About
Join the National Coal Mining Museum for their Christmas launch as they light up the Museum for a bumper weekend of Illumine festive fun. The man with the bag, Santa returns to collect coal for his stockings, and to kick off his grotto meetings with lucky visitors Underground (pre-bookable – more information here).
Over the weekend you can enjoy pop-up activities around the site, brass band and choir performances, plus plenty of festive treats and food. Families are invited to get crafty and join in our lantern-making workshops over the weekend ready for Sunday evening’s unmissable lantern parade to close the festivities.
Throughout the weekend’s festivities, you’ll be able to enjoy plenty of tasty food and drink. Our Shop will also be stocked with plenty of Christmas gift ideas and treats for all ages.
Friday 24 November | Illumine launch event | 4pm-8pm
4pm – Event opens
Throughout the evening:
Makers’ Shed – Lantern Making Workshops – Learning Space @ The Hub
Living History Performances – Parkinson’s Yard, Mining Lives Gallery @ The Hub
4:45pm – Choir @ Pit Yard
5:30pm – Brass Band @ Pit Yard
6pm – Light Up starts and Santa Arrives
6:30pm – Photo opportunities with Santa
6:45pm – Brass Band
8pm – Site closes
Saturday 25 November | All day
10am – Site Opens and Santa Underground sessions begin
Throughout the day:
Makers’ Shed – Lantern Making Workshops – Learning Space @ The Hub
Living History Performances – Parkinson’s Yard, Mining Lives Gallery @ The Hub
1pm – 4.45pm – Brass Band performances @ Pit Yard
4pm – Light Up of buildings
6pm – Site closes
Sunday 26 November | All day, 4pm for carols at Hope Pit, ready for the Lantern Parade at 5pm
10am – Site Opens and Santa Underground sessions begin
Throughout the day:
Makers’ Shed – Lantern Making Workshops – Learning Space @ The Hub (until 3:30pm)
Living History Performances – Parkinson’s Yard, Mining Lives Gallery @ The Hub
1pm – 4pm – Brass Band performances @ Pit Yard
3:30pm – Lantern pick-up opens @ Hope Pit
4pm – Light Up of buildings
4:15pm – Carols @ Hope Pit
5pm – Lantern Parade led by Brass Band
5:30pm – Brass Band @ Pit Yard
6pm – Fire artist performance @ Pit Yard
8pm – Site closes
Venue opening hours
Monday : Closed
Tuesday : Closed
Wednesday : 9:45 am - 5:00 pm
Thursday : 9:45 am - 5:00 pm
Friday : 9:45 am - 5:00 pm
Saturday : 9:45 am - 5:00 pm
Sunday : 9:45 am - 5:00 pm
- Accessible Car Parking
- Accessible Toilet
- Assistance Dogs Welcome
- Baby Changing Facilities
- Parent And Baby
- Wheelchair Accessible
Access facilities
Event sessions
Illumine: Light Up Wakefield
Venue Details
Find us at
New Road, Wakefield, WF4 4RH
Phone
01924848806
info@ncm.org.uk
12:00 - 20:00 
