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Crackling log fires, traditional Christmas entertainment, music, warming drinks and tasty seasonal fare – just some of the treats in store for visitors to the Weald & Downland Open Air Museum this festive season.

The Museum’s ‘Sussex Christmas’ event runs from 26 December to 1 January 2012, recreating many evocative aspects of traditional Christmas celebrations. The Museum’s site in the heart of the South Downs National Park near Chichester, West Sussex, is an ideal place to stretch the legs and enjoy the warmth and atmosphere of the historic houses, many decorated for Christmas in the style of the period when they were originally built.

The Museum is home to over 45 historic buildings which have been rescued from destruction, moved and carefully reconstructed on the site. ‘A Sussex Christmas’ has become increasingly popular over the years with visitors enjoying the opportunity to bring friends and family to the Museum’s delightful downland location during the festive season. This year there will be displays, performances, music, games, and a chance to taste traditional food and drink in cosy old buildings with open log fires.   

The decorated houses will reflect the spirit of Christmas throughout the ages: the hall of the 15th century Bayleaf farmhouse will be decorated with evergreens including holly and ivy gathered from the Museum’s woodland. Pendean farmhouse built in 1609 will reflect Christmas in Stuart England and will have a crackling yule log for visitors to warm themselves by; Whittaker’s Cottages and the Schoolhouse will reflect a Victorian theme; and Walderton Cottage will be decorated in the style of the 17th century.

Food and drink is of course a key part of the Christmas tradition: Bayleaf Farmhouse will be laid out as a typical Tudor farmstead at Christmas, and visitors will have the chance to chat to Museum staff and volunteers about how the Tudors would have enjoyed the festive season. In the Tudor kitchen there will be demonstrators producing a variety of seasonal food and drink, in the historic building from North Cray warming spiced ale and Christmas biscuits will be available for visitors to enjoy.

The Museum is open daily throughout the winter until 23 December, and open for ‘A Sussex Christmas’ from 26 December – 1 January 2012, 10.30am – 4pm. Admission prices are adults £9.50, over 60’s £8.50, children £5, family ticket £26, under 4’s free. From 2 Jan it is open Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays only until half term activity week which commences on 13 February, after which it is open daily for the rest of the year. Opening times are 10.30 to 6pm during BST, 10.30 – 4pm for the rest of the year.