Check our bumper Christmas calendar for 200+ festive events in the North East at a glance, including Christmas markets, light switch-ons, ice skating and where to see Santa with no booking needed…
🎁Christmas Markets – as well as supporting local businesses and finding unique gifts, many events have Santa’s Grottos, live music, entertainment and more. 🎄Christmas Light Switch Ons – a lovely community tradition, often including carol singing, entertainment and sometimes even special celebrity guests! 🎅Where to See Santa – with options for all budgets including FREE visits. 🎨Christmas Crafts & Workshops – a great chance to create special keepsakes and gifts! ❄More Festive Events – all sorts of events with no booking needed, including parades, trails, festivals, fairgrounds & more! ⛸️Ice Skating – indoor and outdoor rinks, including free & walk-in options. 🌿Garden Centres – popular recommendations for the best places to browse beautiful Christmas displays.
You are watching: Christmas activities in the North East, that don’t need to be pre-booked!
Most of the events below are free (or low cost) entry with no booking needed, more events will be added over the coming weeks as details are released so do check back, and if you have any recommendations to add please get in touch here. You can also find lots of other popular Christmas Events in the North East here.
Details are subject to change (and some events are weather dependant). Please check details directly with organisers using the links below, particularly for the few events which require/recommend pre-booking. Facebook links are provided for most organisers (in purple) to check the latest updates before travelling, plus additional links with event info where available.
Browse below, or click to SKIP AHEAD to the current week, or to events throughout Nov / Dec (including Ice Skating & Garden Centres)👇👇
📆w/c 24th Oct 2022
Thurs 27th – Sun 30th Oct🎁North East Christmas Fair @Newcastle Racecourse, Gosforth 👉Tickets £9pp on the door, online discount here
📆w/c 31st Oct 2022
Sat 5th Nov🎁North East Festive Fayre @Rainton Arena, Houghton le Spring 👉Book a free ticket here
Sun 6th Nov🎁Christmas Market @The Orangery, Whickham, Gateshead 👉Info here🎁Winter Christmas Fair @The Fed, Dunston, Gateshead 👉Info here🎁Mayfli Christmas Market @Vertu Arena, Newcastle 👉£2 pp, under 12s free, book here or pay on the door
📆w/c 7th Nov 2022
Thurs 10th – Sun 13th Nov🎁Christmas Fair @Brockbushes Farm, Northumberland 👉Info here
Thurs 10th Nov 🎄Launch of Christmas Event @Dalton Park, Co Durham 👉Info here**including fireworks display, light switch, food traders, fairground rides & more**
Sat 12th Nov🎁Winter Fair @Stargate & Crookhill Community Centre, Gateshead🎁Christmas Fayre @Rowlands Gill Community Centre, Gateshead 👉Info here🎁Winter Fayre @Paddy Freeman’s Park, Newcastle 👉Info here)
Sun 13th Nov🎁Christmas Market @Washington Mind, The Life House, Washington 👉Info here🎄Switch On @Spanish City, Whitley Bay 👉£3pp or free when dining in Trenchers, info & book here
Sat 12th – Sun 13th Nov🎁Christmas Fayre @The Customs House, South Shields 👉Info here🎁Artisan Christmas Market @Dalton Park, Co Durham 👉Info here
📆w/c 14th Nov 2022
