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 then look no further! Experience a brilliant day out in Newcastle 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.

Have a magical time at the Life Science Centre this Christmas as you journey to the North Pole and explore the wonders of what Santa sees when he takes to the sky on Christmas Eve, in a captivating planetarium show. What Santa Sees is a new immersive animated show produced by Life’s in-house team. Look up in the magical domed theatre and be transported to a twinkling wonderland, following Santa and his reindeer across the night sky. Catch this incredible show from 22nd November - 23rd December.

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.

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All aboard! The Elf Express will be coming to town this year to the Stephenson Steam Railway Museum throughout December, bringing Santa along for the ride.  Have your tickets ready for a magical 4-mile steam train journey in a decorated carriage, with merry performances from Santa and his elves in the museum, festive arts-and-crafts, and complimentary Christmas snacks to enjoy. There will be plenty of opportunities for you to join in the fun and sing along from 29th November until 22nd December. 

Good boys and girls will also receive a present from Santa and his helpers along the way - the only coal here will be used for the train! Find out more here.

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The big man in red is making a special stop at The Glasshouse this Christmas and he’s bringing the magic with him. Beard combed, boots shining, and a sack packed to the brim, he’s ready to make wishes come true.

On 21st December you can step into the elf workshop where the whole family can get stuck in. Paint a bauble together, tuck into some festive treats, and sip on hot chocolate while the excitement builds. Then it’s time to meet Santa. Share your wishes, snap a photo for the family album, and head home with a special gift, and plenty of Christmas memories. It is advised to arrive around 15 minutes before your time slot so you’re ready when the fun begins! Find out more 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 7th 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. Find out more here.

Head to Dalton Park to visit Santa in his Grotto! Your little ones will be able to meet him face to face in a magical grotto till Christmas Eve to tell him all their Christmas wishes and even have a photograph with the man in red to take away. Santa will be at Dalton Park from 16th November - 21st December, make sure to book your tickets now.

Join Santa and his merry crew this holiday season at Metrocentre to learn all the magical skills you need to become a top-notch elf. Step into a whole new Grotto adventure with activities and joy straight from the North Pole! Running from 21st November until 24th December, the Elf Academy is filled with the best lessons this side of the North Pole, Metrocentre's Elf Academy offers kids the opportunity to meet Santa and join his friends in completing super skill-based challenges that are needed to become an expert elf, such as Festive Disco Dancing, Stealthy Present-Placing Practice and even an Elf & Fitness Class. Find out more here.

Don't miss out on an enchanting Afternoon Tea with Santa at Fenwick Newcastle, the perfect addition to your Christmas calendar! Enjoy a festive feast of sandwiches, scones, mince pies, and more, all sprinkled with holiday magic at Fenwick. Running every Saturday from 8th November to 22nd November; then every Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday 2025, this event is full of Christmas cheer. Children will receive an elf hat, enjoy festive colouring, and have a special photo moment with Santa, along with a gift to take home. Tickets are £32.50 per person, book yours 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. 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. 

Ho Ho Howay! There’s a new Christmas tradition at Discovery Museum. Meet Santa and his black and white elves for some cosy Geordie festive fun. Step into a Geordie winter wonderland at the Canny Christmas Grotto between 29th November - 23rd December. 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! Expect festive crafts, a hot chocolate treat, a sprinkle of Geordie charm - and a gift from Santa. Find out more and book your tickets here.

From 6th December - 21st December, step through the grand doors of Alderman Fenwick’s House (also known as Santa's House this festive season). This beautifully decorated Georgian townhouse transforms into a cosy Victorian-style grotto filled with twinkling lights, traditional decor, and the warm scent of Christmas. Children are invited to gather round for a magical story time with Santa, where Father Christmas himself will read a festive tale from his favourite armchair. After the story, each child will receive a special gift from Santa, and there’s even a chance to snap a photo. Don’t forget to bring your letter! Santa’s red postbox will be waiting by the fireplace for all your Christmas wishes. Book your tickets now. 

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