Santa's House Returns to Alderman Fenwick's House on Pilgrim Street

Families looking for a Santa visit in the city centre this year have a characterful option on Pilgrim Street. Santa's House, the festive storytelling experience held inside Alderman Fenwick's House, is returning for Christmas 2026, with sessions starting on Saturday 28 November and tickets already on sale. Weekend slots at popular grottos tend to go quickly, so it is worth booking early.

What happens at Santa's House

Run by the Niltoni Group, Santa's House is a seated, theatrical experience rather than a quick queue-and-photo grotto. Children take part in story time and songs with Father Christmas, write a letter and post it in Santa's postbox, and each child goes home with a gift that includes two illustrated books. Each session lasts around 45 minutes.

The organisers recommend it for ages 2 to 10, and every child must be accompanied by at least one adult. According to the Santa's House booking page, child tickets cost £15.50 and adult tickets £19.50, each plus a small booking fee. Sessions run on 24 dates across the season, starting from 9.15am.

A grotto with a history

Part of the appeal is the building. Alderman Fenwick's House, at 98-100 Pilgrim Street, dates from around 1670 and is Grade I listed. It is one of the few brick houses of its age to survive in Newcastle. It later became the Queen's Head Inn, where Charles Dickens stayed in 1850, and was home to the Newcastle Liberal Club from 1883. Today it is used as offices and an events space.

That history makes it a fitting setting for an old-fashioned Christmas, and a change from the shopping-centre grottos elsewhere in town.

Best for: Santa's House on Pilgrim Street: Alderman Fenwick's House, 98-100 Pilgrim Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 6SQ. Sessions from Saturday 28 November 2026. Child tickets £15.50, adult tickets £19.50, plus booking fee. Recommended for ages 2 to 10.

Planning a festive day out in the city centre? Pair a visit with a wander round the Christmas markets in Newcastle, which run from 19 November to 23 December this year.