Elf Express steam train rides in North Shields invite families to track down Santa

Seats are up for grabs on festive train rides which will be inviting families to hop on board from the end of November up to late December.

Stephenson Steam Railway in North Shields has planned a whole range of Christmas treats again this year with a top attraction set to be the return of its Elf Express which will be adding to its programme of train rides. The festive-theme heritage loco will be in action at weekends from November until December 21-22, with a pick of time slots and final trips set to take place on December 23.

Families will begin their visit with an interactive Christmas show before their jaunt on the train where they will meet the Chief Elf and, with festive music adding to the atmosphere, they can make the most of photo opportunities; enjoy refreshments and receive a present from Santa himself. Guests can travel in a special Bauble Carriage, with tickets costing around £22, while private compartments are also available to book in a Merry Carriage, Jolly Carriage and a Sparkle Carriage.

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The railway museum will be running four-mile Winter Warmers rail journeys after Christmas too. Costing around £8, these December 28-29 rides could prove an ideal gift for heritage train fans who also will have a chance to visit historic displays inside the festively-decorated museum. The seasonal treats are part of a wider programme of new events announced by Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums at its venues across the area.

They also include, for families, Santa at Jingle Bell Square events on December 7, 14, 21 and 23 at South Shields Museum & Art Gallery where the big man and his favourite elf will be hosting tales and games in his workshop and giving out gifts. Among the adult treats will be a Winter Wonder event at Great North Museum: Hancock in Newcastle on December 6 which promises a cosy cultural evening of music, activities, music, 'lightning talks', drinks and pizza and on December 7 Arbeia fort in South Shields will be opening specially from its winter closure to host two twilight Candlelit Tours during which visitors can learn about how Romans lit up their homes.

Other attractions include a Christmas Market at Shipley Art Gallery in Gateshead, on November 23 and 30, which will be selling a range of gifts made by local artists and crafters. The Shipley also will be hosting workshops, beginning this Friday with needle-felting decorations, followed by wreath-making from Saturday, then going on to include opportunities to make fused glass decorations as well as bath bombs.

TWAM director Keith Merrin said: "We are extending a warm welcome to visitors this winter and inviting them to join us for a season of festive fun and engaging activities. Our museums and galleries are the perfect place to create lasting memories with loved ones." For the full Christmas at Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums programme see here.