Tues 15th Nov 🎄Switch On @Greys Monument, Newcastle 👉Info here **including celebrity guest Tilly Lockey, winner of ‘Got What It Takes?’**
Thurs 17th Nov🎄Switch On @Trinity Square, Gateshead 👉Info here**with @TyneTheatrePanto ‘Beauty and the Beast’ stars** 🎄Switch On @Keel Square, Sunderland 👉Info here**including Sunderland Empire panto cast members & Sunderland AFC legend Kevin Phillips**
Fri 18th Nov🎄Switch On @Market Square Blyth 👉Info here**including Phoenix Theatre & music from The Overtones**
Fri 18th – Sat 19th Nov🎁Christmas Fayre @Wheelbirks Parlour 👉Info here
Fri 18th – Sun 20th Nov🎁Christmas Fair @Beamish Hall Hotel, Co Durham 👉£5pp, under 5s free, book here🎁Christmas Fair @Wynyard Hall, Co Durham 👉From £6pp, under 4s free, book here🎁Christmas Market @Spanish City, Whitley Bay 👉£3 on the door, online discount here🎁Christmas Town Markets & Opening Party @Bishop Auckland Marketplace 👉Info here, booking recommended for Grotto/ice skating
Sat 19th Nov🎄Switch On @Daft as a Brush HQ, Gosforth 👉Info here🎁Winter Fair @Springwell Village CV, Gateshead 👉Info here🎁Christmas Market @Blaydon YCC CIO, Gateshead🎁Christmas Fayre @St Alban’s Community Centre, Gateshead🎁Christmas Fair @Birtley Catholic Club, Gateshead🎁Christmas Fair @St Mary’s Heritage Centre, Gateshead 👉Adults £1 entry, info here🎁The Kind Christmas Market @Gosforth Civic Theatre, Newcastle 👉Info here🎁Christmas Craft Fair @Arts Centre Washington 👉Info here🎁Christmas Fair @Peterlee Pavilion, Co Durham 👉Info here🎁Christmas Market @Grey’s Monument, Newcastle 👉Running until Fri 23rd Dec, info here
Sun 20th Nov🎁Christmas Fayre @Bilton Hall Community Trust, Low Simonside🎁Indoor Winter Market @Grand Hotel Gosforth Park, Newcastle 👉Info here🎁Christmas Market @Spectrum Leisure, Crook, Co Durham 👉Info here🎁This is Christmas @Stadium of Light, Sunderland 👉Info here🎁Christmas Fair @Hardwick Hall Hotel, Sedgefield, Co Durham 👉Info here🎁Christmas In the Woods @Plessey Woods Country Park, Northumberland 👉Info here
Sat 19th – Sun 20th Nov🎁Christmas Market @RedFox Gardenworld, Gateshead 👉Info here
📆w/c 21st Nov 2022
Mon 21st Nov🎄Switch On @Concord Front Street, Washington 👉Info here**including Simon Grundy from SUNFM, fireworks at 6pm & more**
Wed 23rd Nov🎄Switch On @South Shields Market Square, South Tyneside 👉Info here **including Metro Radio’s Chris Felton, singers and entertainers from Creative Seed**🎨MistleToes Canvas Crafts @The Nest Low Fell 👉baby footprints £4 per canvas , drop-in, info here
Thurs 24th Nov 🎄Switch On @Ashington, Northumberland 👉Info here
Fri 25th Nov❄Christmas Festival @Boldon Community Centre, South Tyneside 👉Info here **including Switch On, character parade, stalls, fairground rides & more**🎁Christmas Fayre & Puffing Billy @The Hetton Centre, Sunderland 👉Info here
🎄Switch On @Jarrow Town Hall, South Tyneside 👉Info here**including carols, magic from Mr Merlin and entertainers from Creative Seed**🎄Switch On @Easington Lane, Sunderland 👉Info here **including Choir, Santa, arts & crafts & face-painting**🎄Switch On @Southwick, Sunderland 👉Info here **including family fun and entertainment, with special guests**
Fri 25th – Sun 27th Nov🎁Christmas Market @Plantsplus Garden Centre, Newcastle 👉Booking recommended for Grotto here🎁Christmas Craft Fair @Brancepeth Castle, Co Durham 👉From £2pp, under 14s free, book here
