Christmas at Tyne and Wear Museums: Full programme of festive events

Tyne and Wear Archives and Museums have unveiled a programme of activities for all of the family to enjoy this festive season.

From train rides to craft sessions, museums and other venues across the region have put together a full schedule of Christmas events, and are inviting families to get involved. 

Keith Merrin, Director of Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums, said: “We are extending a warm welcome to visitors this winter and inviting them to join our fun events and activities. Our venues are a great place to spend quality time with others during the festive season.” 

Check out the Christmas events schedule coming up this month: 

Crafty Kids Shipley Art Gallery Tuesday, December 12: 10am - 11.15am

Crafty Kids will be an event filled with creative activities, stories, songs, and plenty of fun! Families will discover artworks, explore the gallery and create their own masterpieces with a range of art materials. 

Crafty Kids is priced at £3 per child with an accompanying adult. To add another sibling, tickets are priced at an additional £2.

Family Art Class: Stained glass windows

Shipley Art Gallery 

Saturday 16 December: 10.30am - 12pm

Guided by professional artists, children aged between 7 to 12-years-old will be able to create a colourful window hanging, with a festive theme at Family Art Class.

Tickets are priced at £4.50 per child, with an additional charge of £1 per accompanying adult.

Needle Felting Workshop: Christmas tree decorations Shipley Art Gallery Saturday 16 November: 10am  – 11.45am 

At the Needle Felting Workshop, you can create a needle felted snowman decoration, with the help of a friendly tutor. 

Tickets are priced at £18 per person.

Candlelit Tours Arbeia, South Shields Roman Fort Saturday 16 December: 4.30pm and 5.30pm

Visitors to Arbeia, South Shields Roman Fort will be able to participate in a Candlelit Tour. On the tour, visitors will learn about the history of the Romans and how they lit up their homes.

Festive Floristry: Family Workshop Shipley Art Gallery

Saturday 16 December: 2pm -3.30pm 

Thursday 23 November; 10am – 12.30pm  

At the Festive Floristry workshop, families will be able to make their own floral arrangements. To add a festive twist, there will be the option to decorate the arrangement, using baubles, glitter, mini santa’s and more. 

Tickets are priced at £25 per child with an accompanying adult. An additional charge of £4 is applied for an additional adult.

The Elf Express Stephenson Steam Railway 10, 16, 17, 23 & 24 December

Ride the famous Elf Express this Christmas, with interactive performances, music, and plenty of photo opportunities! There will also be refreshments and a special gift from Santa Claus for every child. 

Tickets start from £16 per person.

Winter Warmers Stephenson Steam Railway 26, 30 & 31 December

Winter Warmers is a train ride, where visitors will explore the heritage train on a four-mile historic urban line. 

Tickets are priced at £5 per person. For more information and to book events, please visit the Tyne and Wear Archives and Museums website.