The Charles Dickens Museum in London is the world's most important collection of material relating to the great Victorian novelist and social commentator.

The only surviving London home of Dickens (from 1837 until 1839) was opened as a Museum in 1925 and is still welcoming visitors from all over the world in an authentic and inspiring surrounding.

Each year, the Museum provides a unique and enchanting glimpse into how the festive season was celebrated by the great Victorian author, with the historic interiors transformed into a true embodiment of Christmas Past.

22-23 November 2025, 11.30, 13.00,15.00
A Gothicly Grand Magic Lantern Christmas
£15.00 (concessions £12.50), Child £10.00

Step into a world of wonder and enchantment this Christmas with our Magic Lantern shows, brought to you by internationally acclaimed maestros, Jeremy and Carolyn Brooker. Dive into the mysterious realms of goblins, ghosts, and the extraordinary in a spellbinding seasonal celebration that's perfect for all ages.

A magic lantern is a captivating device, which was incredibly popular in the 18th and 19th centuries. It consists of a light source and a series of lenses and slides. When illuminated it projects vivid and fantastical images, creating enchanting story telling experiences. Jeremy and Carolyn use a rare and intricate lantern, a triunial (triple) magic lantern. This delivers lightning-fast shows, filled with breath-taking effects. A truly magical way to experience this Victorian style entertainment.

With over two decades of experience, this dynamic duo have mastered the art of magic lantern performances, ensuring that the captivating beauty and visual spectacle that has enthralled audiences for centuries remains as wonderful as ever.

Join us for a Christmas adventure like you've never seen, and let Jeremy and Carolyn Brooker transport you to a world where the supernatural comes alive!

7 December 2025, 10.30, 12.30, 14.30
Make a Scene! Drama fun with Scrooge
Free for ages 9-12

Our Victorian actor needs your help to put on a scene from one of Charles Dickens's most famous books! Learn performance skills and take an on or offstage role  in 'the Smallest Theatre in the World' at Charles Dickens's own home.

All children must be accompanied by an adult guardian, and all adults must be accompanied by a child.

We know that families of all shapes and sizes love to enjoy a day out at the Charles Dickens Museum. These sessions are designed especially for children, and we want as many kids as possible to enjoy them within our limited space. 

2-6, 9-14, 16-23 December 2025, 16.00, 18.00
A Christmas Carol
£25.00 (concessions £22.50)

It’s one of the most magical, enchanting stories ever written, A Christmas Carol is a true masterpiece by Charles Dickens.

This December, step into the former home of Dickens, as actor James Swanton brings this wonderful story to life. Beneath the glint of a traditional Christmas tree, encounter Ebenezer Scrooge as he embarks on his supernatural journey with the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Yet-To-Come. It's a story which has the power to chill the marrow, and tickle the funny bone, and which reminds us of the true meaning of Christmas.

3, 9, 11, 16, 18 December 2025, 16.00
The Haunted Man
£22.00 (concessions £20.00)
The Haunted Man is perhaps one of the most powerful stories Dickens ever wrote. It was his fifth and final Christmas book, published in 1848 following the death of his sister, Frances. The story opens with Professor Redlaw in deep mourning for his own sister, so this story is a deeply personal one to Dickens, in which we are able to glimpse Dickens's own state of mind and spirit at Christmas 1848. 

Redlaw is haunted by a menacing phantom, with whom he strikes a bargain. The ghost will remove all memories of pain and sorrow, along with their associated memories. Once the weighty deal is struck, Redlaw comes to realise that without pain and sorrow, without the memories of those whom we love, there can be no joy or compassion, sympathy or love. 

The Haunted Man is brimming with that classic Dickensian combination of gothic chills and warming Christmas spirit and is brought powerfully to life by James Swanton. 

24 December 2025, from 10.00
Christmas Eve at the Charles Dickens Museum
£20.00 (concessions £15.00), Child £10.00

The warming scent of mulled wine wafting through the air. The glorious sight of holly garlands twisting up the staircase and tied with red ribbons, is there any better place to be on Christmas Eve than in the historic London home of Charles Dickens?

Soak up the festive spirit this Christmas Eve as you explore the very home in which Charles Dickens lived and wrote. Traditionally decorated in an authentic Victorian style, the Charles Dickens Museum evokes the nostalgia of a Dickensian Christmas. Every guest receives a free mince pie and mulled wine or soft drink alternative. For an extra special treat, we’ll be playing adaptations of A Christmas Carol throughout the day in ‘The Smallest Theatre in the World.’