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Follow the stars to Gibside Stables for an enchanting encounter with Father Christmas and his elves in this immersive theatre and craft workshop experience.

Embrace time together with loved ones and feel the spirit of Christmas at this interactive Father Christmas experience. Expect cartoonish capers from clumsy elves and discover what Father Christmas is up to in the lead up to the big day. 

While Mr. Claus tinkers away he’ll tell tales of his festive adventures before checking who’s made it onto his nice list. Children are invited to join in with the fun. Before Father Christmas says goodbye, families can take their own photographs with him. The elves will then guide the group to Father Christmas’s workshop to decorate a special Christmas keyring and card to take home.

The full Father Christmas experience will last approximately 55 mins. This includes a 25 minute visit to meet Father Christmas with time to take a photo with him, and 25 minutes in the workshop decorating a Christmas keyring and card to take home.

There are 5 relaxed sessions available. These sessions are created for people who feel more comfortable in smaller groups. Please click here to book relaxed sessions.

Tickets are £25 per child. Accompanying adults go free. Normal site admission also applies for non National Trust members.

Please bear in mind the walk from Visitor Reception to the Stables takes approx. 30 minutes. Little legs may take longer. Visitors who have booked a 9.45am slot can arrive at Gibside from 9am and visitors who have booked a 10.15am slot can arrive at Gibside from 9.30am.

As space is limited, please select a free ticket for up to two accompanying adults per order. There is not an option to pay for additional adults.

Please note:

• Normal admission charges apply to non-members on arrival. Please bring along your membership cards or pay for admission at Visitor Reception.
• Father Christmas at Gibside Stables is a ticketed event and advance booking is required. 
• Please arrive at Visitor Reception at least 45 minutes before your time slot. Please bear in mind the walk from Visitor Reception to the Stables takes approx. 30 minutes, little legs may take longer.
• Please be aware that the Stables are old buildings and can be cold inside. Please wear appropriate warm clothing and shoes for walking in the weather conditions.
• The trail to the Stables is paved and includes a steep incline. Individual accessible mobility vehicles (trampers) available to hire, call 07712 535938 in advance to book. Access bus may be available. Please ask at Visitor Reception if you require assistance. 
• There will be 45 people at each session. Some seating will be provided. Those with access requirements will be prioritised.
• This event is recommended for children aged 3+, but younger children are welcome.
• A child ticket costs £25pp and is for children aged 12+ months. This includes a group visit to Father Christmas plus a craft workshop where children will decorate their own Christmas keyring and Christmas card.
• Children under 12 months do not need a ticket and are welcome if they are attending with another paying child. They will not receive a Christmas keyring or card. If you would like them to receive these, then you will need to purchase a ticket for them.
• Children must be supervised by a responsible adult at all times. Children under 3 will require close supervision by their responsible adult during the craft workshop.
• As space is limited, please select a free ticket for up to two accompanying adults per order. There is not an option to pay for additional adults.
• Dogs are not allowed at the event. However, they are welcome at Gibside on leads and must be attended at all times.