Wizard of Oz!
As well as discovering magical spells, wands, sweets and gifts in the Magic Alley, visitors will be able to follow the yellow brick road all the way to the Taming of the Brew – a Victorian Tea Room and walled garden. With luxurious mince pies served with rum and raisin ice cream and gingerbread coffee with traditional shortbread there is something on the special festive menu for everyone!
Visitors can also take part in two fascinating workshops entitled ‘The Legend of Mithras - The Real Christmas story’ on Wednesday 8 December and “Incense blending for Christmas” on the 15 December where visitors can experiment with traditional Victorian scents including cinnamon, cloves and oranges. Both workshops start at 7:30pm and include hot mulled apple juice and mince pies.
For those keen to encounter the chilling world of the paranormal this Christmas, the Creaky Cauldron is offering a host of scary and spine tingling events including Terrifying Tales of the Stratford Ripper Experience, The Jekyll and Hyde Experiment, Victorian Séances and ‘Ghosts of Christmas Past’ Ghost Hunts.
Visitors can join one of England’s most enigmatic storytellers for Dickensian Terrifying Tales with a creepy Christmas twist by candlelight in the Haunted Parlour on the 10 & 17 December at 6:30pm, 7:30pm & 8:30pm. On Christmas Eve, enjoy a special evening listening to Christmas ghost stories from 7:30pm – 9pm.
New for 2010 and taking place every Friday evening is The Jekyll and Hyde Experiment. Featuring the most terrifying story of all based on the Victorian tale of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, the experiment will take the very brave on a journey deep into the unconscious mind.
For those even braver, the Creaky Cauldron is offering Christmas Victorian Séances and ‘Ghosts of Christmas Past’ Ghost Hunts alternate Saturday nights. The Victorians were fascinated by the paranormal and many Victorian scientists used the paranormal to explain the unexplainable. The séances will uncover the exploits of famous 19th century mediums‚ the scientists who investigated their abilities and the magicians who tried to debunk them. Those looking for something more terrifying can take part in a ‘Ghosts of Christmas Past’ Ghost Hunt. Set within the shadowy hallways decorated with a creepy Christmas twist, the ghost hunts are amongst the longest and best in the country and offer visitors a genuine journey into the paranormal using techniques pioneered by the Spiritualist movement in the 19th century. With a buffet supper, the event includes psychic development workshops, vigils, dowsing and psychometry, mirror scrying, séances and the ancient art of Ouija, table turning & tipping and spirit cabinet work.
To celebrate New Year’s Eve in style, why not take part in a Victorian Champagne Ghost Hunt on the 31 December. Dress up in Victorian costume and enjoy a champagne reception, lavish buffet and canapés to toast in the New Year.
The museum is open every day over the Christmas holidays (except Christmas Day and New Years Day) from 10.30am with last admission at 5.00pm. Tickets to the museum cost £5.00 for adults, £4.00 for students & seniors, £2.75 for children and £12 for a family (2 adults & 2 concessions). Terrifying Tales cost £7.50 and are not suitable for under 15's. Victorian Séances cost £25. The Jekyll and Hyde Experiment starts at 9:30pm and costs £15. ‘Ghosts of Christmas Past’ starts at 9:30pm and costs £45. The New Year’s Eve Ghost Hunt costs £65. All events must be pre-booked and are subject to availability.
The Creaky Cauldron can be found at 21 Henley Street, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, CV37 6QW. Tickets for the above events can be purchased from Where Magic Begins - visit: wheremagicbegins.co.uk
