Step into a Victorian Christmas at Elizabeth Gaskell’s House, Manchester

Manchester’s historic literary attraction Elizabeth Gaskell’s House is hosting a Victorian Christmas for the first time this festive season.

The former residence of the famous novelist Elizabeth Gaskell – will be getting into the holiday spirit this November, offering visitors the chance to explore the unique and fascinating festive traditions of an era that forever changed the face of Christmas, transforming it into the rich celebration we know today.

The Grade-II listed building will be decked out in style, with candles and holly adorning the fireplaces and wooden toys lying beneath the twinkling tree. Learn about how the Victorians celebrated Yuletide with spellbinding ghost stories around the fire, try your hand at popular parlour games, and feast your eyes on the house’s impressive dining table, which will be set for Christmas dinner, alongside a traditional recipe book highlighting the dishes of the day. A series of quirky, original Victorian Christmas cards from the Victoria Seddon Collection, on loan from Manchester Metropolitan University, will also be on display.

Daily activities will include a Christmas puzzle trail for children and an interactive craft station where visitors of all ages can create their own cards and decorations. Weekdays will also feature festive music and themed readings. And of course, the tea room will be serving up plenty of hot chocolate and mince pies.

“We are all very excited to have a new Victorian Christmas experience at Elizabeth Gaskell’s House,” says Sally Jastrzebski-Lloyd, Director, Elizabeth Gaskell’s House.

“The Victorians created many of the festive Christmas traditions we are familiar with today, and being able to bring these stories to life just a short distance from Manchester city centre will be magical. You’d have to be a scrooge not to want to visit!”

A Victorian Christmas will run from November 16 to December 18, 2025. Tickets can be booked here. Elizabeth Gaskell’s House is open on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays from 11:00 AM to 4:30 PM (with the last entry at 3:00 PM). Admission is £9 for adults; children under 16 are admitted free of charge. All aspects of the building are fully accessible to people with wheelchairs.