In the early nineteenth century, Christmas was all but forgotten (bah, humbug!) The Victorians restored Britain’s Christmas spirit, tinsel and all. But did the season of goodwill reach the people of the South Wales valleys?
Victorian Christmas in Wales celebrates the wonderful traditions of Victorian Christmas and the weird ways of celebrating in Wales.
Using original sources, costumes, crafts and our very own Mari Lwyd, Victorian Christmas in Wales spreads festive joy; historical style.
- Discover how the Victorians saved Christmas (or did they?)
- Explore the origins of today’s Christmas traditions, as well as some we’d rather forget!
- Experience the strange and scary Christmas traditions unique to Wales.
Learning outcomes and curriculum links
(Draft Curriculum for Wales 2022):
- Learners will develop an enquiring mind through investigating the world, past present and future, for themselves.
- Learners will develop an appreciation of heritage which helps shape their own identity.
- Learners will identify past, contemporary and anticipated challenges that face them and their local communities, Wales and the wider world.
What’s the plan for the workshop?
Victorian Christmas in Wales is a two hour session.
| Time | Activity |
| 45 minutes | How the Victorians saved Christmas |
| 20 minutes | Christmas down the mines: the experiences of ordinary Welsh people. |
| 30 minutes | Christmas traditions in Wales |
| 25 minutes | Spooky Victorian Christmas: authors and the Christmas ghost story |
How much?
£200 per session. Discounts available on multiple bookings.
