Visit Father Christmas at Gibside Stables - relaxed sessions
An interactive storytelling experience with Father Christmas and his elf friend, Holly Berry.
- Booking essential
- Admission applies
Head to Gibside Stables and meet Happy Holly Berry, a playful forest elf. With a twinkle in her eye and a jingling in her boots, Holly will guide guests inside to reach her very special friend, Father Christmas.
It's a bustling jolly time when the woodland family are getting ready for Christmas; polishing the mistletoe, putting sparkle into the cobwebs, and frosting the moss. Father Christmas and Happy Holly Berry are preparing for the big day, all ready to put the Ho, Ho, Ho, into the festive season.
Gather close around the Christmas tree as Father Christmas shares a heart-warming tale filled with merry cheer and North Pole magic. This interactive group experience invites children to join in the fun before receiving a small gift to take home, and a chance for grown-ups to capture their child’s photo with Father Christmas.
Relaxed sessions are the same group sizes as other sessions (up to 30 people). Father Christmas and Holly Berry will make some adjustments to accommodate visitors’ needs. Relaxed sessions may also offer reduced lighting effects.
Tickets are £19 per child, up to 2 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, and little legs may take longer. We recommend you arrive at Gibside at least 45 minutes before your timeslot.*
Times
Prices
| Ticket type | Ticket category |
|---|---|
| Adult | £0.00 |
| Child (recommended age 3+, includes gift) | £19.00 |
The basics
- Booking details
Call 0344 249 1895
- Suitability
Recommended age 3+ years. Children must be supervised.
- Meeting point
Gibside Stables courtyard, 10 minutes before your session is due to start. We recommend arriving to Gibside 45 minutes early, to give little legs plenty of time to reach the Stables comfortably.
- What to bring and wear
Dress for the weather and wrap-up warm, Gibside Stables is an old building and it can be cold inside.
- Accessibility
There is a hard pathway to the Stables which includes a steep incline. A volunteer-driven access bus may also be available. Some seating will be provided. Those with access requirements will be prioritised. Relaxed sessions are specially designed for children with additional needs, offering a calmer experience. For questions about accessibility email: gibside@nationaltrust.org.uk.
- Other
Non-members will need to pay for admission on the day. Members must bring their membership cards. To help ensure a positive experience for all, late arrivals may not be able to be accommodated, and refunds will not be offered. Refunds are only offered if the event is cancelled by the National Trust. Where possible, we’ll aim to offer an alternative date or timeslot, though this cannot be guaranteed. If Gibside remains open, refunds will not be issued due to adverse weather. For closure updates, please check our website and social media. At the point of booking, there is an optional space to provide your child's first name. This is to put on Father Christmas' list as a way to personalise the experience. If you choose to provide the age of your children this information will be used anonymously for evaluation purposes. Dogs aren’t permitted at the event but are welcome elsewhere at Gibside if on leads and supervised. Up to 2 adults, minimum 1 paying child per booking. Under 18 months free unless you'd like to receive a gift.
Upcoming events
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