Ho ho Howay! A new Geordie inspired Christmas experience for families at Discovery Museum

Discovery Museum in Newcastle is launching a new Christmas tradition this year with the Canny Christmas Grotto Santa experience for families – the museum’s first festive event offering in almost a decade.

Taking inspiration from Discovery Museum’s role in celebrating the story of Tyneside, the event will be a Geordie-flavoured festive experience, where Santa swaps the North Pole for the North East.

Whilst it will have all the magic of a traditional ‘Meet Santa Claus experience’, the elves will wear black and white custom-made outfits, and the grotto will be decorated with black and white Christmas decorations.

Starting on 29 and 30 November, and continuing 4, 5, 6, 7, 11, 12, 13, 14, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22 and 23 December, Canny Christmas Grotto tickets are now on sale with limited Early Bird tickets costing £16.99 per person, with tickets £18.99 thereafter.

Bookings can be made using the code JOLLYROBIN at the checkout.

Keith Merrin, Director of North East Museums said: “Discovery Museum is, and has been, such a cherished destination for generations of families, so we’re pulling out all the festive stops to create a new Geordie inspired jolly experience for all the family.

“We are delighted to be able to offer this fresh Christmas experience in the heart of Newcastle with some added Geordie charm.

“We’re hoping the Canny Christmas Grotto becomes another Newcastle Christmas tradition!”

Families will be greeted by elves dressed in black and white and invited to enjoy a hot chocolate and a sweet treat. Santa’s elves will then guide families on a magical journey with Christmas cheer to take part in festive crafts where there is a giant sleigh for photo opportunities and large gingerbread decorations.

Family groups will experience their personal meet-and-greet with Santa Claus in a twinkly black and white themed grotto, where children in the group will each receive a gift from the man himself.

On Sunday 7 December, sessions from 2–5.30pm are Relaxed for visitors with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), their families, and carers.

The ticket price for children age 0-12 includes a hot chocolate and sweet treat, festive crafts and a gift from Santa at their meet-and-greet. Ticket price for adult includes a hot chocolate and sweet treat, meet-and-greet with Santa and festive crafts.

Every adult and child in group will require a ticket – babies under 18 months are free but need a ticket if they are to receive a gift from Santa.

Discovery Museum is a seven-minute walk from Central Station. The nearest car park is the Grainger Town multi-storey car park on Waterloo Street, a three-minute walk to Discovery Museum.