Winter at
The Bowes Museum

Celebrate all things festive at
The Bowes Museum

Be enchanted by the magically festive atmosphere at The Bowes Museum this winter time.

Enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of the season as the ever-popular, highlight of the regional calendar, Winter Market returns to transform the Museum into a winter wonderland, with dozens of stalls from local artisan makers nestled in the pretty parterre garden and throughout the stunning picture galleries.  Listen to carol singers, enjoy mulled wine and gourmet treats while browsing stocking fillers, unique handcrafted gifts and Christmas decorations.

Join themed Artist Makers sessions throughout December where you can create your very own lino printed Christmas card, festive decorations, winter swans and snowflakes.

Foodies will love Café Bowes’ special, seasonal, locally sourced festive lunch menu featuring tempting turkey, scrumptious salmon, and wild mushroom and chestnut arancini, to name just a few dishes – as well as a not-to-be missed Festive Afternoon Tea.

And with a Festive Late Night Christmas Shopping event, there’s something for everyone at The Bowes Museum this winter time.

Festive Events

Two women printing with ink on to paper in a classroom

Artist Makers: Winter Swans

Join artist Cath Hodson as she leads a printing workshop inspired by the beautiful Silver Swan automaton. Drop-in session, free with Winter Market admission. Recommended for ages 5+.

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Lady in a yellow jumper working on a mixed-media craft activity in a museum gallery

Linocut Card Making Workshop

Please note: Both workshops are FULLY BOOKED. In this 2-hour workshop, artist Cath Hodson will take you on a crash course in Linocut printing. Create your own winter cards for your loved ones this season, inspired by winter scenes within the Picture Galleries. Learn the basic techniques to get you started in the craft of

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Woman with children completing a craft activity in a museum gallery

Artist Makers: Do you want to make a snowman?

Join artist Zoe Allen to make your own wintery wonderland. Snowflakes will be dancing at The Bowes! Drop-in session, free with Winter Market admission. Recommended for ages 5+.

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Festive decorations hanging on a Christmas tree

Artist Makers: Festive Creations

Join artist Jane Young and get into the festive spirit as you use the collection and landscapes as inspiration to create festive decorations in the Create Space. Suitable for ages 5+. Upcoming sessions: Saturday 7 December & Saturday 21st December.

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Illustration of The Bowes Museum Christmas Market

Winter Market

The galleries and grounds of the Museum will be magically transformed in to a winter wonderland with dozens of stalls from local artisan traders nested in amongst the twinkling lights of the pretty parterre gardens and the stunning 2nd floor picture galleries as the enchanting aromas and sounds of the season returns with ever popular

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Three tiered afternoon tea, with scones, cakes and swan biscuits. The afternoon tea is on a table dressed for Christmas, with a red table cloth and silver crackers.

Festive Afternoon Tea

Treat yourself or someone you love to a fabulously festive afternoon tea in the award-winning Café Bowes. Escape the hustle and bustle and relax in the tranquil surroundings as you enjoy delicious home prepared food. Delight your tastebuds with festive bakes, cupcakes, mince pies, mulled cider and more. Booking is essential.  This can be done

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Spotlight Tour

A friendly, informal and informative introduction to the exhibitions, collections or building. Led by the Museum’s team of Visitor Assistants, Curators and Volunteer Tour Guides, join us for a daily tour that takes up to 30 minutes to find out more.

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Stay and Play

Time for The Bowes’ youngest visitors to explore and play in the Conversation Gallery, investigate materials and be creative in this self-led, free-play session. Suitable for children up to 5 years. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

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Person handling clay on a bench

Artist Makers: Creative Clay

Join artist Charlie Brookes and get into the festive spirit as you use the collection and landscapes to create some festive clay objects. Suitable for ages 5+.

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Festive Late Night Shopping

Enjoy the Museum decked out for Christmas after dark with an evening of wandering around the 1st floor galleries, see the highly accalimed Kith and Kinship: Norman Cornish and L.S. Lowry and Framing Fashion: Art and Inspiration from a Private Collection of Vivienne Westwood exhibitions. Browse the Museum shop or enjoy a bite to eat in Café Bowes. Free

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Winter at The Bowes Museum

Image of a Christmas decoration in the shape of swan
Image of stalls in the grounds of The Bowes Museum

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