With winter well on its way, Manx National Heritage hosts a series of festive events, lectures and film matinees at the Manx Museum and the House of Manannan during the month of December.
 
This Sunday 7 December, the Manx Museum opens its doors from 10am to 5pm, for the final Sunday opening for 2014. As part of the opening, the museum will host The Christmas Truce Concert, with music, carols and readings in the spirit of the remarkable military event of 1914. The concert features Castletown Metropolitan Silver Band, Lon Dhoo Male Voice Choir, Manx Voices Ladies Choir & readings of the letters of Manx soldiers who served in the First World War at Christmas time. Tickets cost ?6 Adult and ?3 Child and are available from the Manx Museum Gallery Shop and www.manxnationalheritage.im. 
 
While on the Fridays leading up to Christmas, the Manx Museum is also showing film matinees. The first showing is BAFTA nominated film ‘ACES High’ (1976) on Friday 5 December, telling the story of a Royal Flying Corps Squadron during one week of battle during the First World War. This will be followed by showings of Oscar winning film ‘All Quiet on the Western Front’ (1930) on 12 December and BAFTA winning film ‘Oh What a Lovely War’ (1969) on 19 December. All film showings commence at 2pm and admission is FREE.
 
On 13 December 2014 at 3pm, leading Isle of Man astronomer Howard Parkin will take an irreverent look at the Manx Space programme his presentation ”Cregneash, we have another problem” . The following Saturday (20 December) at 2pm ‘The Trail of St Nicholas’ with Dr Andrew Foxon explores some of the stories, legends and myths of Saints Nicholas from as far afield as Turkey and Russia to closer to home in Laxey and Kirk Michael! Tickets cost ?6 Adult and ?3 Child available from the Manx Museum Gallery Shop and www.manxnationalheritage.im. 
 
Or join us at the House of Manannan on Winter Solstice, Sunday 21 December, the shortest day of the year or the darkest midnight in 2014. Traditionally communities would celebrate on this day before the deep winter began and the journey towards spring could begin. This special family event explores the influence of Celt and Viking Christmas traditions we know and love today, with music and craft activities taking place between 1pm – 4pm. Standard admission applies, with FREE entry for local children with their ACE cards, kindly supported by Lloyds Bank.

For more information about Manx National Heritage events visit www.manxnationalheritage.im.