Relive Christmases Past at the Charles Dickens Museum

It has been said that Charles Dickens invented Christmas as we know it today, writing Britain’s most famous Christmas tale, A Christmas Carol, which helped to popularise and spread the traditions, such as the turkey, which sprang up in this era.

Christmas crackers, cards and trees all first became popular during the Victorian period with the latter making an early appearance in 1848 when the Illustrated London News published a drawing of the royal family celebrating around a decorated tree at Windsor – Queen Victoria and Prince Albert liked to bring the tree into the castle and decorate it themselves.

Each year, the Charles Dickens Museum on London’s Doughty Street shares an enchanting glimpse into how the festive season was celebrated by the Victorians, with its historic interiors transformed into the embodiment of Christmas past.

Step back in time to 1843 and enjoy a tour of his London home led by his own housemaid. You’ll hear all about life in the Victorian Era, discover how the Dickenses would have lived, worked and celebrated Christmas.

With holly and ivy decking the halls, exquisite Victorian decorations and a whole host of other festive surprises and events, follow in the footsteps of the famous author and savour the sights, sounds and smells of the rooms where he lived and worked.

And to revisit the magic of Christmases Past, the museum offers a wonderfully tempting range of special festive events, including a number which put A Christmas Carol at the heart of proceedings.

On Christmas Eve itself Christmas Carols will be playing throughout the house, and every guest receives a free mince pie and mulled wine or soft drink alternative. For an extra special treat, they’ll be playing adaptations of A Christmas Carol, including the family favourite The Muppet Christmas Carol, throughout the day in ‘The Smallest Theatre in the World.’

Find out more here.