Museum Workshop

Saturnalia: A Roman Christmas?

🔍 Discover and Explore

Take a trip back in time and meet a Roman preparing for the midwinter festival of Saturnalia! What happened at these Roman celebrations? What presents did people give and receive? What food did they eat? Explore a festival steeped in tradition, religion, and food! 

A history of Saturnalia. Video created by Somerton Primary school telling the story of Saturnalia, the Roman mid-winter festival.

✏️ Take Part

Put on your pileus (hat) and get ready to celebrate Saturnalia! Share your midwinter traditions and compare it to the traditions of a Roman celebrating nearly 2000 years ago. 

ℹ️ About This Session

Please let us know when you are booking if you have any pupils that would be sensitive to these experiences, and we will do our best to make everyone feel comfortable!

Duration: 45 minutes
Dates: 17 November - 19 December 2025
Cost: Led by Museum staff - £40 for up to 15 pupils, £60 for up to 35. Free for some schools (see booking information).

Curriculum

Humanities: Events and human experiences are complex, and are perceived, interpreted and represented in different ways.

Age: 8-11

Learning objectives: 

  • Discover a Roman feast from the perspective of a Roman party guest and a Roman slave.
  • Review the ways these events and experiences are perceived, interpreted and represented.
  • Consider the daily life and equality for different people in Roman times and today.
  • Reflect on what we can learn from Roman times to improve society today.

Saturnalia workshop

National Roman Legion Museum

Booking information

To make a booking and talk to someone about this session phone (029) 2057 3546 or email learning.romans@museumwales.ac.uk