Christmas at Beamish Museum

Beamish Museum will reopen for outdoor visits only during the festive period.

From Saturday 5 December - you can book a timed slot to visit the grounds-only at Beamish Museum. Under Tier 3 restrictions, Beamish Museum can allow visitors to enjoy the grounds of the outdoor museum, however, will not be able to open its indoor attractions and exhibits, or run its transport, (except its wheelchair accessible bus).

Entry will be by pre-booked time slot for all visitors, including Friends of Beamish members and Unlimited Pass holders. Visitors aged five and over will also need timeslot tickets to enter the museum.

• This Christmas, wrap up warm and enjoy a stroll around the open air museum’s grounds, with festive food and Edwardian stalls in The 1900s Town and plenty of festive takeaway treats from Herron’s Bakery, Jubilee Confectioners sweet shop, The Sun Inn, Davy’s fish and chip shop and the Sinkers’ Bait Cabin.

• Families can wander through Elf Wood and also complete the Christmas Elf Trail by spotting the mischievous hidden elves around the museum. The gallopers ride at The Fairground will also be open on weekends and school holidays.

• Beamish Museum's indoor Christmas Grotto is CLOSED under Tier 3 restrictions, BUT be quick, there are a limited number of outdoor Father Christmas visits in Rowley Station yard, from 12th December where children can wave at Father Christmas in a splendid railway carriage. Father Christmas visit tickets are £6 per child (includes a small gift) and must be pre-booked online. Tickets can initially be booked for 12th, 13th and 18th December on Beamish’s website from 10am on Tuesday, 8th December.

• Father Christmas will also be making an appearance in a period vehicle around the museum this weekend (5th and 6th December). Mrs Claus can be spotted travelling around Beamish in a period vehicle on weekends from 12th December.

• Beamish is also extending its popular Father Christmas video calls during December, where children can chat to Father Christmas from their own homes, while inviting family and friends to share in the magical moments. Father Christmas video calls for 8th to 13th December can be booked on the museum’s website from 10am tomorrow (Friday, 4th December).

Book tickets for Beamish Museum online here.

Beamish Museum is a fabulous and award-winning attraction which should be high on your list of family-friendly things to do in NewcastleGateshead, all year round. However, at Christmas, Beamish Museum becomes the place to be, transporting visitors back to Christmases past.

Experience an enchanting festive wander around Beamish Museum and take part in traditional activities. Beamish Museum usually launch their annual festivities with the arrival of Father Christmas in a special Santa Parade around the outdoor museum - however this year Father Christmas has gone digital!

Christmas in Beamish Museum in 2020 will take place throughout December (lockdown restrictions allowing) and will bring all the same festive feels with traditional decorations, delicious festive food, and a range of delightful gift ideas available on the Edwardian Christmas market stalls. There will even be chance to visit Father Christmas in The Pit Village.

Beamish Museum continues to follow the national COVID-19 restrictions and will be announcing more details, including timeslot tickets, on their social media and website as soon as they have further information about the government’s COVID-19 rules for reopening!

During the lockdown - Beamish Museum have found a way to bring a little festive cheer with the help of Father Christmas on a video call! Find out more here.