Sat 26th Nov🎅Stagecoach Santa Bus @Longbenton Community Centre, Newcastle 👉FREE to meet Santa, in partnership with Daft as a Brush. No booking needed, info here.❄Meet the Frozen Sisters & Star Wars @Royal Quays 👉Info here🎨Christmas Arts & Crafts @Cleadon Park Library 👉£2pp, drop-in, ages 5+, info here
🎄Switch On @Rothbury Village, Northumberland 👉Info here🎄Switch On @Chester-le-Street Market 👉Info here**Presented by CBeebies Alex Winters, with walkabout acts & more**🎁Christmas Market @Whinnies Community Garden, Sunniside, Gateshead🎁Christmas Fair @Birtley Methodist Church, Gateshead 👉Info here🎁Christmas Fayre @Dunston Activity Centre, Gateshead 👉Free fayre & activities, charge applies for giant soft play🎁Christmas Market @The Lakeside Inn, Jarrow🎁Christmas Craft & Flea @Newcastle Civic Centre 👉£2.50 pp, under 12s free, info & book here🎁Christmas Fair @Hallgarth Manor Hotel, Co Durham 👉Entry by donation, info here🎁Athenaeum Fair (Breeze Creatives) @The Athenaeum, Sunderland 👉Info here
Sun 27th Nov 🎅Stagecoach Santa Bus @Royal Quays, North Shields 👉FREE to meet Santa, in partnership with Daft as a Brush. No booking needed, info here.🎄Switch On @Durham Market Place 👉Info here**including X-Factors and Broadway Star Joe McElderry and music from Khalysis**
❄Meet the Frozen Sisters @Royal Quays 👉Info here❄Reindeer Dash @The Bridges Shopping Centre, Sunderland 👉Free to watch, book here to take part🎁Christmas Market @The Orangery, Whickham, Gateshead 👉Info here🎁Christmas Market @Felling Community Centre, Gateshead 🎁Winter Meet the Maker Market @Land of Oak & Iron, Gateshead 👉Info here🎁Christmas Market @Malmaison, Newcastle 👉Info here🎁This is Christmas @Rainton Arena, Houghton le Spring 👉Info here🎁Christmas Fair @Aln Valley Railway, Northumberland 👉Info here
Sat 26th – Sun 27th Nov🎁Christmas Market @Bill Quay Farm, Gateshead 👉Info here🎁Christmas Fair @Jarrow Hall, South Tyneside 👉Info here🎁Merry Little Christmas Market @Linskill Centre, North Shields 👉£2pp, under 12s free, info here🎁Christmas Craft Fair @National Glass Centre, Sunderland 👉Info here
📆w/c 28th Nov 2022
Mon 28th Nov 🎄Switch On @Hebburn Fountain Park, South Tyneside 👉Info here**including carols, magic from Mr Merlin and entertainers from Creative Seed**
Tues 29th Nov🎁Christmas Markets @South Causey Inn, Co Durham 👉Info here🎄Switch On @Greenside, Gateshead 👉Info here
Wed 30th Nov🎄Switch On @Crawcrook, Gateshead 👉Info here
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Thurs 1st Dec🎄Switch On @Shiney Row, Sunderland 👉Info here
Fri 2nd Dec🎄Switch On @Shildon Town Square, Co Durham 👉Info here**followed by free family entertainment at Civic Hall, look out for the special guests**❄Festival of Flame @Hexham Abbey 👉Free, no booking needed, info here **including 1000+ candles in the Abbey, Fire Gardens, live music, crafts, Illuminated Sheep & more**
Fri 2nd – Sun 4th Dec🎁Christmas Festival & Children’s Lantern Parade @Durham City Centre 👉£4 on the day, under 16s free, discounted advance tickets here & reservations for lanterns
Sat 3rd Dec🎅Stagecoach Santa Bus @South Shields Asda 👉FREE to meet Santa, in partnership with Daft as a Brush. No booking needed, info here.
