The North East's most popular attraction, Beamish Museum in County Durham, has revealed a packed schedule of festive fun. 

Visitors to Beamish, The Living Museum of the North this Christmas can discover unforgettable and unique yuletide celebrations, starting this weekend (Saturday, November 23).

Christmas at Beamish daytimes run from November 23 to  December 24, with delightful decorations, festive food, merry music and Christmas crafts – a chance to join in the celebrations of generations past.

Across the museum visitors can enjoy festive food and drink, including hearty pies, hot sandwiches, and a range of indulgent hot chocolates whilst taking in period-appropriate decorations and festive displays. 

(Image: Beamish Museum) Father Christmas and Mrs Claus  will also be stopping by - travelling around site in their splendid horse-drawn carriage on weekends. 

From Georgian times right the way through to the 1950s, the museum promises that guests will be immersed in an "enchanting Christmas through time" at the County Durham open air museum.

The 1820s Pockerley Old Hall will be decked out with festive greenery and food displays, and Elf Wood will have a trail of 'mischievous elf' decorations.

Elsewhere at Beamish, in The 1900s Pit Village, seem the mining families all set for Christmas in the traditionally-decorated cottages. Homes and shops in the 1900s Town will be exquisitely decorated, and visitors will be able to tuck into delicious festive treats from the bakery and sweet shop.

At The 1940s Farm, the Land Girls are preparing for Beamish's Christmas festivities, with homemade gifts and ration cooking on the menu.

(Image: Beamish Museum) The new toy shop in The 1950s Town has a wide range of great gifts, and the Grand Cinema will be showing festive films on certain dates.

Paul Foster, Events Manager, said: “We can’t wait to celebrate the Christmas season at the museum – it’s definitely a highlight of the year for us!

“Visitors can enjoy our traditional decorations, delicious festive food, Christmas music and crafts, and there’s even a fun museum-wide trail to complete – can you find all of the Christmas characters?

“With more to see than ever this Christmas, with the completion of our 1950s Town, including a cinema and toy shop, and our new Georgian Drovers Tavern and pottery, this is set to be one of our most spectacular Christmas events yet!”

The opening of the 1950s cinema means that this year the museum is also hosting a series of festive Grand Cinema Events. Visitors can enjoy Christmas movies in the 1950s Grand cinema – How the Grinch Stole Christmas on December 1, The Muppet Christmas Carol on December 8,and White Christmas on December 22. To find out more, visit www.beamish.org.uk.

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Christmas at Beamish daytimes are included in admission and are free to Unlimited Pass holders and Friends of Beamish members, pay once and visit free for a year.

The fun will continue after Christmas, with Twelfth Night Celebrations from December 27 until January 5.

Plus, The Beamish Amateur Dramatic Society will be putting on its own adaptation of Jack and the Beanstalk in the 1950s welfare hall on weekends in January and February, at small extra charge. Panto tickets, which must be pre-booked online, are subject to availability. Tickets will be available soon, see Beamish website for more information).