Adventure Valley – Winter Wonderland
📌 Brasside, Co Durham, DH1 5SG
📆 Selected dates 25th Nov – 24th Dec 2023
❄ Meet Santa and visit his Toy Shop to choose your own gift. Ride the Winter Valley Express, visit Claus’s Candy sweet shop, decorate biscuits with Mrs Claus and make reindeer food. Plus brand new Christmas show, ride on animals, bouncy inflatable, and full access to Adventure Valley attractions.
🎫 Prices from – Adult: £15.95 | Child: £34.95 | 0-1 years: £18.95
Free for siblings under 12 months not participating
👉 Book here, from 16th Aug 2023
Aln Valley Railway – Santa Specials / Mince Pie Specials
📌 Alnwick, Northumberland, NE66 2EZ
📆 9th-10th & 16th-17th Dec 2023
❄ Santa Specials: Meet Santa and his Elves on board the festive Pacer train, receive a drink, cookie and gift for each child and hot drink and mince pie for adults. Includes a goody bag and festive craft activities.
🎫 Adult: £7 | Child: £25
📆 27th-29th Dec 2023
❄ Mince Pie Specials: return steam train ride with mince pie and mulled wine (or a hot drink) for adults, and a sweet treat and a drink for children.
🎫 Adult: £10 | Child: £4.50
👉 Book here from 25th Sep 2023
The Alnwick Garden & Lilidorei
📌 Alnwick, Northumberland
📆 Selected dates from 13th Nov 2023 – 7th Jan 2024
❄ Alnwick Garden Light Trail and Lilidorei Christmas Experience, Christmas Lights and Father Christmas Visit. Lilidorei ticket includes Christmas themed activities and open play on the biggest play structure in the world!
🎫 Alnwick Garden Light Trail*: £13.20 pp
🎫 Lilidorei Christmas Experience**/Christmas lights*: £15-17pp
🎫 Combined Light Trails ticket*: £25.30pp [*0-4 years free, **0-2 years free]
🎫 Lilidorei Father Christmas: £30 per child
👉 Book here (Alnwick Garden early bird price from 13th June 2023)
The Auckland Project AGLOW
📌 Auckland Castle, Bishop Auckland, Co Durham, DL14 7PG
📆 22nd Nov – 31st Dec 2023 (closed Christmas Day)
❄ A new light trail through Auckland Castle’s gardens and grounds, with seventeen incredible illuminations, dancing fountains, Santa’s Village and vintage fairground rides.
🎫 From £13-£19.50 pp | Family: from £59.50 (under 3s free)
👉 Book here from 24th April 2023 (book by 31st July for Early Bird discount)
Bamburgh Castle – Christmas Kingdom & Father Christmas Experience
📌 Bamburgh, Northumberland, NE69 7DF
📆 Selected dates 18th Nov – 23rd Dec 2023
❄ Christmas Kingdom in the Castle, with immersive soundscapes and light projections inspired by Northumberland’s myths and legends. Father Christmas Experience in the special festive grotto for a personalised experience and a special gift.
🎫 Christmas Kingdom free with general admission – Adult: £17 / Child: £8.50 (0-4 years free)
🎫 Grotto – £19.95 per child (plus regular admission)
👉 Book here from 13th July 2023
Beamish Hall – Forest of Light
📌 Stanley, Co Durham, DH9 0YB
📆 Selected dates 11th Nov 2023 – 7th Jan 2023
❄ A captivating illuminated experience within a magical woodland, with illuminations, music, interactive props and projections and specially commissioned pieces.
🎫 £12 pp (under 1 years free)
👉 Book here from 28th June 2023, with limited Early Bird £10 tickets available.
Beamish Museum – Christmas Evenings at Beamish
📌 Stanley, Co Durham, DH9 0RG
📆 1st, 7th-8th & 14th-15th Dec 2023
❄ Join in celebrations from Georgian times up to 1950s exhibits, with music, decorations, delicious treats and a miniature woodland elf village. Separate admission to visit Father Christmas in his Grotto.
