North East Museums reveals its Christmas 2026 line-up
North East Museums invites visitors to explore new experiences and returning favourites across Newcastle, Gateshead, South Tyneside, North Tyneside, and Northumberland this December 2026.
Elf Express, Stephenson Steam Railway, North Tyneside
Elf Express returns for its 6th year, with a live performance from Santa and his elves, before visitors board a festive-themed heritage train ride. The experience includes plenty of photo opportunities, a hot drink and seasonal sweet treat, as well as a special gift from Santa.
One visitor to last year’s Elf Express said: “Thank you very much for such a fun event, everyone from 4 months to 75 years old had a great time and felt very festive.”
The Canny Christmas Show, Discovery Museum, Newcastle
Discovery Museum is making a new Christmas tradition this year. Visitors are invited to enter a black and white world of festive fun as three cheeky Geordie elves take them on a whirlwind seasonal journey full of music and laughter in an interactive Christmas show designed especially for younger families.
Festive Tales, Woodhorn Museum, Northumberland
An experience where children can meet Santa, share their Christmas wishes and take home an early gift. Sessions also include a cosy festive story time and the chance to have a photograph taken together.
One visitor to last year’s Festive Tales said: “All the staff were friendly and helpful. Brilliant setup and an amazing festive experience. Thank you!”
Candlelit Tours, Arbeia, South Shields Roman Fort
Visitors can explore Arbeia Roman Fort after dark on 12 December, with a candlelit evening tour offering a different perspective on the site’s Roman history.
The Great Festive Dinosaur Show, Great North Museum: Hancock, Newcastle
Dinosaurs are heading to the Great North Museum: Hancock, and they're bringing some animal friends. A new interactive family show, performed live by costumed actors, brings the museum’s exhibits to life with a festive twist. Visitors can stick around after the show for a meet-and-greet and photo opportunity with the dinosaurs and their friends.
Christmas crafts and markets, Shipley Art Gallery, Gateshead
Shipley Art Gallery is hosting a wide range of expert-led decorative craft workshops for adults and teens, including needle felting, wreath making and a watercolour class. The gallery is also running two Christmas Craft Markets, where visitors can shop from an array of local makers, selling their handmade crafts at affordable prices.
Hugh Stolliday, Commercial Manager, said: “December is such a magical time across North East Museums, and this year's seasonal programme has a little bit of everything, including something for dino lovers. We’ve had so much fun putting together this year's events, and we look forward to welcoming visitors from across the region to experience them.”
For dates, times, prices and booking information visit: https://www.northeastmuseums.o...
Full events listings:
Elf Express, Stephenson Steam Railway, North Tyneside
5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 22 and 23 December | Tickets from £20.50 | Suitable for families with children from age 0–12
Winter Warmer Heritage Train Rides, Stephenson Steam Railway, North Tyneside
30 and 31 December | Tickets from £7 | Suitable for families with children
The Canny Christmas Show, Discovery Museum, Newcastle
12, 13, 19 and 20 December | Tickets £12 | Suitable for families
Festive Tales, Woodhorn Museum, Northumberland
Weekends in December, plus 21–23 December | Tickets £10 | Suitable for families
Candlelit Tours, Arbeia, South Shields Roman Fort
Saturday 12 December | Tickets £10
The Great Festive Dinosaur Show, Great North Museum: Hancock, Newcastle
19–23 and 28–31 December | Tickets £12 | Suitable for families, particularly with kids aged 3–7 years
Christmas crafts and markets, Shipley Art Gallery, Gateshead
Needle Felting Workshop: Christmas Decorations
Make a needle felted snowman or gingerbread man.
Fridays 6 and 20 November, 11 December, 10–11.30am
£10 plus booking fee
Fun Floristry: Make a Christmas Wreath
Make your own fresh Christmas wreath with qualified florist Hollie, of Button Rose Floral Design.
Saturdays 21 and 28 November, 5 December, 2.30–4.30pm
£30 plus booking fee
Christmas Craft Market
A festive craft market at the Shipley. Browse an array of stalls where local makers will be selling their handmade crafts at affordable prices.
Saturdays 28 November and 5 December, 11am - 3pm
Free
Hand Embroidery: Christmas Decorations
A Christmas embroidery workshop with artist Louise Goult.
Saturday 28 November, 10am – 1pm
£30 plus booking fee
Watercolour Class: Christmas Bookmarks
Create two festive bookmarks in our small and relaxed watercolour painting class this Christmas.
Friday 4 December, 10.30–11.45am
£8 plus booking fee
Fused Glass Christmas Decorations
Try your hand at fused glass in this workshop with Kimoci Glass.
Saturday 5 December, 10am – 12.30pm
£45 plus booking fee
Floristry Workshop: Make a Festive Centrepiece
Make your own festive floral arrangement to decorate your table this Christmas season.
Saturday 19 December, 2–2.45pm
£26 plus booking fee
