Skip to content

Cool down this summer by turning your thoughts to Christmas!   

Santa using a fan and wearing sunglasses on Life Science Centre roof.
Life's iconic logo is featured at the entrance to the science centre.
Life communications
Author

With temperatures rising and the sun shining, thoughts of snowflakes, Santa and skating might seem like a world away. 

But the launch today of Life Science Centre’s festive package offers a way to cool off and plan for the most magical time of the year! 

 Life’s hugely popular Santa Experience, which is an annual sell-out success, is back again this year from 22 November and runs for various dates throughout the festive period. 

At the heart of the Santa Experience is the immersive 360° animated show, What Santa Sees, produced for the Planetarium by Life’s in-house team and now showing globally. Visitors can look up in the magical domed theatre and be transported to a twinkling wonderland, following Santa and his reindeer across the night sky on Christmas Eve, using stars to navigate their way.  

Santa sat looking up in Life Science Centre's Planetarium

There’s also a drink and sweet treat on offer, a visit to see Father Christmas and his elf in his house to enjoy some seasonal science demos and receive a Christmas gift. The Santa Experience also includes access to the full science centre including hands-on exhibits, live shows, experiments and making activities. 

Tickets are limited and cost £26. 

Young girl holding adults hand whilst skating on Life Science Centre's outdoor ice rink.

Life’s annual outdoor ice rink also makes a return to Times Square on 8 November, with tickets now on sale and early bird offers available. 

The real ice outdoor rink is an established part of the festive calendar in the city and is open throughout the festive season until 4 January, providing skaters of all ages and abilities with the ultimate festive experience. 

The ice rink attracts hordes of eager skaters throughout its seasonal run and as well as regular skating sessions, there are a range of special events planned for the rink including Sam Fender, Lady Gaga and Wicked-themed nights and the coolest karaoke on ice! 

Tickets cost £15.50 for adults; £14 for those aged 10 and over and £12 for nine and under with separate charges for Christmas Eve.  

Online booking is recommended.

Other articles you may enjoy

Dino Ranger Jake pictured with young boy in front of a stand titled 'Ask-A-Saurus'

Dinosaur fever takes over as children put Life’s resident dino expert to the test

19 August 2026

Young visitors flocked to Life to quiz its resident dinosaur expert as part of a special event celebrating its hugely popular prehistoric exhibition.

Little Girl Being Held By Mum Looking Amazed At A Stegasaurus.

Life Science Centre offers £5 Universal Credit ticket  

17 August 2026

From Monday 24 August to Wednesday 30 September 2026, anyone eligible for Universal Credit can enjoy a full day of science-fuelled fun at a reduced ra

Two women in Newcastle's Life Science Centre looking at an animatronic T.rex

Another Epic Late-night Takeover at Life Science Centre  

5 August 2026

Back by popular demand, our Late session takes place on Thursday 8 October and promises to be a spooktacular night out for over 18s.