Bring some museums magic to your festive season

Crafted is back at the Millennium Gallery, offering an inspired alternative to the high street for great gift ideas, all while supporting local makers and the city’s museums and galleries. With work from over 50 makers from across the region, shoppers are guaranteed to find the perfect present this festive season.

Bringing together original jewellery, accessories, homeware, textiles and ceramics, Crafted presents work by some of the region’s most sought-after contemporary makers. The wide range of work available includes jewellery by Jenny Rothwell and Hayley Rennie, woodwork by Colin Watson and ceramics from Lorna Gilbert and Jean White. Crafted also features glassware by Helen Marshall and Stevie Davis and textiles and accessories by Amy Hall, Karoline Rennie, Diane Jones and many more.

This year’s show continues to shine a spotlight on Sheffield’s own talented maker community, celebrating the skills of an array of craftspeople, artists and designers based in the region. Every purchase made is a real gift for good – not only are shoppers supporting local independent makers, they’re also helping raise vital funds to support Sheffield Museums’ work providing life-shaping, joy filled experiences across the sites they care for.

Kelly O’Leary, buying and merchandising co-ordinator at Sheffield Museums says:

“It’s great to be able to showcase the work of so many brilliant makers in Crafted, and in particular, celebrate Sheffield’s own creative talents. We’re thrilled to be able to provide a platform for their work, and to see how popular they are with shoppers. The other brilliant thing about Crafted is the vital income it generates to support the museums wider work, from providing free school holiday activities for families and caring for the city’s collection to celebrating Sheffield’s remarkable stories through exhibitions and displays. Every pound we raise makes a huge difference.”

Over at Kelham Island Museum, the city’s much-loved Victorian Christmas Market returns next month to mark the start of the festive season. On Saturday 6 and Sunday December 7, visitors will have chance to gather under the gas lamps once again for a weekend full of music and merriment. Alongside the shopping there will be plenty of smiles, with performances from local brass bands, musicians, dancers, choirs, carollers, and wonderful walkabout characters.

Visitors will be able to feast on food from around the world, warm up with a mulled wine, enjoy children’s fairground favourites and visit Santa in his Grotto. And with over 80 stalls selling Sheffield-made wares, gifts and seasonal goods, there’ll be plenty of chances for them to find perfect presents and stocking fillers for all their loved ones.

Meanwhile, Santa is on his way back to Weston Park Museum – and has already proved hugely popular! Over the last few years, Santa’s Workshop has earned a reputation as one Sheffield’s best festive experiences for families. In these fun, hands-on activities sessions, visitors have the chance to get creative and Christmassy and make something magical – and of course, meet the man himself and head home with a quality present. This year the response has been huge yet again, with the majority of slots already fully booked. There’s still chance to book for the last few remaining spaces though – you’ll find the latest availability at sheffieldmuseums.org.uk/santa

There’s also an extra special Santa session on Tuesday 16 December, specially designed for babies under 18 months old and their families. Visitors will be able to enjoy their little one’s very first visit to see Santa, take photos, and make special memories together as a family – and of course, come home with a quality present.

And if you’re looking for a present guaranteed to wow the museum lover in your life, then a Museum Gift Experience might be just what you’re after. From a behind the scenes tour of the city’s museum collection store to the opportunity to command Kelham Island Museum’s mighty River Don Engine, these unforgettable experiences are sure to delight, amaze and inspire. Every purchase will do even more – raising vital funds to help keep the museums free and open for everyone to enjoy.

Kirstie Hamilton, director of programmes at Sheffield Museums said:

“It’s so great to welcome visitors to enjoy our bumper festive programme. It’s been wonderful to see such an amazing response to our Santa sessions again this year, the Victorian Christmas Market has become a proper fixture in people’s festivities, and Crafted is a real celebration of the work of independent makers. All of these events are so important to our work as a charity – every single one raises funds that help us provide inspiring experiences for everyone we work with and welcome, all year round.”

Crafted at the Millennium Galleryis open Tuesday-Sunday until Wednesday December 24 – visit sheffieldmuseums.org.uk for more information and opening times.

Kelham Island Museum Victorian Christmas Market takes place on Saturday December 6 (10am - 6pm) and Sunday December 7 (10am - 5pm) – for tickets and more information visit sheffieldmuseums.org.uk/xmasmarket

Santa’s Workshop at Weston Park Museum – for dates, times and remaining availability visit sheffieldmuseums.org.uk/santa

Museum Gift Experiences – to find out more and buy yours, visit sheffieldmuseums.org.uk/support-us