Create magical family memories at Santa’s Grotto this Christmas at the National Museum of the Royal Navy Hartlepool

Monday, 6 October 2025 20:14

This Christmas the National Museum of the Royal Navy Hartlepool is getting in the festive spirit, with a chance to visit Santa in his grotto, explore the decorated quayside and take part in festive storytelling.

Santa has transformed part of the recreated Georgian quay into his grotto, giving visitors the chance to meet him and his elves as they collect letters and pictures to take back home to the North Pole. Visitors to Santa will also receive a special gift to take home, and a hot chocolate to keep warm as they explore the museum. This event is taking place on Saturday 13th, Sunday 14th, Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st December 2025.

The museum has also been decorated for the festive season, giving all visitors the chance to get in the Christmas spirit. During this time the rest of the museum remains open, so visitors are encouraged to make the most of their trip to see Santa and explore what the rest of the museum has to offer, from a genuine Georgian warship to shops and galleries. Especially for the festive season there is also a Christmas storytelling session.

At the centre of the experience is the historic HMS Trincomalee, a Georgian survivor and the oldest warship still afloat in Europe, so climb aboard and explore the depths of the ship following in the footsteps of her crew. The quayside itself also comes alive with the various shops visitors can peer into, the most recent addition being an ‘India Emporium’, a reference to HMS Trincomalee’s heritage. Also available is Horrible Histories® Pirates: The Exhibition, taking buccaneers of all ages on an epic adventure across the seven seas with hands-on displays and interactive exhibits.

Tickets for a slot at Santa’s Grotto cost £9.50 per child and all visitors must already have a valid ticket to the museum. To purchase a ticket to the museum please visit: https://bit.ly/4h5uTPS

To purchase a ticket to Santa’s Grotto please visit: https://bit.ly/3Wn9asS

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Create magical family memories at Santa’s Grotto this Christmas at the National Museum of the Royal Navy Hartlepool

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