Where to meet Father Christmas in NewcastleGateshead

Father Christmas is terribly busy at this time of year, and we know how important it is to get your Christmas list in before the big day. If you are looking for Christmas events to enjoy as a family in Newcastle and Gateshead then look no further! Experience a brilliant day out and meet the big man himself too! We have managed to locate Santa’s sleigh to find out where you can meet Santa in NewcastleGateshead this Christmas.

The magic returns to Life! The much-loved Santa Experience is back with a new festive twist this year. This Christmas, Life brings you a magical, festive experience that you won’t find anywhere else. Join Santa’s little helpers in a new corner of the North Pole, as the busy elves race against time to prepare for the most important night of the year - Christmas Eve! Expect surprises and exciting live festive science experiments at the NEW elf show in their Christmas workshop. As part of the experience, children will meet Santa and receive a special gift and a Christmas Eve Bag (Reindeer food, hot chocolate mix and a sweet treat) to take home. Book here.

Once you have watched Santa fly across the globe, why not head to the outdoor ice skating rink at Life and carry on the festive fun! Find out more here.

Step back in time at Beamish Museum and meet the big man in red himself on 5th, 6th, 13th, 19th & 20th December. Join Father Christmas for breakfast in the Coffee Pot Café at the Entrance Building, before he heads off on his Christmas duties. Tuck into a bacon or sausage sandwich (vegan/gluten-free options available) served with a warming tea/coffee or refreshing juice. Little ones will receive a special gift from Father Christmas, and there will be plenty of chances to snap the perfect festive photo. Book here.

Head to Freight Island in Eldon Square for a 90‑minute festive adventure for the whole family at The Magic of Christmas, with ten storybook stops, a visit to Santa's Lodge, and a Christmas Village built to feel like the inside of a snow globe. Gather the family and wander through a beautifully decked-out Christmas Village at Freight Island, where every corner has been dressed to sprinkle a little extra sparkle into your festive season. The star of the show? A visit to Santa himself, tucked away in his very own lodge. Book here.

Treat your family to a magical Breakfast with Santa! The event runs every Saturday and Sunday from 5th December - 20th December and additionally 21st, 2nd, 23rd and 24th December. Santa’s helpers will greet you at Colmans Restaurant, Fenwick Newcastle on the first floor before guiding you to your table for a magical morning filled with festive fun. Little ones will be treated to some Christmas colouring goodies and their very own elf hat to wear before tucking into a tasty feast fit for Santa himself. Plates empty and tummies full, it’s time to meet Santa for a photograph and an extra special Christmas gift. Book here.

Step into the magic of Christmas at Newcastle’s Christmas Village and join Father Christmas and his cheerful elves for a captivating storytelling adventure in the Santa Stories Tipi. From 21st November - 23th December, Santa will delight visitors with one of four enchanting tales from Lapland, offering a new magical journey each time you visit. Help Santa complete his Nice List by filling out a fun questionnaire! With the help of elves, grown-ups, and festive colouring sheets, children can show they truly belong on the Nice List. Santa will personally sign certificates and pose for memorable photos. This heartwarming experience, perfect for all ages, is filled with joy, laughter, and lasting holiday memories. Various time slots are available, along with festive treats at Newcastle’s Christmas Village, Old Eldon Square. Book here.

Make this Christmas truly magical aboard the Elf Express at Stephenson Steam Railway. From 5th - 23rd December, enjoy a live performance from Santa and his Elves, before boarding a festive-themed heritage train ride. Meet the mischievous Chief Elf and the jolly man himself, Santa Claus, as they join you on a journey packed with entertainment, Christmas tunes, and festive fun. Capture the magic with plenty of photo opportunities, enjoy a hot drink and seasonal sweet treat, as well as a special gift from Santa. Book here.

Head to The Glasshouse as for one day only, the man himself is swapping the snow at the North Pole for the stage! Catch Santa on Stage Monday 21st December, where you can step into the festive elf workshop, where Christmas chaos is in full swing. Get crafty with Christmas makes, settle in for a festive film, challenge the family to a game or two and warm up with a hot chocolate while the excitement builds. Book here.

Step into the festive spirit this December and join Blackfriars for a magical Christmas experience for the little ones in Santa’s Grotto on 23rd December. During a one-hour session, children will get creative with festive arts and crafts, decorate their very own Christmas cookie and most importantly, meet Santa himself. Every child will have the chance to spend time with Santa and will leave with a gift to take home. Book here.

Head to the Discovery Museum to enjoy The Canny Christmas Show from 12th December - 20th December. Step into a black-and-white world of festive fun, where three cheeky Geordie elves create Christmas chaos in this interactive show designed especially for younger families. Join them on a whirlwind seasonal adventure packed with music, laughter, giggles and plenty of festive mischief - before Santa himself makes a very special appearance. After the show, stick around for festive photo opportunities with the characters and capture a magical Christmas memory. Book here.

On Saturday 12th December, Tyneside Cinema is bringing a little festive magic to the big screen with a special family event inspired by Arthur Christmas. Little ones will receive a special card from Santa and Arthur through the post ahead of their visit. On arrival, they’ll be welcomed with a delicious hot chocolate before settling down to enjoy the animated festive favourite. And the magic doesn’t stop there, as every child will get the chance to meet Santa himself and take home a special gift. Book here.

In Gateshead, you can enjoy more than a traditional Santa grotto as Candy Crossing Lane is an enchanting indoor adventure takes families on a journey through beautifully decorated themed rooms, filled with festive surprises and Christmas magic. Discover the elves' secret world, explore Santa's workshop, wander through magical Christmas scenes and enjoy a wonderful sleigh photo opportunity before meeting Santa himself. Every child ticket includes a special Christmas gift, and the whole experience lasts approximately 30 to 40 minutes. Book here.

Are you visiting NewcastleGateshead this festive season? For inspo and eseasonal events, click here.