❄Ice Sculpture Trail @Darlington, Co Durham 👉Info here❄Rock Choir LIVE @Newcastle Christmas Market 👉Info here ❄Christmas Carol Concert @Tesco Kingston Park, Newcastle 👉Info here ❄Christmas Family Fun Event @Hetton, Sunderland 👉Info here**including Elsa, Olaf, singing Elf, fairground rides only £1, stalls, crafts & more**❄Christmas Family Fun Day @Emmanuel Church, Durham 👉Info here**including Rodeo Reindeer, giant inflatables, bouncy castle, Santa’s Grotto, face painting, refreshments & more**
🎨Christmas Crafternoon @17Nineteen, Sunderland 👉Info here🎨Upcycled Christmas Crafts & Choir @Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens 👉Info here🎨Painting Christmas Cards @Hebburn Central Library 👉£2pp, drop-in, ages 5+, info here
🎁Christmas Fayre @Thomas Wilson Club, Low Fell, Gateshead 👉Info here)🎁Christmas Fayre @St Nicholas Dunston, Gateshead 👉Info here🎁Christmas Fair @Winlaton Mill Village Hall, Gateshead🎁Christmas Craft Fair @Bensham Grove Community Centre, Gateshead🎁Christmas Fayre @Washington Northern Area Fields 👉Info here🎁Christmas Market & Dog Show @Newcastle Dog and Cat Shelter 👉£2.50 pp or £3 on the door, children free, info & tickets here🎁Christmas Fayre @Ridley Park, Blyth 👉Info here🎁Indoor Christmas Market @Hexham Abbey 👉Info here
Sun 4th Dec🎅Santa Special Miniature Train Rides @TSMEE, Exhibition Park, Newcastle 👉No booking needed, info here🎅Stagecoach Santa Bus @ Trinity Square, Gateshead 👉FREE to meet Santa, in partnership with Daft as a Brush. No booking needed, info here.
❄Christmas in the Park @Hirst Park, Ashington 👉Info here❄Mini Elves Christmas Party @Stack Seaburn 👉Free entry, info here❄Carol Evening & Big Screen Football with Life Vineyard Church @The Allen, Wallsend 👉Info here
🎁Christmas Shopping @Gateshead International Stadium 👉Info here🎁Christmas Fayre @Swalwell Community Centre, Gateshead🎁Christmas Fayre @St Mary’s Heworth (Age UK Gateshead) 👉Info here🎁Alternative Christmas Market @Wylam Brewery, Newcastle 👉Tickets £4 on the door. Kids free, some items are not child appropriate, parental discretion advised. Info here
Sat 3rd – Sun 4th Dec🎅Santa’s Grotto @Galleries Washington 👉Donations welcome, no booking needed🎅Santa’s Grotto @Royal Quays, Garden World 👉FREE to meet Santa, no booking needed, info here
❄Frost Fest Weekend @Land of Oak & Iron 👉Info here**including elf trail, family-friendly crafts, live music, Father Christmas & more**🎨Christmas Crafts @Eldon Square, Newcastle 👉Info here🎁Christmas Market @Bill Quay Farm, Gateshead 👉Info here🎁Christmas Craft Fair @Souter Lighthouse, South Tyneside 👉Info here🎁Christmas Market @Raby Castle, Co Durham 👉Info here
📆w/c 5th Dec 2022
Tues 6th Dec🎄Switch On @St Nicholas Dunston, Gateshead 👉Info here🎁Christmas Markets @South Causey Inn, Co Durham 👉Info here
Wed 7th Dec🎁Christmas Market @Quorum Park, Newcastle 👉Info here
Fri 9th Dec🎁Christmas Bazaar by Candlelight @17Nineteen, Sunderland 👉Info here❄Christmas Parade & Fireworks @South Shields, South Tyneside 👉Info here
Sat 10th Dec🎅Stagecoach Santa Bus @Blaydon Morrisons 👉FREE to meet Santa, in partnership with Daft as a Brush. No booking needed, info here.🎅Reindeer Parade @Royal Quays 👉FREE to watch real reindeer parade with Santa’s sleigh, no booking needed, info here
❄Ice Sculpture Trail @Darlington, Co Durham 👉Info here🎁Christmas Fair @Dunston Community Centre, Gateshead
🎨Jolly Gingerbread @IKEA Gateshead 👉Free, drop-in, info here 🎨Create a Snow Globe Craft @The Word 👉£2pp, drop-in, ages 5+, info here🎨Christmas Arts and Crafts @Jarrow Focus Library 👉£2pp, drop-in, ages 5+, info here🎨Christmas Arts and Crafts @Hebburn Central Library 👉£2pp, drop-in, ages 5+, info here
Sun 11th Dec🎨Bauble Bonanza @IKEA Gateshead 👉Free, drop-in, info here🎅Stagecoach Santa Bus @Tynemouth Morrisons 👉FREE to meet Santa, in partnership with Daft as a Brush. No booking needed, info here.
