North East Museums launches Christmas event programme

Museums and galleries across the North East are set to sparkle this festive season with the launch of North East Museums’ Christmas Event programme, promising a line-up of magical experiences for families, children, and visitors of all ages – including three brand new Christmas events.

Across the region, families and visitors of all ages can enjoy festive experiences with Santa Claus, hands-on seasonal crafts, Christmas markets, storytelling, and there’s even prehistoric creatures joining in the celebrations.

Keith Merrin, Director at North East Museums said: “We’re really excited about our new expanded range of imaginative Christmas events. From meeting Santa to stepping back in time with dinosaurs, we want visitors of all ages to come together and make lasting memories at our museums and galleries over the festive season.”

North East Museums’ Christmas offer includes three brand new events including Discovery Museum’s, A Canny Christmas Grotto, where visitors can enjoy a Geordie themed Christmas Grotto with Santa Claus and his elves. For Dinosaur fans, The Great Dinosaur Christmas Show at Great North Museum: Hancock, features interactive performances with Dinosaurs and Elves. At South Shields Museum, Once upon a Christmas includes storytelling and Christmas games with the Holly King and Ivy Queen.

Established Christmas favourites are also back for 2025 including The Elf Express at Stephenson Steam Railway, where families can step aboard a festive-themed heritage train and enjoy a live performance from Santa and his Elves. Woodhorn Museum’s popular Festive Tales also returns with a cosy festive story time, and a special visit with Father Christmas.

With rising costs affecting many households, Christmas events start at just £10, families can enjoy festive fun without stretching the budget. The programme offers great value across a wide range of activities, from craft sessions to markets and Santa experiences, ensuring there’s something magical to suit every budget. Many of the North East Museums’ museums and galleries are easily accessible by Metro and public transport, helping visitors travel conveniently to sites, whilst also keeping costs down.

Christmas Events Programme

Santa Experiences

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

Festive Tales

Festive Tales is your chance to meet Father Christmas, share your Christmas wish list with Santa. 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

A Canny Christmas Grotto

Ho Ho Howay! Step into a Geordie winter wonderland at the Canny Christmas Grotto. From twinkling lights to the warmest welcome this side of the Tyne, families can enjoy a magical meet-and-greet with Santa and his black and white elves, who’ve swapped the North Pole for the North East.

Discovery Museum | 29, 30 November and 4, 5, 6, 7, 11, 12, 13, 14, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 December | 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

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

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 | 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 with the Holly King and Ivy Queen. Children can enjoy classic Christmas games like pass the parcel and receive a special Christmas gift to take home. 

South Shields Museum & Art Gallery | 6, 13, 20 December | Tickets from £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