🎫 £12.50-£19 pp (under 2 years free). Grotto: £8.
👉 Book here from 10am 12th Sep 2023
Beamish Unlimited Passes and Friends of Beamish memberships are not valid for evening events.
Disney On Ice at Utilita Arena Newcastle
📌 Utilita Arena Newcastle, NE4 7NA
📆 6th – 10th Dec 2023
❄ Watch your favourite Disney stories come to life on ice with Mickey and friends, including characters from Encanto, Moana, Anna and Elsa, Disney Princesses and Toy Story.
🎫 £21 – £61.95
👉 Book here from 19th May (presale priority customers) or 26th May 2023 (general sale).
Fenwick (Newcastle) – Christmas Events
📌 39 Northumberland Street, Newcastle, NE1 7AS
📆 Selected dates 6th Nov – 24th Dec 2023
❄ Santa on the Rooftop: meet Santa in his magical cabin on the rooftop, help the elves in Santa’s Workshop, followed by hot drinks and treats in Café Claus.
🎫 £20 pp (under 2s free).
👉 New pre-registration system here for the chance to buy tickets. Register 11th-22nd Sep.
📆 Selected dates 22nd Nov-24th Dec 2023
❄ A host of events including Storytime with the Elves, Christmas Cinema, Breakfast with Santa, Santa’s Supper Club, Afternoon Tea with Santa
🎫 Storytime: £9.50 pp. Cinema: £17.50pp, Dining: £22.50-£29.50 pp
👉 Book here from 10am 12th Oct
Christmas at Gibside
📌 Gibside (National Trust), Rowlands Gill, NE16 6BG
📆 Selected dates 25 Nov 2023 – 8th Jan 2024
❄ A return to a more traditional experience, with decorations, woodland fairy trail and paper wreath making. Join Father Christmas and a clumsy elf in the Stables in an immersive theatre experience, and receive a gift of a Christmas decoration.
🎫 Father Christmas experience: £12 per child (other activities included in National Trust admission/membership)
👉 Book here, from 25th Sep 2023
Hall Hill Farm – Santa and Dasher Visit
📌 Lanchester, Durham, DH7 0TA
📆 Selected dates 3rd-23rd Dec 2022
❄ Visit Santa’s Winter Wonderland area to meet Santa and Dasher the talking Reindeer and receive a present, and see the animals in their winter stables.
🎫 £10.75-£16 pp | Family: from £52 (0-12 months free)
👉 Book here, from 6th Sep 2023
*Annual Pass Members may book 1 discounted Christmas visit at £6 per child (adults free).
Holmside Park – Christmas Events
📌 Edmondsley, Chester le Street, Co Durham, DH7 6EY
📆 Selected dates from 2nd – 24th Dec 2023
❄ Christmas Adventure: winter woodland trail in the Elf Village, with mischief from The Grinch, two singing reindeer, seasonal activities and a private visit to Santa’s Grotto to receive a gift.
❄ Christmas Eve Breakfast with Santa: includes a cooked breakfast with a visit from Santa, then a visit to the Elf Village and Grotto to receive a gift.
🎫 Christmas Adventure: Adult: £9-£17 | Child: £21-£29
🎫 Breakfast with Santa: Adult: £16 | Child: £37
All-day park admission with 20+ activities included
👉 Book here from 21st Sep (10am 18th Sep for mailing list subscribers)
Kielder – Winter Wonderland
📌 Kielder Water & Forest Park, Northumberland, NE48 1BT
📆 Selected dates 19th Nov – 23rd Dec 2023
❄ A full day experience including activities with Mrs Christmas, the elves workshop, the Beavers and Father Christmas, along with snow tubing, Christmas theatre, reindeers & more.
🎫 From £33.50pp (under 2 years £5)
👉 Book here from 20th March 2023 (13th March priority access tickets)
Metrocentre – Magical Christmas Experience
📌 Gateshead, NE11 9YG
📆 20th Nov 2023 – 7th Jan 2024 (except 25th Dec & 1st Jan)
❄ Winter Wonderscape: ‘A journey to the North Pole’ is an immersive interactive projection experience, with the beauty of the North Pole, a dazzling Christmas lights show and Christmas songs with the elves.
