London | November – December 2026
If you grew up with the Ahlbergs’ much-loved picture books, The Postal Museum in Clerkenwell has a festive treat in store. Its exhibition celebrating The Jolly Postman has been given a Christmas makeover to mark 35 years of The Jolly Christmas Postman, and there are atmospheric Festive Tunnel Walks through the old Mail Rail tunnels too. Here are five reasons to post yourself over there this season.
1. Step into The Jolly Christmas Postman
The museum’s elves have given their exhibition celebrating 40 years of The Jolly Postman a festive makeover, timed for 35 years of The Jolly Christmas Postman. Visitors can join Goldilocks’ seasonal celebrations, make Christmas pudding at the Three Bears’ cottage and peek inside the Wicked Witch’s gingerbread bungalow. There is a treasure trove of original sketches and wintry watercolours to admire. You can also discover how Janet and Allan Ahlberg drew inspiration from the everyday magic of the post dropping through the letterbox. It runs until Sunday 10 January, so there is plenty of time to fit in a visit over the holidays.
2. Take the Jolly Christmas Postman Challenge
Calling all little posties! You can add The Jolly Christmas Postman Challenge to your visit when you book. Children hunt for jolly Christmas characters hidden throughout the museum, including Baby Bear, Humpty Dumpty and the Gingerbread Boy. It is a fun way to keep younger visitors engaged as you explore. It also turns a museum trip into a proper festive adventure. Just remember to add it to your order.
3. Head underground on a Festive Tunnel Walk
For something more grown-up, a special season of Festive Tunnel Walks takes visitors deep beneath London’s streets through the Mail Rail tunnels. Expert guides lead the way, including a detour through a small section of the network where a seasonal surprise from Mail Rail’s past awaits. The remaining November walks run at 6.30pm and 7pm on Thursday 12, Sunday 22 and Saturday 28 November. In December, they take place on Saturday 5, Saturday 12, Saturday 19 and Tuesday 22 December, again at 6.30pm and 7pm. Tickets are on sale now, and an evening slot makes for a memorable alternative to the usual Christmas drinks.
4. Let little ones loose in Sorted! and Post and Play
Younger visitors can play and explore in Sorted!, the museum’s postal play space. There are also Post and Play sessions, where children can join the museum’s team of playful posties. Both are designed to bring the world of letters and parcels to life for small hands. They pair nicely with the Jolly Postman exhibition for a full family day out. Check the What’s On page for session details before you go.
5. Audio-described tours, and a big birthday on the way
The Postal Museum also runs audio-described tours suitable for blind and visually impaired visitors. Looking ahead, 2027 marks the centenary of Mail Rail, and the museum is planning a programme of events to celebrate. The highlight is a brand-new exhibition, Powering the Post, opening on Saturday 29 May 2027. It will explore the invention, engineering and experimentation behind the post, from letter-sorting machines to delivery drones, including the ideas that did not deliver. That is one to note down for next year.
Visit
Where: The Postal Museum, 15-20 Phoenix Place, London WC1X 0DA
Jolly Postman festive exhibition: until Sunday 10 January
Festive Tunnel Walks: 12, 22 and 28 November; 5, 12, 19 and 22 December; 6.30pm and 7pm