The best Santa's grottos in Newcastle this Christmas

Santa Claus is coming to toon! Christmas is closing in fast and, as you’ll know, the bairns are getting giddy. Doing all they can to stay on the Nice list, writing their letters, and constantly asking when it’ll be time to put the tree up - they just love it, don’t they? 

The magic of the holiday season is next-level when you’re little, so it makes sense you want to make it as brilliant as it can be. One of the best ways to get your bairns into the festive spirit is by taking them to a Santa's grotto in Newcastle where they can meet the big man himself. 

We did all the hard work for you and gathered them all here for you to browse. So, let’s jump in. Here’s to see Santa in Newcastle this year. 

The Santa Experience 

When: multiple dates from Saturday 23rrd November - Monday 23rd December 2024 

Where: Life Science Centre in Newcastle

Life Science Centre on Times Square invites you to their Santa Experience with all sorts of festive fun on offer. Over in the planetarium, they’ll be screening their ‘What Santa Sees’ where Santa uses science to solve festive problems and watch him and his reindeer travel all across the world. Every child will receive a hot chocolate, a treat, and a special Christmas gift. The experience also grants access to the entire Science Centre and holiday activities. 

Santa's Grotto at Matfen Hall 

When: multiple dates from Friday 29th November - Sunday 22nd December 2024

Where: Matfen Hall Hotel in Newcastle 

The beautiful estate at Maften Hall brings us one of the best Santa's grottos in Newcastle this year. Kids will visit the big man in his festive workshop where they’ll enjoy a brownie and a hot chocolate to get them in the Christmas spirit. All dates are on Fridays or weekends with multiple sessions available to book each day. 

The Polar Express Family Event 

When: Saturday 7th, Saturday 14th, and Tuesday 24th December 2024 

Where: Tyneside Cinema in Newcastle 

Tyneside Cinema brings a bunch of Christmas events to the city this year, including this Polar Express event. Before the event begins, each child attending will receive a golden ticket in the post. When they arrive at the cinema, they’ll receive a hot chocolate before they head in to watch the Christmas classic The Polar Express, where the conductor will check their tickets. When the film’s finished, everyone will have the chance to meet Santa and get a gift. It’s perfect for those looking for something festive but a little different. 

Santa Stories 

When: Saturday 30th November - Tuesday 24th December 2024

Where: Moosenwirt Village in Newcastle 

While Moosenwirt Village doesn’t have a proper grotto, it’ll have all sorts on like the Elf School, Elf Workshop, the Rockin’ Reindeer stage show, a carousel, and Santa Stories. Santa Stories will see the big man share tales of Lapland in his tipi. After the magical story, it'll be time for the littluns to help Santa finalise his Nice list, where they can prove they belong on the Nice list. The man in red will sign off certificates, interact with families, and pose for pictures. 

Santa’s Sunday Lunch 

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When: Sunday 1st, 8th, 15th, and 22nd December 2024 

Where: The Vermont Hotel in Manchester

The Vermont Hotel invites you to join them in their Maven Restaurant for a traditional family Sunday lunch. With roast turkey, nut roast, beef, salmon, and more available for main courses, including vegan and gluten-free options, the menu looks incredible. You'll enjoy a delicious festive meal before Santa stops by your table for a visit. All children on the Nice list will receive a treat from Santa. 

Santa’s Grotto 2024

Photo: Sunderland Live / Instagram.com

When: daily from Friday 29th November - Tuesday 24th December 2024 

Where: Sunderland Live in Houghton-le-Spring

A little bit out of Newcastle but too good not to include, Sunderland Live, formerly Rainton Arena, has loads of Christmas activities this year, including the return of their Santa’s grotto.

Taking time out of his busy schedule to come back to Sunderland, you can find Santa in this Winter Wonderland for a meet and greet. The Christmas elf will guide you through a magical trail before meeting Santa and Mrs Claus. 

The venue will host Winter Wonderland events with a grotto, rides, and more; ice skating sessions, and Christmas pantos with Santa meet and greets. 

Find tickets for Santa’s Grotto 2024 and more Christmas events at Sunderland Live

And that’s where to see Santa in Newcastle this year! And if you want to fill the Christmas period with as many thrills as possible, check out what Christmas events are coming to the city. 

And if you’re celebrating Christmas elsewhere, check out our blogs covering the best grottos in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Manchester, Liverpool, Sheffield, Leeds, Birmingham, Nottingham, Bristol, and Cambridge, London. 

Check out our What's On Guide to discover even more rowdy raves and sweaty gigs taking place over the coming weeks and months. For festivals, lifestyle events and more, head on over to our Things To Do page or be inspired by the event selections on our Inspire Me page.

Header: Tim Mossholder / Unsplash.com