From skating beneath twinkling lights to meeting Santa and coming face to face with moving dinosaurs, Newcastle’s Life Science Centre has a magical winter in store.
Life Science Centre is preparing for a magical winter in Newcastle, with festive activities and family favourites returning for the season.
From Saturday 7 November, families can enjoy ice skating, spectacular planetarium shows, hands-on experiments and even a dinosaur adventure.
With so much happening under one roof and across Times Square, it’s the perfect excuse for a festive family day out.
Skate beneath the Christmas lights
There’s something special about ice skating at Christmas. The music, sparkling lights and crisp winter air all add to the magic.
This year, Life’s outdoor ice rink returns to Times Square on Saturday 7 November. It will remain open until 3 January, welcoming skaters of all ages and abilities.
Alongside regular skating sessions, visitors can look forward to themed events throughout November.
ABBA fans can enjoy ABBA Cold: Greatest Hits, while Skatin’ to Nashville brings a country music twist to the ice.
There’s also an Olivia Dean-themed evening, a celebration of Geordie musicians and two Pyjama Skate sessions.
For those keen to get on the ice early, opening-weekend tickets cost £10 on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 November.
Discover the science and festive fun
Inside Life Science Centre, the festive fun continues with interactive activities and plenty of opportunities to explore.
One of the highlights is What Santa Sees, a magical 360-degree show in the North’s largest planetarium.
Families can follow Santa and his reindeer across the night sky as they navigate using the stars. Along the way, they’ll discover how the patterns of stars change before Santa races home ahead of dawn.
Elsewhere, visitors can explore the Space Zone, complete with a replica of the International Space Station.
Meanwhile, the Making Studios offer the chance to create a festive trinket. Children over seven can also become scientists for the day with seasonal experiments in the Experiment Zone.
Come face to face with dinosaurs
Christmas is not the only theme taking over the science centre this winter!
Following a summer of prehistoric excitement, The Great Dinosaur Escape will continue until 3 January 2027.
There are 25 dinosaurs to discover throughout the centre, including towering creatures reaching four metres tall.
Some have only just hatched, while others soar overhead or hide away in their nests.
Young visitors can become Dino Rangers and follow a special trail, using dinosaur facts to crack a code.
But they’ll need to keep their eyes peeled. A few dinosaurs have escaped their enclosures and could be hiding anywhere!
A magical meeting with Santa
For families looking for something extra special, The Santa Experience: Operation Christmas Eve returns with a new adventure.
Children can join Santa’s little helpers in a corner of the North Pole as the elves prepare for Christmas Eve.
Along the way, they’ll meet Father Christmas himself and receive a special gift.
Each child will also take home a Christmas Eve bag containing reindeer food, hot chocolate mix and a sweet treat.
Tickets include full access to Life Science Centre, so families can enjoy the planetarium, dinosaur encounters and other activities during their visit.
Relaxed sessions and British Sign Language (BSL) interpreted sessions will also take place on selected Sundays.
Plan your festive visit
Life Science Centre’s winter programme begins on Saturday 7 November 2026.
The outdoor ice rink runs until 3 January, with opening-weekend tickets priced at £10. Other skating session prices vary.
The Great Dinosaur Escape continues until 3 January 2027.
Science centre admission costs £15 with a donation or £13.60 without. Children aged two and under, along with carers, can enter free of charge.
The Santa Experience costs £25 per person and includes admission to the science centre.
For the latest opening times, prices, age guidance and booking information, visit Life Science Centre.
