Santa experiences
Christmas at North East Museums
Get into the festive spirit and enjoy Christmas events at museums and galleries in Newcastle, Gateshead, North Shields, South Shields, Ashington and Hexham.
The early bird catches the cheer, book now to save on selected events with the code: JOLLYROBIN
Santa experiences
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 £15.99 | 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
Festive experiences
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 | Limited Early Bird tickets £10.70 | Book tickets for The Great Dinosaur Christmas Show
The early bird catches the cheer, book now and save with code: JOLLYROBIN
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
Christmas crafts and markets
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
Christmas opening hours
Find out when our museums and galleries are open during the festive period.
More information coming soon!