❄Mini Elves Christmas Party @Stack Seaburn 👉Free entry, info here❄Walkthrough Nativity & Meet the Animals with Life Vineyard Church @Marley Hill Community Centre, Gateshead & Richardson Dees Park, North Tyneside 👉Info here
🎁Made Up North Winter Market @Boiler Shop, Newcastle 👉£2 pp, under 16s free, tickets on the door or book here🎁Christmas Market @Jesmond Dene House, Newcastle, 👉£6 pp, booking essential here🎁Christmas Market @Thornley Village Centre, Co Durham
Sat 10th – Sun 11th Dec🎅Stories with Santa @IKEA Gateshead 👉Free, drop-in, info here🎅Santa’s Grotto @Royal Quays, Garden World 👉FREE to meet Santa, no booking needed, info here🎨Christmas Crafts @Eldon Square, Newcastle 👉Info here
❄Festive snowflake trail @Northumberlandia, Cramlington 👉£3 per child for downloadable self-guided trail, info here❄Christmas Festival Weekend @Hamsterley Forest, Co Durham 👉Info here**including Christmas tree sales, live singer, Santa’s Grotto (booking essential) & Tree Elf Trail**🎁Christmas Market @Bill Quay Farm, Gateshead 👉Info here🎁Christmas Market @Hetton Lyons Country Park, Sunderland 👉Info here🎁Victorian Christmas Market @North Shields 👉Info here
📆w/c 12th Dec 2022
Mon 12th – Sun 18th Dec 🎅 Stagecoach Grotto Bus @Northumberland Street, Newcastle 👉 FREE to meet Santa on the Stagecoach Grotto, in partnership with Sunshine Fund. No booking needed, info here.
Tues 13th Dec🎁Christmas Markets @South Causey Inn, Co Durham 👉Info here
Wed 14th – Thurs 15th Dec🎅 Santa on Tour @Co Durham & Darlington Fire & Rescue Service
Thurs 15th Dec❄Carol Service @St Nicholas Dunston, Gateshead 👉Info here❄Christmas Folk Music @17Nineteen, Sunderland 👉Info here
Fri 16th Dec❄Walking Nativity @Newcastle Cathedral 👉Info here
Sat 17th Dec🎅Stagecoach Santa Bus @West Denton Morrisons, Newcastle 👉FREE to meet Santa, in partnership with Daft as a Brush. No booking needed, info here.🎁Christmas Fayre @Hartleyburn Community Centre, Hebburn
❄Great North Winterland @Great North Museum: Hancock 👉Free entry, no booking needed, free planetarium shows, Christmas story projection, crafts & more. Info here❄Ice Trail & Street Theatre @Saltburn, Redcar & Cleveland 👉Info here❄Kids Christmas Disco @Coach & Horses, Birtley 👉Free entry, no booking needed.❄Kids Christmas Disco @Waggon Team Pub, Gateshead 👉Free entry, no booking needed. Info here
🎨Jolly Gingerbread @IKEA Gateshead 👉Free, drop-in, info here🎨Create a Snow Globe Craft @Hebburn Central Library 👉£2pp, drop-in, ages 5+, info here🎨Painting Christmas Baubles @The Word 👉£2pp, drop-in, ages 5+, info here 🎨Christmas Arts and Crafts @Cleadon Park Library 👉£2pp, drop-in, ages 5+, info here
Sun 18th Dec🎅Stagecoach Santa Bus @Killingworth Centre, Newcastle 👉FREE to meet Santa, in partnership with Daft as a Brush. No booking needed, info here🎨Bauble Bonanza @IKEA Gateshead 👉Free, drop-in, info here
❄Mini Elves Christmas Party @Stack Seaburn 👉Free entry, info here❄Carol Service & Children’s Parties @Life Vineyard Church, Marley Hill Community Centre, Gateshead & The Allen, Wallsend 👉Info here
🎁Christmas In the Woods @Plessey Woods Country Park, Northumberland 👉Info here
Fri 16th – Sun 18th Dec🎁Christmas Market @The Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle, Co Durham 👉£6 adult, £3 child, members free, book here
Sat 17th – Sun 18th Dec🎅Stories with Santa @IKEA Gateshead 👉Free, drop-in, info here🎅Durham Santa Bus @Arriva North East ❄Festive snowflake trail @Northumberlandia, Cramlington 👉£3 per child for downloadable self-guided trail, info here🎨Christmas Crafts @Eldon Square, Newcastle 👉Info here🎁Christmas Market @Bill Quay Farm, Gateshead 👉Info here
📆w/c 19th Dec 2022
Mon 19th Dec 🎅South Tyneside & Gateshead Route @Go North East Santa Bus👉Open-top Santa bus touring around the North East 19th-23rd Dec. Full route timetables here.
