Fenwick will be gearing up for a rush of ticket sales on Thursday morning as the first in its Christmas programme of events goes on sale.
The Newcastle store's festive favourite Santa on the Roof is always in huge demand and many families will be poised for action the moment that tickets are released for sale from 10am. To follow will be Santa's Cinema and there's a new addition to this year's programme - an option of afternoon tea with Father Christmas, who is also available for his usual breakfast and supper get-togethers.
Earlier this September, Fenwick was advertising for a Santa who no doubt will be kept busy during its run of seasonal events. Regular visitors may be familiar with the annual treats in store but for others here is a round-up of all the events on offer and, importantly, what they cost.
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Santa on the Roof is the first to go on sale this Thursday, September 29 - the same date that tickets are released for the eagerly-awaited Halloween Evenings at Beamish Museum. Tickets for its other events, including the Rooftop Cinema, will follow at a later date.
The advice for anyone hoping to book is to be quick off the mark. So this guide includes the important dates to make a note of if you're keen to enjoy one of Fenwick's family treats this year.
Santa on the Roof
November 7 to December 24
This immersive experience will begin with a greeting from elves and a Santa’s Express Elevator ride to the store's rooftop. There visitors will meet singing reindeer before taking an 'elf-mobile' to meet Santa in his cabin.
Youngsters can enjoy craft activities with the elves, including decorating a bespoke ceramic plate to take home, and there will a stop-off at Café Claus for winter-warming drinks and sweet treats along with an opportunity to take an 'Elfie' inside Santa’s sleigh.
Tickets: £17.50 - on sale from 10am on Thursday, September 29. Keep an eye out here.
Santa’s Breakfast Club
Friday, November 9 until Friday, December 23 - on Thursday, Friday and Saturday mornings
Note: all the food-related events take place in Fenwick's new Arthur's restaurant on the first floor. They do not include a visit to Santa on the Roof as part of the experience: this would have to be bought separately.
Breakfast options include waffles, eggs and sausages and Father Christmas will take to the stage while families are eating. Young guests will receive elf hats and Fenwick's bespoke Christmas colouring book before meeting the mischievous elves and Santa for a picture and Christmas gift.
Tickets: £20. These will go on sale from 10am on Thursday, October 6.
Santa’s Supper Club
Friday, November 9 until Friday, December 23
A seasonal two-course supper will be served before young ones get to greet Santa while he keeps his elves under control.
Tickets: £27.50. On sale from 10am on Thursday, October 6.
Afternoon Tea with Santa
Sunday, November 13 until Sunday, December 18
This is a new event for 2022. The afternoon tea will include a special children's version. It also will include a photograph with Father Christmas and a Christmas gift. There will be two afternoon tea sittings a day, at 12noon and 3pm.
Tickets: £27.50. On sale from 10am on Thursday, October 6.
Santa’s Cinema
Thursday, November 10 until Saturday, December 24
On the fifth floor of the department store, the cinema will host evening screenings of festive family films. Adults will be able to choose between a complimentary mulled wine or spiced apple juice and young ones can enjoy hot chocolate or juice plus plenty of popcorn.
There also will be a Roof Thirty-Nine Pre-Cinema Experience available where, before the film screening, guests will be able to take in the city skyline view from Fenwick's roof-top restaurant alongside a cocktail, nibbles and a main course of a festive burger. A vegan version of this will be available.
Tickets: £17.50. Roof Thirty-Nine Pre-Cinema Experience - £35. These will be available from 10am on Thursday, October 6.
Booking tips
This year, to help address high demand, Fenwick ticket provider Ticketsource will be providing a virtual queue to help manage bookings. The advice for customers, once they join the booking queue, is to avoid loading multiple tabs or refreshing their browser.
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