Christmas at North East Museums

Elf Express

• 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

A Canny Christmas Grotto 

• Families can enjoy seasonal cheer, sparkling decorations, and a magical chance to meet Santa Claus himself. With stories, photo opportunities, and plenty of Christmas spirit, this is the perfect way to celebrate Christmas in the toon.

Discovery Museum | 29, 30 November and 4, 5, 6, 7, 11, 12, 13, 14, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 December | Limited Early Bird tickets £16.99 | Book tickets for A Canny Christmas Grotto

The early bird catches the cheer, book now and save with code: JOLLYROBIN

Festive Tales

• Enjoy a cosy festive story time, have your photo taken with Father Christmas, and take home a special gift to remember your visit. 

Woodhorn Museum | 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 December | Tickets £9 | Book tickets for Festive Tales

Meet Father Christmas

• This festive season families can meet Santa Claus, right in the heart of Hexham, as the Old Gaol transforms into a magical Christmas Grotto.

Hexham Old Gaol | 6, 7, 11, 13, 14, 20, 21, 22, 23 December | Tickets £17 | Book tickets to Meet Father Christmas

The Great Dinosaur Christmas Show

• Meet dinosaurs and enjoy interactive performances. Perfect for families and dino-lovers of all ages, this magical event blends science, storytelling, and seasonal sparkle. 

Great North Museum: Hancock | 20, 21, 22, 23, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31 December | Early Bird tickets sold out | Standard tickets £12.99 per person | Book tickets for The Great Dinosaur Christmas Show

Once Upon a Christmas 

• Set on the festively decorated Victorian Street, you'll meet the Holly King and Ivy Queen for some Christmas fun. Each session includes a festive story and entertainment.

South Shields Museum & Art Gallery | 6, 13, 20 December | Tickets £12 | Book tickets for Once Upon a Christmas

Candlelit Tours

• As dusk settles and darkness falls, hear how the Romans lighted up their homes at Arbeia, South Shields Roman Fort. Twilight candlelit tours are the perfect way to step back, enjoy and reflect at this special time of year.

Arbeia, South Shields Roman Fort | 6 December | Tickets £10 | Book tickets for Candlelit Tours

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

A Canny Christmas Grotto – Relaxed Session

• Families can enjoy seasonal cheer, sparkling decorations, and a magical chance to meet Santa Claus himself. With stories, photo opportunities, and plenty of Christmas spirit, this is the perfect way to celebrate Christmas in the toon.

Discovery Museum | Sunday 7 December | Tickets £18.99 | Book tickets for A Canny Christmas Grotto - Relaxed Session

Once Upon a Christmas - Relaxed Session

• Set on the festively decorated Victorian Street, you'll meet the Holly King and Ivy Queen for some Christmas fun. Each session includes a festive story and entertainment. This session is best suited to those who may find festive experiences overwhelming.

South Shields Museum & Art Gallery | Saturday 6 December | Tickets £12 | Book for Once Upon a Christmas - Relaxed Session

The Great Dinosaur Christmas Show - Relaxed Session

• Meet dinosaurs and enjoy interactive performances. Perfect for families and dino-lovers of all ages, this magical event blends science, storytelling, and seasonal sparkle. 

Great North Museum: Hancock | 20, 21, 22, 23, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31 December | Early Bird tickets sold out | Standard tickets £12.99 per person | Book tickets for The Great Dinosaur Christmas Show - Relaxed Session

Festive Tales Relaxed Session

• Enjoy the magic of Christmas in a calmer setting with Festive Tales Relaxed Sessions. There'll be a cosy festive story time, and children can have their photo taken with Father Christmas, and take home a special gift to remember their visit. 

Woodhorn Museum | 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 December | 3pm on event running days | Tickets £9 | Book tickets for Festive Tales Relaxed Session

Find out when our museums and galleries are open during the festive period. 

We look forward to welcoming you before or after the holidays.

We have a range of gifts to suit all budgets in our online shop. 

See our top picks below.