The Royal Cornwall Museum is gearing up for a magical Christmas season, as they prepare to welcome Father Christmas back to their newly renovated Mineral Gallery.

The festive experience titled Father Christmas at the Museum based in Truro takes place with other families for eight days this December.

It involves storytelling treats from Jingle the Elf, and a meet and greet with the main man, Father Christmas, at his Kernow office in the museum, where he will tell the tale of Jim the Cornish Knocker.

The experience will be full of festive tales The experience will be full of festive tales (Image: Royal Cornwall Museum) As part of the group experience, every child will receive a small gift and have the chance to meet Father Christmas and take photos with him, if they wish.

The Father Christmas at the Museum is a walking theatre and grotto experience presented by Cornwall-based theatre company Coppice Theatre, supported by Truro BID, and hosted by the Royal Cornwall Museum.

The show dates are as follows: 

  • Saturdays on December 7 - 10am, 10:45am, 11:30am, 12:15pm, 2:15pm and 3pm
  • Wednesday, December 11 - 12.30pm, 1.15pm, 2pm, 3pm, 3.45pm, 4.30pm, and 6pm
  • Saturday, December 14 - 10am, 10:45am, 11:30am, 12:15pm, 2:15pm and 3pm
  • Wednesday, December 18 - 12.30pm, 1.15pm, 2pm, 3pm, 3.45pm, 4.30pm, and 6pm
  • Friday, December 20 - 10am, 10.45am, 11.30am, 12.15pm, 2.15pm and 3pm
  • Saturday, December 21 - 10am, 10:45am, 11:30am, 12:15pm, 2:15pm and 3pm
  • Monday, December 23 -10am, 10.45am, 11.30am, 12.15pm, 2.15pm and 3pm
  • Tuesday, December 24 - 10am, 10.45am, 11.30am and 12.15pm
  •  Shows specifically for 0-2yrs on Wednesday, December 11 and 18 at 12:30pm and 1:15pm.
  • Relaxed shows aimed at SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) audiences on Wednesday, December 11 and 18 at 2pm. 

Kate Clayton learning manager at the Royal Cornwall Museum added: “The team here at Royal Cornwall Museum are excited to be hosting Father Christmas once again this year.

“We look forward to welcoming families into the museum for festive fun, craft and storytelling in our beautiful, sparkly new Mineral Gallery.

“Roll on December!”

While Mike Tonkin-Jones, Co-Artistic Director of Coppice Theatre said: "We're thrilled to be back at The Royal Cornwall Museum this year, supported once again by Truro BID.

“I’m particularly excited that they’re allowing the Elves to utilise their newly renovated Mineral Gallery.

“It brought us great joy last year to witness both returning and first-time visitors to the museum make some lasting festive memories.”

Father Christmas will tell the tale of Jim the Cornish KnockerFather Christmas will tell the tale of Jim the Cornish Knocker (Image: Royal Cornwall Museum) This year the toy department at Malletts Home Hardware, Truro has been working closely with Father Christmas to provide some wonderful gifts for children going to see Father Christmas at the Museum.

Sid Weeks, Store Manager at Malletts Home Hardware said: “We are pleased to be helping Father Christmas and his elves this year by providing some of the gifts for the festive experience.

“We hope that children enjoy seeing Father Christmas at the Museum and receiving the gifts.

"On behalf of Malletts in Truro, we wish everyone a very happy Christmas.”

Tickets for the 40-minute group experience of Father Christmas at the Museum are now on sale at: www.coppicetheatre.co.uk

Tickets cost £10 per child including a gift and £5 for each adult ticket. Families are welcome to explore the museum after meeting Father Christmas.

There is a lift available to access the second floor of the museum if families need step-free access. Prams and buggies may be left at the entrance. 

However, to secure a place, booking is required for this festive experience at Truro's Royal Cornwall Museum. 

To find out more, visit https://www.royalcornwallmuseum.org.uk/.