JANE Austen wrote in her novel Emma, “At Christmas everybody invites their friends around them and people think little of even the worst weather…”.
And there are plenty of ways to celebrate the festive season in Hampshire’s Jane Austen’s House Museum in the village of Chawton.
The rooms of the house will be decorated for the festive season in traditional Georgian style and you can see Stitched Together, a special exhibition of textile artworks inspired by the building and its collection for two weeks only from December 4-16.
The temporary exhibition of The Watsons manuscript (below) – a rare surviving example of one of Jane Austen’s unfinished novels – will be there until December 16.
Explore the museum’s permanent collection of Austen treasures, including Jane Austen’s turquoise ring, her writing table and treasured topaz cross.
You can also take part in festive drop-in activities, suitable for all the family and come to some of the special events.
A St Nicholas’ Eve late night opening will take place on Friday, December 5 from 5pm-8pm, offering a chance to see the museum in a different light.
Maura Dooley, poet-in-residence, will give readings inspired by the festive season, and there will be live performances of regency music. Mulled drinks and mince pies will be served in the historic kitchen. Normal admission applies.
Jane Austen’s Christmas Weekend takes place on December 13 and 14. There will be Christmas readings, family activities, storytelling and regency food tasting. On each day, there will be festive make and take activities.
Make Christmas clove pomanders and gingerbread tree decorations and you can also sample Regency food and discover more about the sweet treats eaten by Jane and her family at Chawton. Sample some for yourself and take away a historic recipe to make at home.
There will also be festive readings and Christmas storytelling, plus a Festive Family Trail - find the Christmas objects hiding round the house and win a small prize.
Entry is free for children under 16 throughout December.
Finally, join King John’s Men Mummers for traditional mumming plays on Saturday, January 3. Warm mulled drinks will be served to keep the cold away.
Find out more online at jane-austens-house-museum.org.uk.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here