Step into Christmas at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

Spokeswoman Sally Tyrrell said: “A series of festive events this December at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is sure to keep young ones and adults alike entertained as the days get shorter and the nights colder. From stepping back in time to experience two very different Christmases in two different eras, to helping save Christmas on trails across Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, visitors will also be able to see the Christmas lights on board HMS Warrior as they light up the sky.”

Coming up:

The Mary Rose and HMS Warrior, A Christmas Ship, Saturday and Sunday, December 2 and 3, 11am to 4pm: “A special joint event with HMS Warrior and the Mary Rose will invite visitors to explore Christmas through the ages, with a Victorian Christmas on board HMS Warrior and a celebration of Tudor Christmas traditions brought to life at The Mary Rose. At The Mary Rose, this event will immerse visitors in the Tudor world of Christmas merriment, music, magic – and a little mayhem! Meet the Tudor Christmas Court, be wowed by the sumptuous costumes of our Lords and Ladies, listen to merry music with our Tudor musician, dance and whirl like a Tudor with our courtly dancing lessons and be dazzled and amazed by our hilarious Court Jester. Discover how the men of the Mary Rose would have celebrated Christmas compared to the Lords and Ladies of Henry VIII’s Court. Finally, take part in our Tudor Christmas Trail and find out more about how the Tudor’s celebrated the yuletide season. Once you’ve experienced a Tudor Christmas, extend the festivities and get transported back to the 1860s in a festive immersive experience as the crew of HMS Warrior prepare for a Victorian Christmas on board. Enjoy traditional Victorian entertainment and meet the various members of the crew, marvel at the Magic Lantern Show with Professor Alan Brindle, meet the ship’s cook and more. Help the crew of Victorian sailors and Royal Marines decorate the gun deck and chat to them about their experiences in the Royal Navy.”

Also coming up: The Mary Rose, Talk and Tour Experience: Tudor Archery and How To Make A Tudor Arrow, Saturday, December 9, 1pm to 4.30pm.

“Join the Mary Rose for a unique and unforgettable experience which explores archery in Tudor times. Discover how a Tudor arrow was made step by step, explore the museum with a guided, behind the scenes tour of our collection, and enjoy refreshments in our Wardroom and access to our exterior VIP balcony. This experience is perfect for archery and history lovers alike, and those who want an unforgettable museum experience which goes beyond the average visit. This event costs £30 per person and can be booked via the Mary Rose website: https://maryrose.digitickets.co.uk/event-tickets/49606?catID=12383

The Mary Rose, Tudor Christmas Trail, Saturday, December 16 until Tuesday, January 2.

“Uncover the many wonderfully festive and sometimes peculiar traditions that the Tudors celebrated the festive season within the Tudor Christmas Trail.”