Tues 20th Dec🎅Washington & Sunderland Route @Go North East Santa Bus 👉Open-top Santa bus touring around the North East 19th-23rd Dec. Full route timetables here.❄Flaming Lily Circus @Royal Quays 👉Free to watch amazing stunts, fire and lights. No booking needed, info here.❄Christmas Movie Night @Waggon Team Pub, Gateshead🎁Christmas Markets @South Causey Inn, Co Durham 👉Info here
Wed 21st Dec🎅North Tyneside & Newcastle Route @Go North East Santa Bus 👉Open-top Santa bus touring around the North East 19th-23rd Dec. Full route timetables here. ❄Meet The Gruffalo @Royal Quays 👉Free, no booking needed, info here.
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Thurs 22nd Dec🎅County Durham Route @Go North East Santa Bus 👉Open-top Santa bus touring around the North East 19th-23rd Dec. Full route timetables here.
Fri 23rd Dec🎅Stories with Santa @IKEA Gateshead 👉Free, drop-in, info here🎅Gateshead Route @Go North East Santa Bus 👉Open-top Santa bus touring around the North East 19th-23rd Dec. Full route timetables here.❄Mini Elves Christmas Party @Stack Seaburn 👉Free entry, info here 🎨Jolly Gingerbread @IKEA Gateshead 👉Free, drop-in, info here
Sat 24th Dec (Christmas Eve!!) 🎅South Tyneside Santa Walkabout @Hebburn 👉Donations welcome, info here❄Dunston does Nativity @St Nicholas Dunston, Gateshead 👉Info here
🎆 From 28th Dec – 1st Jan, find family-friendly New Year’s Eve Events here – including free events, parades, parties and spectacular Laser Lights!
Throughout Nov / Dec
Where to see Santa:
🎅 Santa’s Grotto @Dalton Park, Co Durham 📆 12th Nov – 24th Dec 2022 (weekends & daily 17th-24th Dec)👉 £6 per child. Booking required on opening weekend 12th-13th Nov, remaining dates walk-in. Info here.
🎅 Santa’s Festive Forest @Metrocentre, Gateshead 📆 17th Nov – 24th Dec 2022 (selected dates)👉 £5 per child, £3.50 per adult, booking recommended to avoid disappointment, info here
🎅 Santa’s Grotto @Bridges Sunderland📆 17th Nov – 24th Dec 2022 (daily)👉 £2 pp, tickets sold at the door, info here
🎅 Santa’s Grotto @Grainger Market, Newcastle📆 25th Nov – 24th Dec 2022 (daily)👉 £10 per child, info & online booking here
🎅 Santa’s Grotto @Galleries Washington📆 Weekends 26th Nov-11th Dec & 17th-24th Dec👉 Donations welcome, no booking needed, info here
🎅 Santa’s Grotto @Manor Walks, Cramlington, Northumberland 📆 26th Nov – 24th Dec 2022 (weekends + selected dates)👉 FREE to visit Santa and receive a nice list certificate, info here (& booking for Quiet Hour slot on Sun 4th Dec)
🎅 Santa in the Keel Row @Blyth, Northumberland 📆 Saturdays 19th Nov – 17th Dec 2022👉 FREE entry. Visit Santa, receive a gift and face painting. Info here.
