Christmas at North East Museums

Elf Express 2025

• Make this Christmas truly magical aboard our Elf Express. Enjoy a live performance from Santa and his Elves, before boarding a festive-themed heritage train ride. 

Stephenson Steam Railway | 29, 30 November, 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 22 December | Tickets from £20 | Book tickets for the Elf Express 2025

Acrylic Pouring Course: Christmas serving boards

• Join us for a two-week workshop where you'll make a Christmas themed serving board.

Shipley Art Gallery | 1 and 8 November | £54 plus booking fee | Book tickets for Acrylic Pouring Course: Christmas serving boards

Needle Felting Workshop: Christmas Decorations

• Join us for a workshop where you'll make a needle felted snowman or gingerbread man.

Shipley Art Gallery | 7, 21 November | £10 plus booking fee | Book tickets for Needle Felting Workshop: Christmas Decorations

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.

Shipley Art Gallery | 15, 22, 29 November, 6 December | £30 plus booking fee | Book tickets for Fun Floristry: Make a Christmas Wreath

Fun Floristry: Make a Christmas Basket

• Join us for a workshop where you'll make a floral arrangement for Christmas.

Shipley Art Gallery | 22 November | £26 per centrepiece plus booking fee | Book tickets for Fun Floristry: Make a Christmas Basket

Fused Glass Christmas Decorations

• Try your hand at fused glass in this workshop with Kimoci Glass.

Shipley Art Gallery | 22 November | £45 plus booking fee | Book tickets for Fused Glass Christmas Decorations

Christmas Craft Market

• Browse an array of stalls where local makers will be selling their handmade crafts at affordable prices.

Shipley Art Gallery | 29 November, 6 December | Free | Find out more about Christmas Craft Market

Floristry Workshop: Make a Festive Centrepiece

• Make your own festive floral arrangement to decorate your table this Christmas season.

Shipley Art Gallery | 13 December | £26 per centrepiece plus booking fee | Book tickets for Floristry Workshop: Make a Festive Centrepiece

Family Workshop: Christmas Cookie Decorating

• Decorate delicious cookies under the expert guidance of The Cookie Fairy.

Shipley Art Gallery | 13 December | £12 plus booking fee | Book ticket for Family Workshop: Christmas Cookie Decorating

Teen and Adult Workshop: Christmas Cookie Decorating

• You'll be given two freshly baked cookies and one freshly baked gingerbread to decorate with a festive theme. 

Shipley Art Gallery | 13 December | £22 plus booking fee | Book ticket for Teen and Adult Workshop: Christmas Cookie Decorating

Soon we will release details of our full Christmas programme, including special new events and old favourites like Candlelit Tours at Arbeia, South Shields Roman Fort. Watch this space!