Christmas has officially landed in South Kensington as the Natural History Museum kicks off its festive celebrations with the return of its iconic Christmas T. rex display — a seasonal favourite that’s become as essential to London’s winter calendar as ice skating at Somerset House.
Since 2021, the Museum’s animatronic T. rex has donned a dino-sized Christmas jumper, a playful tradition that captures hearts every year. This festive makeover, now in its fifth year, is free for all visitors to enjoy in the Museum’s Dinosaurs Gallery.
“Since we first began our Christmas T. rex tradition half a decade ago, it has become a firm favourite amongst our six million visitors annually,” said Claire Bevan, Head of Retail and Customer Contact at the Natural History Museum. “Our Christmas knitwear is one of our Shop’s best-sellers, and all profits help support our world-leading scientists’ research and educational programmes.”
A Roaringly Festive Collection
This year’s design showcases some of the Museum’s most treasured specimens — including a T. rex skull, ammonite fossil, and a detailed illustration of the South Kensington building on the back. For the first time ever, even your furry friends can join in with a brand-new dog jumper to match the human collection.
The festive range, created in collaboration with NOTJUST, a UK-based social enterprise, is made from 100% organic cotton. Every purchase supports the Museum’s charitable mission, funding over 400 scientists who are tackling pressing global challenges through research.
“We loved the challenge of bringing a new roaring design to this enormous T. rex-sized festive knit,” said Ella Wigfall-Gamble, Lead Designer at NOTJUST. “This year’s collection is bigger, bolder, and designed to delight dinosaur fans of all ages — including their four-legged companions.”
Festive Fun at the Museum
Beyond the gift shop, the Natural History Museum is brimming with holiday magic. This December, visitors can enjoy a Silent Disco, dance under the iconic Hintze Hall’s blue whale, or experience Storytelling with Santa from 1–21 December, perfect for families with young explorers. For those looking to indulge, the Museum also hosts Christmas-themed tours and afternoon teas on 12 and 19 December in the exclusive Anning Rooms.
Shop the Collection
The Museum Christmas jumper is priced at £45 for adults and £30 for children, with accessories including scarves (£28), socks (from £8), and dog jumpers (£25). The full range is available both in-store and online via the Natural History Museum Shop.
So whether you’re shopping for gifts, planning a festive day out, or just want to see a T. rex in a Christmas jumper (who doesn’t?), the Natural History Museum’s holiday season is a roaring success for the whole family.
