A CHANCE to experience Christmas from more than 100 years ago was on offer to Reading youngsters.
Reading Museum hosted a special seasonal celebration on Saturday, letting children see what Christmas was like when Queen Victoria was on the throne.
Visitors to the Blagrave Street venue were able to make a traditional decoration before writing a letter to Santa.
Then, they were taken to the grotto to meet him and present their missive in person.
And, of course, Santa being Santa, he handed out presents to his guests with not a lump of coal in sight.
A spokesperson for Reading Museum said: “Last Saturday, we stepped back into a bygone era, with Reading Museum’s authentic Victorian grotto; it was a magical experience.”
It was one of several special events that are taking place in the run-up to Christmas at the museum.
Also held on Saturday, the town hall hosted its first Christmas market, featuring a range of stalls from local businesses and craftspeople.
On Thursday, December 21, children aged five and upwards are invited to join a Winter Wildlife Wishing Tree craft event. Participants will make a garland for their garden from popcorn and dried fruit, which wildlife can eat.
Sessions run at 10am, 11.15am, 1pm and 2.15pm and cost £4 per person.
A Family Christmas Choir workshop is also taking place on the same day. Suitable for under sevens, there will be a chance to sing seasonal favourites, enjoy music games, and learn new skills.
The event starts at 10.30am, and children need to be supervised by a parent or carer.
And running until Saturday, December 23, there will be a Monster Mayhem Traill through the museum. This is a search that will unveil a mystery word. Children who complete the activity will be able to collect a prize at the end.
It costs £1.50 per trail.
The museum will close at 5pm on Saturday and reopen on Tuesday, January 3.
For more details, or to book, log on to: www.readingmuseum.org.uk
