True’s Yard Fisherfolk Museum has announced a programme of Christmas activities, exhibitions and events after securing £2,533 through the Love Your Market Town Fund.
The King’s Lynn museum received the funding for its Reel Bright Idea project, supported by the Borough Council of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk and Norfolk County Council, with many of the activities set to be free.
Museum Curator Lindsey Bavin said: “We’re delighted our grant application was successful. We wanted to bring some joy and offer affordable activities for families this Christmas. Many of the activities we have planned are free.”
One of the first attractions to launch will be a free Dickensian Trail around King’s Lynn, featuring characters from A Christmas Carol depicted as mice by artist Arrow Boca.
Visitors can collect a trail leaflet from True’s Yard or King’s Lynn Tourist Information before visiting 10 participating locations around the town to collect stickers.
The venues are True’s Yard Fisherfolk Museum, King’s Lynn Library, the Corn Exchange, The Fent Shop, Miam Miam, Lynn Museum, Stories of Lynn, The Dice Box, The Plot Twist and Waterstones.
Anyone collecting all 10 stickers will receive a small prize from True’s Yard or Stories of Lynn and can also enter a draw to win a voucher for King’s Lynn Corn Exchange.
From Tuesday 3 November, the museum will host Deck the Halls: Christmas Tree Decorations Through the Ages, exploring the origins and development of Christmas tree decorations. The exhibition will run until 22 January 2027.
A Christmas hamper raffle will also launch on November 3, with more than £200 worth of food and gifts up for grabs. Tickets cost £5 a strip, with the draw taking place at noon on December 9.
Free festive yoga sessions will begin on the same day and run for five weeks from 5.30pm to 6.30pm, although places are limited and advance booking is recommended.
From Wednesday 18 November, the museum will also host free Crafternoons from 1pm to 3pm in its Georgian Tearoom, giving visitors an opportunity to make Christmas gifts. Some materials will be provided, although participants can also bring their own.
A Victorian Christmas Evening will take place on Friday 27 November, with Fascinating Food presenting a talk about Victorian festive food and games alongside tasting plates including speckled pudding and raised pie. Tickets cost £12.50 and must be booked in advance.
The following day, Saturday 28 November, True’s Yard will host a Christmas Fair featuring independent local traders, decorations and festive treats. Entry will be free, with donations welcomed.
December will bring further events, beginning with a Christmas Trivia Quiz on Friday 4 December from 11am to noon. Entry costs £5 per person and includes a hot drink and biscuits.
The museum’s Christmas Light Trail launches on December 8, transforming the site with fairy lights and festive scenes. It will be included with normal daytime admission from December 8 to 12.
True’s Yard will then open specially during the evenings of December 15, 16 and 17 from 4.30pm to 7.30pm, with a family ticket for two adults and up to three children costing £12.
On December 9, visitors can also attend A Taste of Christmas Past, a free event from 1pm to 3pm featuring historic Christmas treats and a live cookery demonstration by Fascinating Food. Places are limited.
That evening, the museum’s annual Carol Concert will take place at All Saints Church from 6.30pm to 7.30pm, featuring readings and a performance by North Wootton Academy Choir. The event is free, with mulled wine or hot chocolate and mince pies afterwards.
True’s Yard will also operate its Christmas Gift Shop throughout the festive period, stocking products from local suppliers including books by local authors, treats from Norfolk Sweet Kitchen and Handmade Norfolk Soaps.
True’s Yard Fisherfolk Museum is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 4pm, with last admission at 3.30pm.
For further information or to book activities, visit truesyard.co.uk, call 01553 770479 or email [email protected]
