
io Saturnalia: Happy Christmas the Roman Way!
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io Saturnalia: Happy Christmas the Roman Way! will be held at Verulamium Museum in St Albans on 15 December 2026, starting at 19:00. The museum opens at 18:30 for exploration, followed by a talk at 19:00, lasting approximately one hour and including a Q&A session.
The museum will be open from 6:30pm for your to explore. The talk will begin at 7pm for approximately an hour, followed by a Q+A. Please be aware that the car park outside the museum now requires a Pay and Display ticket in the evenings. Events , Adults Early Christians celebrated Christmas at the same time as the ancient Romans were feasting and partying for their pagan Saturnalia festival. Many of the pagan habits were therefore absorbed into our Christmas traditions. Present-giving, holly and even party-hats all have their origins in this 2,000 year old party. This talk will revel in artwork that is ancient and modern as we un-wrap the images and stories behind our festive season. Special Offer: Mix and match 4 in-person tickets across our entire talks programme and get the 5th on free. (This is not a loyalty programme - all tickets must be purchased in one transaction.) Meet the Speaker After graduating in Latin & Ancient History from Exeter University, Gillian Hovell spent several years working in BBC Television before moving to North Yorkshire where she began to throw herself(often literally) into archaeology and started an award-winning writing and public speaking career. Professionally known as "The Muddy Archaeologist", s he has been involved in various digs since 2003. She led a dig in Yorkshire for nearly ten years and since then has been involved in many internationally important excavations. Her passion for sharing the ancient world has led her to lecture nationally and internationally, as well on tours and cruises around Britain and throughout the Mediterranean. She has also appeared in local and national media. You might also like 08 Oct Verulamium Museum Roman and Iron Age Silchester Book Tickets Here 14 Sep Verulamium Museum Roman Britain in Twenty Towns This event has finished 23 Nov Verulamium Museum Septimius Severus: The African Emperor Book Tickets Here
Description supplied by the event organiser.
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Frequently asked questions
io Saturnalia: Happy Christmas the Roman Way! takes place on Tuesday, 15 December 2026 at 19:00.
io Saturnalia: Happy Christmas the Roman Way! is held at Verulamium Museum in St Albans (St Michael's Street, St Albans AL3 4SW).
Yes — hotels within walking distance of Verulamium Museum can be compared using the accommodation search further down this page.
Tickets for io Saturnalia: Happy Christmas the Roman Way! can be booked via stalbansmuseums.org.uk using the "Check Tickets & Live Prices" button on this page, which opens the official booking site in a new tab.

io Saturnalia: Happy Christmas the Roman Way!
Editorial Summary
io Saturnalia: Happy Christmas the Roman Way! will be held at Verulamium Museum in St Albans on 15 December 2026, starting at 19:00. The museum opens at 18:30 for exploration, followed by a talk at 19:00, lasting approximately one hour and including a Q&A session.
This summary was automatically generated from event data sourced from official ticketing providers.
Organiser’s full description
The museum will be open from 6:30pm for your to explore. The talk will begin at 7pm for approximately an hour, followed by a Q+A. Please be aware that the car park outside the museum now requires a Pay and Display ticket in the evenings. Events , Adults Early Christians celebrated Christmas at the same time as the ancient Romans were feasting and partying for their pagan Saturnalia festival. Many of the pagan habits were therefore absorbed into our Christmas traditions. Present-giving, holly and even party-hats all have their origins in this 2,000 year old party. This talk will revel in artwork that is ancient and modern as we un-wrap the images and stories behind our festive season. Special Offer: Mix and match 4 in-person tickets across our entire talks programme and get the 5th on free. (This is not a loyalty programme - all tickets must be purchased in one transaction.) Meet the Speaker After graduating in Latin & Ancient History from Exeter University, Gillian Hovell spent several years working in BBC Television before moving to North Yorkshire where she began to throw herself(often literally) into archaeology and started an award-winning writing and public speaking career. Professionally known as "The Muddy Archaeologist", s he has been involved in various digs since 2003. She led a dig in Yorkshire for nearly ten years and since then has been involved in many internationally important excavations. Her passion for sharing the ancient world has led her to lecture nationally and internationally, as well on tours and cruises around Britain and throughout the Mediterranean. She has also appeared in local and national media. You might also like 08 Oct Verulamium Museum Roman and Iron Age Silchester Book Tickets Here 14 Sep Verulamium Museum Roman Britain in Twenty Towns This event has finished 23 Nov Verulamium Museum Septimius Severus: The African Emperor Book Tickets Here
Description supplied by the event organiser.
❓ Frequently asked questions
When is io Saturnalia: Happy Christmas the Roman Way!?
io Saturnalia: Happy Christmas the Roman Way! takes place on Tuesday, 15 December 2026 at 19:00.
Where is io Saturnalia: Happy Christmas the Roman Way! taking place?
io Saturnalia: Happy Christmas the Roman Way! is held at Verulamium Museum in St Albans (St Michael's Street, St Albans AL3 4SW).
Is there anywhere to stay near io Saturnalia: Happy Christmas the Roman Way!?
Yes — hotels within walking distance of Verulamium Museum can be compared using the accommodation search further down this page.
How do I get tickets for io Saturnalia: Happy Christmas the Roman Way!?
Tickets for io Saturnalia: Happy Christmas the Roman Way! can be booked via stalbansmuseums.org.uk using the "Check Tickets & Live Prices" button on this page, which opens the official booking site in a new tab.
🏨 Staying overnight?
Hotels within walking distance of Verulamium Museum
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