❄ Meet Father Christmas: receive a gift from Father Christmas in his grotto, and receive a free digital photo of the experience. 20th Nov-24th Dec.
🎫 £5.50 – £6.75 pp (siblings under 12 months free without a gift).
👉 Book here from 13th Oct 2023
*Walk-in tickets available on the day, subject to availability. Booking recommended to avoid disappointment.
Northern Lights Newcastle
📌 Leazes Park, Newcastle
📆 Selected dates 23rd Nov 2023 – 1st Jan 2024
❄ BRAND NEW light trail in Leazes Park, with stunning illuminations, a spectacular lake show & a Christmas Village stocked with delicious locally, sourced food
🎫 £13.50 – £19 pp (0-2 years free)
👉 Book here from 9am 4th July 2023 (20% discount for early bird subscribers)
North Yorkshire Moors Railway – Santa Specials
📌 Pickering&Grosmont Stations, North Yorkshire
📆 Selected dates 25th Nov – 24th Dec 2023
❄ Festive train journey with fun and games from Santa’s Helpers and a visit from Santa with a soft toy gift. Journey lasts approx. 1 hour.
🎫 £30 pp (under 12 months free without a seat or gift)
👉 Book here from 25th Aug 2023
Christmas at Raby Estates
📌 Raby Castle & High Force Hotel & Waterfall, Co Durham
📆 Selected dates Nov-Dec 2023
❄ A range of festive events, with Fireside Stories with Father Christmas, The Plotter’s Forest Enchanted Christmas Trail (daytime or night-time options), Afternoon Teas, and free Christmas Market weekend.
🎫 Enchanted Trail: £4.50-£7.50 pp (discounts for members)
🎫 Fireside Stories: from £24.50 (combined child/adult ticket)
🎫 Afternoon Teas: £15-£29.50 pp
👉 Book here from 11th Aug 2023 (10th Aug for newsletter subscribers)
Rainton Arena – Winter Wonderland
📌 Houghton le Spring, Sunderland, DH4 5PH
📆 24th Nov – 31st Dec 2023
❄ Fairground rides, Santa’s Grotto, outdoor ice rink, Grinchmas show and food and drinks stalls.
🎫 Ice Skating: £2-£6 pp. Grotto: £11 per child. Grinchmas: £11-£22 pp
No tickets needed for funfair, free entry. Booking recommended for other activities.
👉 Book here from 24th April 2023
RedFox Gardenworld – A Journey to Santa’s Toy Shop
📌 Newcastle Road, South Tyneside, NE10 8YS
📆 Selected dates 18th Nov – 24th Dec 2023
❄ A walk through experience with Christmas scenes, including toy shop workers, naughty elves and a private meeting with Santa Claus to receive a special coin to choose a gift from the Toy Shop.
🎫 Adult: £6.99 / Child: from £19.99 (0-6 months free without present)
👉 Book here from 10am 6th Sep 2023
Christmas at South Causey Inn
📆 Stanley, Co Durham, DH9 0LS
📌 Nov 2023 – Jan 2024
❄ A packed programme of festive events, including Christmas markets, Horse Carriage Rides, Santa Saturdays & Santa Sundays, Christmas Eve Family Fun Day, dining experiences, Christmas choir, and music and entertainment.
🎫 Prices vary. £25-£39 pp for Santa Days/Family Fun Day
👉 Book here from July 2023
South Shields Museum – Santa At Jingle Bell Square
📌 South Tyneside, NE33 2JA
📆 Saturday 2nd, 9th, 16th & 23rd Dec 2023
❄ Join Santa for tales from the North Pole, with fun and games to get into the Christmas spirit and an age-appropriate gift for children. Approx 35 minute session.
