Festive Family Activities at Science and Media Museum

Seasonal events and film screenings from December to January

The National Science and Media Museum in Bradford is hosting a series of festive family activities from 6 December 2025 to 4 January 2026. The events aim to combine seasonal celebrations with educational experiences, offering a variety of workshops, live shows and film screenings suitable for all ages.

Event details and activities

Visitors to the museum can take part in a range of activities designed around the theme of winter and festive films. Highlights include:

• Fairy Trail: Starting 13 December, families can collect a trail booklet from the museum’s welcome desk and search for hidden fairies throughout the museum using provided clues.
• Winter Wonderlab Live Science Show: A 30-minute interactive science show exploring the science of winter, featuring demonstrations such as a Ruben’s tube and air cannon snowball battles. Shows run at 11:30 and 14:00 on 13 December and then Tuesday to Saturday from 20 December to 3 January.
• Stop-Motion Animation Workshop: Drop-in sessions from 10:00 to 16:00 on 13–14 December and 20 December to 4 January. Participants can create their own mini winter-themed stop-motion films using characters and props inspired by festive films like The Nightmare Before Christmas, The Polar Express, Elf and The Snowman.
• Seasonal Science Drop-in: On 14 December and Sundays and Mondays from 21 December, museum Explainers will host festive science demonstrations and activities suitable for families.

Film screenings at Pictureville Cinema

Throughout the event period, Pictureville Cinema within the museum will screen a selection of Christmas classics. Films include:

• The Muppet Christmas Carol
• The Polar Express in IMAX 3D
• Home Alone
• Arthur Christmas

Visitors can enjoy seasonal refreshments such as hot chocolate and mince pies while watching the films. Cinema tickets start from £3, while admission to the museum and participation in the live shows, workshops and trail are free.

Location and admission

The National Science and Media Museum is located on Little Horton Lane, Bradford, BD1 1NQ. General admission to the museum is free, with some activities included as part of this admission. Cinema screenings require a separate ticket purchase.

For further information and to plan your visit, see the museum’s website or contact the venue directly.