Roman-Themed Merry Making: Saturnalia Crafts

Saturday 14th December, 11am – 3pm.

This is a family-friendly event and free to Roman Army Museum ticket holders.

In celebration of Saturnalia, both at the Roman Army Museum and Vindolanda, enjoy a weekend of festive celebrations. Saturnalia was an ancient Roman festival which celebrated the mid-winter with lots of similar traditions to the ones we have at Christmas. The Romans would have decorated their houses with candles, wreaths, drank wine and ate lots of food!

Here at the Roman Army Museum, you can get hands on with our Merry Making events season. Join us to make your very own mosaic bauble, stamp and paint your own clay tokens, and make a mini wreath to adorn your Christmas tree! Our festive workshop will be decorated with Christmas tree, evergreen garlands and lots of light to get you into the spirit! Learn about lamps, lighting and gift giving.

At Vindolanda, you can learn more about the feasting around Saturnalia and the Lord of Misrule – who presided over the days’ events when general rules were overthrown, and for a few days, slaves were treated as equals, being allowed to wear their master’s clothes.