Can you hear the sheep bells ringing? Explore everything coming up for Christmas and the festive season at The Museum of English Rural Life, Reading. Join us for Christmas shopping and explore our range of perfect Christmas gifts and Christmas decorations (including our very popular absolute unit merch), or browse our upcoming events, including the return of Magical Lights in the museum’s beautiful garden.

Festive reads

Make yourself a hot drink and delve into Christmas stories from the history of rural England on The MERL blog, from the history of Christmas stockings to why we eat turkey for Christmas dinner.

Christmas events, activities, and shopping

Explore everything happening throughout the festive season at The MERL, or why not join us for a spot of festive shopping? All purchases support our work and our collections.