Want to keep the little ones entertained this festive period? Herbert Art Gallery is hosting two sensory story and rhyme events for children!

Sensory Stories & Rhymes – Christmas Specials | Herbert Art Gallery

Sensory Stories & Rhymes – Christmas Story Special

• Date: Tuesday 9th December 2025
• Times: 10.30am - 11am & 11.30 am - 12pm
• Tickets: Book online in advance | £1.50
• Suitable for: Designed for ages 0 - 4

Join an extra special Sensory Stories & Rhymes session, as the team retell the classic story ‘The Night Before Christmas’ for the under 5’s audience. The team will be exploring this story with their usual sensory play-based approach, providing an opportunity for the youngest visitors to engage with this festive classic in a way that is meaningful to them. 

The hands-on nature of these sessions appeal to their imaginations and above all else is fun. Each child will receive a sensory play box, containing freshly cleaned sensory resources, which helps to keep them engaged for the duration of the session; adds context by using a physical object to give words meaning; extends learning through play and increases their opportunities to develop good listening and language skills. 

This session will take place in the Covered Court area of the museum, which is the first space you enter as you visit the museum. Don’t forget your Christmas jumpers, and you'll be treated to 10% off in the café too so you can meet with friends for a pre-Christmas coffee and catch up.

Sensory Stories & Rhymes – Santa Sing Along Special

• Date: Tuesday 16th December 2025
• Times: 10.30am - 11.00am & 11.30am - 12.00pm
• Tickets: Book online in advance | £1.50
• Suitable for: Designed for ages 0 - 4

Pop down to the Herbert for their favourite Sensory Stories & Rhymes session of the year, as they welcome a very special visitor from the North Pole! That’s right, Santa Claus will be taking time out from his busy schedule to come and sing-along to some of our favourite Christmas nursery rhymes.

Explore these songs with the usual sensory play-based approach, providing an opportunity for the youngest visitors to engage with this festive classic in a way that is meaningful to them. The hands-on nature of these sessions appeal to their imaginations and above all else is fun. Each child will receive a sensory play box, containing freshly cleaned sensory resources, which helps to keep them engaged for the duration of the session; adds context by using a physical object to give words meaning; extends learning through play and increases their opportunities to develop good listening and language skills. 

This session will take place in the Covered Court area of the museum, which is the first space you enter as you visit the museum. Don’t forget your Christmas jumpers, grown-ups will even be treated to 10% off in the café too so you can meet with friends for a pre-Christmas coffee and catch up.