🎫 £8 per child (under 1s free with no gift),
👉 Book here from 3rd Oct 2023.
Stephenson Steam Railway – The Elf Express
📌 North Shields, NE29 8DX
📆 Selected dates 2nd – 24th Dec 2023
❄ An interactive Christmas performance with the Chief Elf and Santa Claus, before boarding a heritage locomotive for live entertainment, Christmas music, refreshments and a present from Santa.
🎫 £16-22 pp
👉 Book here from 4th Aug 2023
Tanfield Railway – North Pole Express
📌 Old Marley Hill, Gateshead, NE16 5ET
📆 Selected dates 25th Nov – 24th Dec 2023
❄ An unforgettable Christmas experience aboard the North Pole Express, with a steam train ride from East Tanfield to the North Pole to see Santa Claus in his magical grotto. Includes refreshments and a small gift.
🎫 £20 pp (under 1 year £5, includes a gift)
👉 Book here from 1st Sep 2023
Tweddle Farm – Winter Wonderland
📌 Hartlepool, Co Durham, TS27 4BT
📆 Selected dates 25th Nov – 24th Dec 2023
❄ Illuminated garden trail, winter wonderland, story time with Mrs Claus, Christmas tractor ride, funfair rides (fees apply), Santa visit with a golden ticket to choose a gift at the Toy Shop and more, with access to the farm and play facilities included.
🎫 £5.95 – £14.95 pp
free farm admission for members, not including winter wonderland/grotto
👉 Book here from 10am 18th Sep 2023
Weardale Railway – Christmas Santa Specials
📌 Stanhope Station, Bishop Auckland, Co Durham, DL13 2YS
📆 Selected dates 25th Nov – 24th Dec 2023
❄ Join Santa’s elves on a magical train journey, meet Santa and Mrs Claus and receive a gift. Journey approx 1 hour, experience approx 2 hours with visit to the ‘Story Train’ and Christmas activities.
🎫 £25 pp (under 2 years free)
👉 Book here from 30th March 2023
Wensleydale Railway – Polar Express Train Ride
📌 Northallerton, Yorkshire, DL7 9AR
📆 Selected dates 10th Nov – 23rd Dec 2023
❄ Authentic heritage train ride with a host of Polar Express characters including the conductor, the singing chefs and Father Christmas. PJs welcome! Receive a beautiful shiny silver sleigh bell and enjoy a cookie and hot chocolate. Approx 2–2.5 hour experience.
🎫 From £31.95pp (under 2 years on lap £3).
👉 Book here from 18th Jan 2023 (17th Jan mailing list members)
Whitehouse Farm – Santa’s Enchanted Elf Journey
📌 Morpeth, Northumberland NE61 6AW
📆 Selected dates 25th Nov – 24th Dec 2023
❄ A Christmas experience with Enchanted Forest, Mrs Claus’ Bakery, Elf School, new show “Jingle Wings”, real reindeer, Father Christmas and more. Children receive a golden ticket to choose their own gift from the Elves Toyshop, and can create a teddy in the Cuddle Factory. Experience lasts approx 2.5 hours, then enjoy the NEW indoor play barn, outdoor play and animals all day.
🎫 Adult: £18.50 / Child: £31.95-£39.95
Discounts for pass holders. Siblings under 12 months free without a gift.
👉 Book here from 31st July 2023
Winter Wonderland Newcastle
📌 Utilita Arena, Newcastle, NE4 7NA (previously @Newcastle Racecourse)
📆 15th Dec 2023 – 7th Jan 2024
❄ Details tbc – previous years included Santa’s grotto, characters, ice-skating, fairground rides, Christmas tree maze, Christmas market, crafts, games, food stalls, bars, and more.
👉 No online bookings for 2023, walk-ins only. Updates here.
There’s plenty on Gateshead Mumbler to help keep little ones (and big ones!) busy, check here for more ideas and info for playgroups, classes and fun days out from tots to teens!
If you’d like to keep up to date when new resources are added, please click here and like the Gateshead Mumbler Facebook page
