Tyneside museums to host festive events you won’t forget this winter

From special train rides with Santa to theatrical storytelling sessions, there promises to be something for everyone this Christmas on Tyneside as venues prepare to host a series of magical winter events. The Great North Museum: Hancock will welcome a host of familiar Christmas characters to the Great North Festive Fayre (Saturday 6 December). There’ll be reindeer on the front lawn (Pancake, Ella and Olaf to be precise), Christmas carolling and the opportunity to make your own seasonal decoration. Don’t forget to bring your camera as some very special guests will be appearing. Entry is free. All you cool dudes! Get ready for Ice Mayhem at Discovery Museum (Saturday 13 December). Expect wintry science experiments, enchanting special guests, winter’s tales and cool-as-ice crafts. Entry is free but a small charge may apply to some activities. Downton Abbey addicts can treat themselves to an early Christmas present by taking a behind the scenes tour of the costume store at Discovery Museum. The Downton Christmas Special (Sunday 14 December) offers the chance to join our leading experts in learning about the fashion and customs of the early 20th century. See period costumes fit for the Dowager Countess herself! Tickets are £8 per person or £15 per couple (plus online booking fee). Please visit www.twmuseums.org.uk for more information and bookings.