Beamish, The Living Museum of the North is bringing festive cheer to families during lockdown by launching video calls with Father Christmas.
The open air museum has closed its doors due to the national COVID-19 restrictions but wanted to make sure children didn’t miss out on a chance to meet Father Christmas, a popular tradition for many Beamish visitors.
Families will be able to enjoy a video call with Santa Claus, as he sits by the fireside in his cosy festive Edwardian cottage at the museum. They will also have the chance to invite other family members to join them on the call. Father Christmas will be chatting to children about their present wish list and he’s sure to know a few things about them already, as he checks his naughty or nice list.
Matthew Henderson, Product Development Manager at Beamish Museum, said: “We’re so excited to be able to welcome Father Christmas to Beamish and give people a chance to enjoy a magical video call with him.
“We know that a festive trip to Beamish is a tradition for many of our visitors, so, although the museum is currently closed during lockdown, we’re delighted that we can offer children the chance to meet Father Christmas virtually.
“It’s a great way to bring families together during these times and we’re so happy we can bring some festive cheer.
“We’re continuing to closely monitor the government’s COVID-19 restrictions and will keep everyone updated about the rest of our plans for Christmas at Beamish.”
Beamish’s online shop is remaining open with a wide range of unique Christmas gifts on offer. From Edwardian-inspired spiced apple bath salts and Jubilee Confectioners’ sweet treats to Beamish’s edition of Monopoly and Herron’s Bakery Christmas cake, the gifts are inspired by the museum’s collections and exhibits.
Beamish is a charity and the COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on the museum, which relies on visitors for 95 percent of its income, including ticket sales and catering and retail purchases.
Every Father Christmas video call booking and online shop purchase supports the museum.
Booking details for Beamish’s Father Christmas video calls will be announced next week, visit www.beamish.org.uk for more information.