The History of Christmas talk with Ronald Hutton
Arnos Vale Cemetery · BS4
16 December 2026 – 16 December 2026
Workshop
TALK: Professor Ronald Hutton explores the deep and fascinating history of Christmas, from ancient seasonal celebrations to the modern holiday we recognise today. When did Christmas become Christmas? How old are the customs which we generally observe today: are they prehistoric in origin, or largely Victorian inventions? Are Santa Claus and Father Christmas really the same figure, and where did each of them come from? Are there any enduring characteristics of the midwinter festival that have survived centuries of religious, social, and cultural change--and might continue to survive in the future? In this talk, Professor Ronald Hutton explores the deep and fascinating history of Christmas, tracing its evolution from ancient seasonal celebrations to the modern holiday we recognise today.