About
Join the National Coal Mining Museum for a jam-packed Christmas launch weekend as the Museum comes to life with a stunning light show including a showstopping centrepiece, ‘Sentinel’, inspired by coal mining’s canaries.
The man with the bag, Santa returns to collect coal for his stockings, and to kick off his grotto meetings with lucky visitors Underground.
Over the weekend enjoy pop-up activities, brass band and choir performances, plus plenty of festive treats including Santa himself! Get crafty with our lantern making workshops over the weekend ready for Sunday’s unmissable lantern parade.
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, with a 10% discount over the weekend.
Friday 22 November – Launch Event – 4pm-8pm
4pm | Event opens with Christmas food stalls and Christmas shopping. The buildings will be lit up with animation from 4pm
Throughout the evening:
- Makers’ Shed – Lantern Making Workshops – Learning Space at The Hub
- Living History Performances – Parkinson’s Yard at The Hub
- Light Up Trail at The Hub
4pm | The Usherette (shadow puppet show)
4:45pm | Choir at Courtyard
5:20pm | The Usherette (shadow puppet show)
5:30pm | Brass Band at Pit Yard
6pm | Welcome Santa to Caphouse
6:20pm | The Usherette (shadow puppet show)
6:30pm | Photo opportunities with Santa
6:45pm | Brass Band
8pm | Site closes
Saturday 23 November – 10am-6pm
10am | Site opens and Santa Underground sessions begin
Throughout the day:
- Christmas food stalls and Christmas shopping opportunities
- Makers’ Shed – Lantern Making Workshops – Learning Space at The Hub
- Living History Performances – Parkinson’s Yard, Mining Lives Gallery at The Hub
- Light Up Trail at The Hub
2:30pm | ‘The Snowman’ screening accompanied by Hade Edge Brass Band
4pm | Light Up of buildings and animation at Pit Yard
6pm | Site closes
Sunday 24 November – 10am-7pm (Lantern Parade – 5:40pm)
10am | Site Opens and Santa Underground sessions begin
Throughout the day:
- Christmas food stalls and Christmas shopping opportunities
- Makers’ Shed – Lantern Making Workshops – Learning Space at The Hub (until 3pm)
- Living History Performances – Parkinson’s Yard, Mining Lives Gallery at The Hub
- Light Up Trail at The Hub
1pm – 4pm | Brass Band performances at Pit Yard (TBC)
4pm | Lantern pick-up opens
4pm | Light Up of buildings and animation at Pit Yard
5pm | Carols at Hope Pit
5:40pm | Lantern Parade led by Hade Edge Brass Band
6pm | Fire artist performance at Pit Yard
7pm | Site closes
Timings subject to change.
Please note that the Museum car park will close once parking capacity is reached, please arrive early to avoid disappointment. For visitor’s safety, no vehicles can leave site while the lantern parade is taking place.
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
Access facilities
- Accessible Car Parking
- Accessible Toilet
- Assistance Dogs Welcome
- Baby Changing Facilities
- Guide Dogs Welcome
- Parent And Baby
- Wheelchair Accessible
Venue Details
Find us at
New Road, Wakefield, WF4 4RH
Phone
01924848806
info@ncm.org.uk
17:00 - 21:00 
