2024 Father Christmas at Hexham Old Gaol

Don't miss your chance to meet Father Christmas in a magnificent medieval tower.

Hexham Old Gaol will welcome Father Christmas for the first time in 700 years and it will be transformed for the festive season. 

Each event is 40 minutes long and includes: 

• Wish List creation room 
• Festive photo selfie spaces
• Glass lift to whisk you up to Santa
  
• Fun and games with Father Christmas
• North Pole post box
• Photo ops with Father Christmas
• Choice of gifts from Santa
  
  

TICKETS ARE £15 PER CHILD WITH DISCOUNTS OF 20% FOR LARGER FAMILIES

We run from 10am-5pm on Saturdays and Sundays.
Sessions are available from 4pm-6pm on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
3pm-5pm on Friday 6th and 20th Dec
Pre-schoolers/homeschoolers all day on Friday, 13th December

Supporting our high street 
A Christmas shop selling goods from Hexham's independent shops and makers will be set up on the ground floor of the Old Gaol. Some items are being specially created for these events.

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.

Numbers
Numbers for the Old Gaol are strictly limited. Maximum of 12 children per session.
Two adults are allowed per booking for two children or more. On bookings with one child, the first adult goes free and a second adult will pay £7.50.  

Parents/carers will be able to accompany children at all times.

Is Santa’s Grotto indoors or out?
This event is indoors, so perfectly suited to winter in Northumberland! The Old Gaol is heated, but it is an old building, so please dress warmly.

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.

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 our Christmas Shop will be stocking goods from local shops/makers. 

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.

Are there any relaxed/quiet sessions available?
Thanks to support from Hexham Town Council, we’re offering sensory friendly sessions.
See all the details for the sensory friendly events and book tickets here

Can we just turn up to see Father Christmas at the Old Gaol?
Advance booking is required.

Can I see my child’s Wish List after it has been posted?
We will keep Wish Lists safe at the Old Gaol for you to collect later.

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, 14th 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 dogs are not allowed at these events.

SPONSORED BY HEXHAM'S FORUM CINEMA This beautiful art deco cinema is just a minute's walk away from the Old Gaol and will have a wide programme of festive films and streamed theatre performances on offer this Christmas.