The Elf Express
A magical festive show and heritage train ride
Christmas events and Santa experiences across the North East
Discover Santa train rides, family Christmas shows, and festive activities across Newcastle and the North East. Book your Christmas day out today.
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Make magical memories this festive season with Christmas experiences across the North East. From family shows and Santa visits to heritage train rides, creative workshops and Christmas markets, there's something for all ages:
Family Christmas shows and Santa experiences in Newcastle and the North East
The best Christmas memories sometimes aren't planned months in advance. And they're not always from the big day itself, either! It's the festive train ride the kids talk about for days. The photograph with Santa. The family outing that turns into an annual tradition.
Across North East Museums this December you'll find festive experiences that won't break the bank – designed especially for families.
- We've got the The Elf Express at Stephenson Steam Railway (North Tyneside), which is a magical stage show followed by a heritage train ride.
- The Canny Christmas Show at Discovery Museum (Newcastle upon Tyne) is an interactive performance with some very cheeky elves.
- The Great Festive Dinosaur Show at Great North Museum: Hancock (Newcastle upon Tyne) is a 'roarsome' theatrical experience for little ones. And
- Festive Tales at Woodhorn Museum (Ashington, Northumberland) is a traditional storytelling session with Father Christmas himself.
Book your tickets today. After all, Christmas is all about making those special memories with loved ones.
Which Christmas event is right for my family?
Which Christmas event is best for younger children?
The Canny Christmas Show at Discovery Museum is particularly suitable for children aged 3-7. It combines festive storytelling, music, laughter and audience participation, finishing with a special appearance from Santa.
To be honest, younger children will also love The Elf Express at Stephenson Steam Railway, The Great Festive Dinosaur Show at Great North Museum: Hancock and Festive Tales at Woodhorn Museum.
Which Christmas event is best for children who love trains?
The Elf Express at Stephenson Steam Railway combines a festive-themed heritage train ride with live performances from Santa's elves. It's ideal for children who are fascinated by trains and families looking for a Christmas experience that feels truly different from a traditional Santa visit.
Which Christmas events include meeting Santa/Father Christmas?
Santa Claus will be visiting The Elf Express at Stephenson Steam Railway and The Canny Christmas Show at Discovery Museum. Father Christmas is the star of Festive Tales at Woodhorn Museum.
Choose Festive Tales if you're looking for a quieter, more personal experience centred around storytelling, Christmas wishes and a photograph with Father Christmas. Choose The Elf Express if you're looking for a bigger festive adventure with entertainment, a train journey and plenty of Christmas excitement. Choose The Canny Christmas Show if you're looking for an interactive show packed with music, laughter and plenty of festive mischief.
Which Christmas event is best for dinosaur fans?
The Great Festive Dinosaur Show at Great North Museum: Hancock is the obvious choice for kids who love dinosaurs. Festive magic brings the museum's pre-historic residents to life, with opportunities to meet the dinosaurs and have photographs taken after the show.
Which Christmas event is best for grandparents and grandchildren to enjoy together?
Festive Tales at Woodhorn Museum and The Elf Express at Stephenson Steam Railway tend to work particularly well across generations.
Both offer shared experiences rather than children's entertainment alone, making them great options for family groups that include grandparents.
Which Christmas event is best for a child's first Christmas experience?
Festive Tales at Woodhorn Museum is often the gentlest introduction to Christmas events. The smaller-scale storytelling format, photo opportunity and gift from Father Christmas make it well suited to younger children and first-time Santa visitors.
Which Christmas events should I choose if my child loves theatre and interactive shows?
The Canny Christmas Show at Discovery Museum and The Great Festive Dinosaur Show at Great North Museum: Hancock offer the strongest theatrical elements, with audience interaction and plenty of festive chaos designed to keep younger children engaged from start to finish.
Christmas crafts, markets and experiences for adults
Needle Felting Workshop: Christmas Decorations
A friendly tutor will guide you through the process of creating your own Christmas decorations: perfect for celebrating the season. There will be plenty of opportunity to add your own embellishments to make something that's really characterful and unique.
Fun Floristry: Make a Christmas Wreath
Join us to design and make your own fresh Christmas wreath with qualified florist Hollie, of Button Rose Floral Design. All materials will be provided, including a range of different fresh foliage, ribbons, dried fruits, baubles and more to choose from, so you can personalise your wreath in the colours you like.
Hand Embroidery: Christmas Decorations
During this workshop you'll create your own hand embroidered Christmas decoration. It will be in a 3-inch hoop, ready to be displayed on your tree, hung on a wall, or gifted to someone special.
Christmas Craft Markets
Browse an array of stalls where local makers will be selling their handmade crafts at affordable prices. There will be a wide range of artforms represented and many opportunities to chat with friendly makers. There will also be a free Christmas Card making activity.
Watercolour Class: Christmas Bookmarks
This is a small and relaxed watercolour painting class, where you'll create two beautiful bookmarks. We'll guide you in creating one bookmark depicting winter berries and leaves; and another depicting a Christmas tree.
Fused Glass Christmas Decorations
Try your hand at fused glass in this workshop with Kimoci Glass. Under the guidance of a friendly tutor, you'll make some beautiful glass Christmas decorations using coloured Bullseye sheet glass, frits, powders or metal inclusions.
Rag Wreath Decoration
Create your own 10-inch rag wreath while learning about the tradition of using rags in heritage crafts. Tickets include all materials, a hot drink, mince pie and free entry to the museum for the rest of the day.
Christmas Makes
Come along to the Hatton Gallery and have fun making cards, decorations and printing your own gift wrap.
Festive experiences
SOLD OUT Candlelit Tours of Arbeia
As dusk settles and darkness falls, hear how the Romans lit up their homes at Arbeia, South Shields Roman Fort. These twilight candlelit tours are the perfect way to step back in time and reflect on this special time of year.
Winter Warmers - Heritage train rides between Christmas and New Year
Get wrapped up and drop in for a festive heritage train ride. After your journey, take some time to explore our museum and discover our displays telling the remarkable stories of railway pioneers George and Robert Stephenson and their impact on Tyneside.
Christmas opening times
Our opening times will be different over the festive season, please check venue websites before travelling.
We will be closed on the following dates.
| Venue | Hours |
|---|---|
| Arbeia, South Shields Roman Fort | Closed until Monday 27 March (except for pre-booked Candlelit tours and school visits) |
| Discovery Museum | Closed 25 December 2026 - 1 January 2027 inclusive |
| Great North Museum: Hancock | Closed 25, 26, 27 December and 1 January 2027 |
| Hatton Gallery | Closed 20 December 2026 - 3 January 2027 inclusive |
| Hexham Old Gaol | Closed until Spring 2027. |
| Laing Art Gallery | Closed 25, 26, 27, 28 December 2026 and 1 January 2027. |
| Morpeth Chantry Bagpipe Museum | Closed on 25, 26 December 2026 and 1 January 2027. |
| Segedunum Roman Fort | Closed 29 November 2026 - 3 January 2027 inclusive |
| The Shipley Art Gallery | Closed 20 December 2026 - 4 January 2027 inclusive |
| South Shields Museum & Art Gallery | Closed 20 December 2026 - 10 January 2027 inclusive |
| Stephenson Steam Railway | Closed until spring 2027 (except for Elf Express, Winter Warmers and school visits). |
| Tyne & Wear Archives | Closed 18 December 2026 - 4 January 2027 inclusive |
| Woodhorn Museum | Closed 25, 26 December 2026, 1 January 2027 and Monday 4 - Tuesday 12 January 2027 inclusive. |
