Christmas Events at Sheffield Museums This December

December is here, and Sheffield is buzzing with things to see and do. If you're looking for a bit of culture, some festive fun, or just a place to find unique Christmas gifts, the city's museums have got you covered. From massive art exhibitions that make you think, to creative workshops and even a chance to meet Santa, there’s a whole host of events happening. And the best part? Entry to every museum is free, so you can soak up some amazing art and history without spending a penny. There's a lot going on, so here’s a look at what you can join in with across the city.

A heads-up on opening times

Before planning a trip, it's a good idea to check the opening times, especially with the Christmas holidays. Some places will be closed for a bit longer than usual. It’s always a bit of a pain turning up to find the doors locked, right? Here’s a quick rundown to help you plan your visit to your favourite museum.

Museum/Gallery	Christmas Closure Details
Graves Gallery	Closed from 2pm on Wed 24 Dec. Re-opens Thu 26 Feb.
Kelham Island Museum	Closed from 2pm on Wed 24 Dec. Re-opens Tue 6 Jan.
Millennium Gallery	Closed from 2pm on Wed 24 Dec. Re-opens Tue 6 Jan.
Shepherd Wheel Workshop	Closed Sat 6 & Sun 7 Dec. Closed again from Mon 22 Dec – Fri 9 Jan.
Weston Park Museum	Closed from 2pm on Wed 24 Dec. Re-opens Tue 6 Jan.

Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet is also closed for a big project until Spring 2026, but it will open for special events like the one mentioned later!

Step into another world: new exhibitions

There are some brilliant new exhibitions to get lost in. Over at Weston Park Museum, Gathering Landscapes (running until 1 Nov 2026) is celebrating 150 years of collecting. Think about all the weird and wonderful things people gather – shiny stones, old postcards, action figures. This exhibition looks at how people have collected things from the world around them for ages. Curated by a group of artists called Heavy Water Collective, it brings together over 400 objects from Sheffield’s collection. It’s a mix of the beautiful, the strange, and the magical, exploring our connection to the land and nature through art and artefacts. It’s a real treasure trove of a collection.

Meanwhile, at the Millennium Gallery, New Horizons: Growing Sheffield’s Art Collection (until 25 Jan 2026) is all about how the city’s art collection keeps growing. It’s not just about old paintings; this exhibition shows off some of the amazing paintings, sculptures, and even video art that have been added in the last ten years. You can see work by famous names like Grayson Perry and Lucian Freud. The whole point of the Sheffield art collection from the start was to make great art accessible to everyone in the city, and this exhibition carries on that idea. It’s a great chance to see how a modern art collection is built and what it says about our lives today.

Art that makes you think

If you enjoy art that messes with your head a bit (in a good way!), then head to the Graves Gallery. The Penny McCarthy: How to Look Through Time exhibition (until 20 Dec 2025) is a really interesting one. The artist, Penny McCarthy, is fascinated by how time changes the way we see things. Her work explores how the past is still present in old objects and artworks. For this show, she spent months studying a huge 16th-century print by an artist named Titian. She then created her own drawings, film, and glass works in response to it. It’s all about what happens when you look at something really old with fresh eyes. It’s a thoughtful and delicate exhibition that really makes you stop and consider the passage of time.

Get your festive fix: christmas markets and gifts

It wouldn't be December without a good Christmas market, and there are a couple of fantastic ones to check out. The Victorian Christmas Market is back at Kelham Island Museum on Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th December. Imagine gas lamps, traditional food, and over 80 stalls selling unique gifts and Sheffield-made goodies. There’s live music, fairground rides for the kids, and even a chance to meet the main man himself in Santa's grotto. You can really get into the festive spirit here. What a brilliant way to spend a weekend.

Then, on Saturday 13th December, the Millennium Gallery is hosting a Ukrainian Christmas Market. This is a chance to experience some different festive traditions, with folk songs, authentic food, and beautiful handmade gifts. It’s a celebration full of warmth and cheer. And if you’re still hunting for presents, the Crafted showcase (until 24 Dec 2025) at the same gallery has loads of beautiful jewellery, ceramics, and textiles from local makers. Perfect for finding a unique gift.

Time to get creative: workshops for grown-ups

Feeling inspired by all the art? Why not have a go yourself? There are some great creative workshops and sessions happening. The Feel Good Art Club runs on Wednesday 3rd and 17th December at the Millennium Gallery. It’s a relaxed and friendly group where anyone can come and develop their drawing skills. Even if you haven't drawn since you were at school, it’s a perfect, mindful way to unwind. Each session focuses on a different theme.

If you fancy a different kind of challenge, the Life Drawing for Beginners session on Saturday 6th December, also at the Millennium Gallery, is a great place to start. It’s a welcoming class for people who want to learn how to draw the human form. And for something really festive, you can join the Festive Bauble Calligraphy workshop at Kelham Island Museum on Wednesday 10th December. You can learn how to write beautifully and personalise your own ceramic baubles – a lovely decoration or a thoughtful gift. All these activities are a great way to try something new.

All about the kids (and santa!)

There are plenty of family activities to keep the little ones happy this December. The big news is that Santa is coming to Weston Park Museum! Santa’s Workshop is running on various dates in December, where kids can meet him in his grotto, get a quality present, and take part in some fun, festive craft sessions. These are super popular, so booking is a must. Seeing Santa in his grotto is a classic Christmas experience.

There’s also a special Baby Friendly Santa Experience on Tuesday 16th December. These sessions are designed for babies under 18 months, with lots of sensory play and a gentler introduction to Santa. For regular fun, Get Stuck In! runs every Friday during term-time at Weston Park Museum for under 5s, with messy play and sensory activities. Over at the Millennium Gallery, Art at the Start on Wednesday 10th December offers similar messy, creative fun for babies and toddlers.

Community and connection

The museums are also places for people to connect. At Weston Park Museum, there's a drop-in LGBTQ+ Over 50s Group on Thursday 11th December. It’s a safe and welcoming space for people from the community to meet and chat. The agenda is set by the members, making it a really supportive environment. Over at Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet, the Ancient Roots – Women's Circle takes place on Saturday 20th December. It’s a chance for women to gather and connect with nature and the seasons. It's great to see the city's museum spaces being used for these important community events and the creation of amazing art.