WE’RE SORRY, BUT TICKETS ARE NOW SOLD OUT FOR FATHER CHRISTMAS AT THE OLD GAOL 2025
PLEASE FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK TO FIND OUT WHEN TICKETS GO ON SALE NEXT YEAR
Don’t miss your chance to meet Father Christmas in a magnificent medieval tower.
Beautiful Hexham Old Gaol in the heart of Hexham will be transformed for the festive season.
Each session is 45 minutes long and includes:
- Wish List creation room
- Festive photo selfie spaces
- North Pole post box
- Glass lift to whisk you up to Santa
- Fun and Christmas songs with Father Christmas
- Choice of quality gifts from Santa
- Magical secrets from Santa’s secret book
- Individual and/or family photo ops with Father Christmas
TICKETS ARE £17 PER CHILD WITH DISCOUNTS OF 20% FOR LARGER FAMILIES
Sessions will run every Saturday and Sunday in December plus Monday 22nd and Tuesday 23rd of December. We may add extra dates subject to demand.
All of the detail you should need is below
Numbers
We’ve reduced the maximum number of children per session this year to just nine.
Two adults are allowed per booking for two children or more. On bookings with one child, the first adult goes free whilst a second adult will pay £7.50. Numbers for the Old Gaol are strictly limited for insurance reasons, which is why we have to arrange things in this way.
Parents/carers will be able to accompany children at all times.
Suitability
Recommended for children aged 2-9 years. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Younger and older children are welcome, but they must have a ticket. Santa gifts suitable from birth will be available.
Is Santa’s Grotto indoors or out?
This event is indoors, so perfectly suited to winter in Northumberland! The beautiful Old Gaol was built like a castle and has stood firm since the 14th century, so we weren’t impacted at all by bad weather in 2024.
Is the building suitable for wheelchairs or buggies?
The Old Gaol offers step free access with a ramp into the building and a lift to the upper floors.
You can see the building’s full access document here
Who is running the events?
Hexham Community Partnership is organising Father Christmas at the Old Gaol. We have a proud history of producing high-quality events, such as Hexham Christmas Market. Last year’s Father Christmas event was a great success and we are proud to say that it has reached the finals of the Destination North East Tourism Awards.
Thinking Green
We’re aiming to be environmentally aware in the decisions we’re making about Father Christmas. We will, for instance, be sourcing eco-conscious gifts for Santa Claus to give away and all the outfits are handmade here in Hexham.
Father Christmas at the Old Gaol is very much a community effort and any money raised will support future events in this lovely market town.
Can we just turn up to see Father Christmas at the Old Gaol?
Advance booking is required.
Do we need to pay to get into the Old Gaol as well as pay to see Santa?
You do not need to pay an additional entrance fee to the Old Gaol to take part in this event.
How can we travel to Father Christmas at the Old Gaol?
The Old Gaol is a short walk from Hexham train station and Hexham Bus Station (under half a mile for both). Please note that Saturday, 13th December will be especially busy in Hexham as that is the day of Hexham Christmas Market.
The nearest parking to the Old Gaol is at the Wentworth Car Park, but this can be busy, so please leave time to find an alternative if necessary.
NCC parking is free in Hexham with a clock disc, but please check signage for time limits.
There is full information on parking in Hexham on Northumberland County Council’s website
Can our dog come along?
We’re afraid that pet dogs are not allowed at these events.
Supporting our high street
Hexham has lots of indie shops including one of the best toys shops in the North. Do some relaxed Christmas shopping and enjoy our beautiful Christmas lights while you are here.
You’ll find a fantastic range of cafes and restaurants to enjoy. Why not book a table in advance?
There’s even more fun to be had!
Don’t miss Hexham’s annual Christmas trail with the chance to win superb prizes – leaflets will be available in shops and given out to everyone who comes to see Father Christmas.
The Queen’s Hall arts centre has not one, but two wonderful shows this year: Red Riding Hood (6+) and The Great Big Christmas Wrapping Disaster (under sixes).
VISIT HEXHAM’S FORUM CINEMA This beautiful Art Deco cinema is just a minute’s walk away from the Old Gaol. The Forum has a fantastic programme of festive family films and performances on offer this Christmas. Tickets start at just £6 for kids’ shows and the café-bar sells drinks and snacks at prices that should prove to be a pleasant surprise for parents.
