Father Christmas at Hexham Old Gaol 2025

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
  
• Magical secrets from Santa's secret book
• Individual and/or family photo ops with Father Christmas
• Choice of gifts from Santa

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.

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 and last year's Father Christmas event was a great success.

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 because of Santa's secret book.

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, 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?

Don't miss Hexham's annual Christmas windows 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.   

OUR EVENTS ARE SPONSORED BY HEXHAM'S FORUM CINEMA This beautiful art deco cinema is just a minute's walk away from the Old Gaol and has a wide programme of festive films and streamed theatre performances on offer this Christmas. Tickets for Christmas movies start at just £6 for kids and adults:
A Paw Patrol Christmas 2pm on Sat 6th Dec & noon on Sun 7th Dec
How The Grinch Stole Christmas at 2pm on Sun 7th Dec
A Christmas Carol (2020 version) at 5pm on Sun 7th Dec 
Home Alone at 4pm on Sat 20th Dec 
Polar Express: Christmas Eve PJ Party at 3pm on Wed 24th Dec 

Alternatively, why not combine a visit to see Santa with a show at Hexham's Queen's Hall. In 2025, you can choose from The Great Big Christmas Present Wrapping Disaster in the Studio (recommended for kids under six) or Red Riding Hood in the theatre (for age six plus).  

Hexham Old Gaol