Elizabeth Gaskell's House in Manchester is bringing back its Victorian Christmas experience for another year, running from November 15 to December 20, 2026. The Grade-II listed building will be decorated with sparkling trees and seasonal bookish décor, and its dining table will be set for Christmas dinner with a traditional recipe book.
Festive activities and performances
The Venti Choir will perform traditional carols and new compositions on Wednesdays at 2pm throughout the festive period. The tea room will serve seasonal hot chocolate, speciality teas and coffees in vintage china, along with festive treats.
Sally Jastrzebski-Lloyd, Director of Elizabeth Gaskell's House, said: "We cannot wait to welcome visitors into our atmospheric, beautifully decorated Victorian house to share Christmas stories, listen to live carols, and discover the literary connections that shaped the festive traditions we still love today."
New family trail and crafts
2026 will also see the launch of a new festive family trail, with opportunities for dressing-up and free-play. An interactive craft station in the Servants' Hall will invite visitors to make book ornaments to hang on their own Christmas trees at home.
Jastrzebski-Lloyd added: "This is a unique opportunity for Mancunians to experience a magical Victorian Christmas experience just a short distance from the city centre."
Visiting details
Christmas At Elizabeth Gaskell's House will run from November 15 to December 20, 2026, with tickets bookable via the website. The house is open on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays from 11am to 4:30pm, with last entry at 3pm. Children under 12 are admitted free, and all aspects of the building are fully accessible to wheelchair users. The house is located at 84 Plymouth Grove, Manchester, M13 9LW.
