A 1920s Christmas at the Museum of Cambridge

The Museum of Cambridge is turning back the clock for Christmas this year. Join us in the historic White Horse Inn for a 1920s Christmas morning: the decorations are up in the bar, dinner is being prepared in the kitchen, and the table is laid in the dining parlour.

Discover Christmas in Cambridge, a century ago

With decorations throughout the Museum alongside all-new interpretation on the traditions of the Roaring 20s, we’re thrilled to invite you to a cosy Christmas in our historic 400-year-old building!

Wind your way through our festive rooms, and learn about what people ate for Christmas, traditions of the era, and how Christmas dinner was set!

Take your time to decorate a reproduction Christmas card from the Museum’s collection, read a story in a comfy nook and write your Christmas list surrounded by toys from the past.

The Museum of Cambridge Christmas experience is now open until Monday January 5 2026. Visit a 1920s Christmas alongside all our wonderful objects on display, including our temporary exhibition, ‘Legacies of Windrush in Cambridge’. Standard entry with donation  to the Museum (an independent charity) is £7.70, or £6 for concessions. Children 16 and under always enter free.

It’s never too early to start Christmas shopping!

We are highlighting local artists in Cambridge and Cambridgeshire this festive season! Step inside our Museum Shop and discover a treasure trove of locally inspired gifts, books, and treats. Everything we stock is carefully chosen to celebrate our local heritage — from iconic cards and unique gifts to fascinating books on local history.

You’ll also find:

• Christmas decorations, cards, and gifts
• Locally produced honey and delicious confectionery
• Handmade jewellery
• Beautiful tea towels and homeware
• Toys and games for curious minds
• Second hand books for all ages
• Gifts and souvenirs all about Cambridge

Find out what local suppliers we stock here.

Talk: A Very Merry 1920s Christmas!

Tuesday 9 December, 6:00-7:00PM

Take a light hearted look at Christmas in the 1920s with Dr Emma Bastin and explore Christmas decorations and gifts; parties and events; and of course, food and drink!  We’ll explore the glitz and glamour of high society Christmases, but also see how ordinary people celebrated this most exciting time of year. Pull on your Christmas jumper and shimmy into your sequined dress, and join us for a festive talk and a glass of mulled wine!

Find out more and book your place here.

Getting Here:

We are in the centre of Cambridge. You’ll find us at the corner of Castle Street and Northampton Street. We are right beside Kettle’s Yard and only a 15-minute walk from King’s College.

You can park your bike at the bike parks on Bridge Street or on Northampton Street. There is a bus stop nearby on Bridge Street. Find out more about how to get here by train, bike, bus, car or on foot on our website.