🎅 Mobile Santa @Puffing Billy Christmas Road Train📆 11th-22nd Dec 2022 (selected dates)👉 Father Christmas, Mrs Claus and the elves take a tour of Sunderland and Durham to meet and greet children and raise funds for a good cause. Route timetables and info here.
Markets, Trails & More
🎁 Newcastle Christmas Markets @Grey’s Monument, Newcastle📆 19th Nov – 23rd Dec 2022👉 Info here
🎁 Festive Shopping Stalls @Manor Walks Shopping Centre, Cramlington📆 12th – 24th Dec👉 Info here
❄ Christmas Window @Fenwick Newcastle📆 From 6th Nov (virtual reveal, visit in person from 7th Nov daily).👉 ‘Clarice Bean: Think Like an Elf’ themed window display, virtual reveal here.
❄ Christmas in the City AR Trail @Sunderland📆 17 Nov – 6th Jan 2023👉 Download the free Sunderland Experience app to hunt for hidden Augmented Reality characters around the city. Info here
❄ Winter Wonderland Newcastle @Newcastle Racecourse📆 18th Nov – 24th Dec 2022 (daily)👉 £5 pp (under 1s free), Newcastle’s Biggest Winter Fair, including rides & attractions, shows & characters, Santa’s grotto (walk ups only), undercover ice rink (pre-booking recommended). Info & book here, walk-in entry available.
❄ Winter Wonderland @Rainton Arena, Houghton Le Spring 📆 19th Nov – 1st Jan 2023👉 Free entry, with funfair, festive food, grotto, ice rink, Grinchmas, panto and music events. Booking recommended for grotto, ice skating & shows, info here.
❄ Football Fun Trail @Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens📆 19th Nov – 27th Jan 2023👉 £1 per trail sheet, self-led indoor trail to discover amazing football facts, info here
❄ Magical Movie Trail @Hexham Town Centre, Northumberland 📆 25th Nov – 17th Dec 2022👉 Pick up your free trail sheet from participating businesses – over 60 businesses present Hexham’s largest ever window trail on the theme of ‘Christmas Movies’. Info here
❄ ‘From St Nicholas to Santa Claus’ Exhibition @Newcastle Cathedral📆 2nd Dec – 2nd Feb 2023👉 The origins of Father Christmas will be explored in this fun, family-friendly exhibition. Free (donations welcome). Info here.
❄ Penguin Parade Christmas Trail @Wharton Park, Co Durham 📆 3rd Dec – 3rd Jan 2023👉 £1 per trail sheet available from the cafe, self-led trail around park, info here
❄ Christmas Pudding Trail @Hardwick Park, Co Durham 📆 3rd Dec – 3rd Jan 2023👉 £1 per trail sheet available from the cafe, self-led trail around park, info here
❄ Winterland @Seven Stories, Newcastle 📆 3rd Dec – 31st Jan 2023👉 Free Winter Gallery experience, with family activities, scavenger hunt, complimentary refreshments & more. Info here
❄ Cosy Corner Movies @IKEA Gateshead📆 5th – 30th Dec 2022👉 Free family movies 4.30pm weekdays in partnership with warm spaces, info here
❄ Elf for Christmas Trail @Land of Oak & Iron, Gateshead 📆 5th Dec – 3rd Jan 2023👉 Suggested trail sheet donation £3 per child, self-led trail around Heritage Centre info here
❄ Winter Fairies AR Trails @Love Exploring App – Wharton Park & Hardwick Park, Durham 📆 16th Dec – 1st Jan 2023👉 Free to download, info here
❄ Woodland Reindeer Trail @Rainton Meadows & Low Barns Nature Reserve 📆 17th-23rd & 27th-31st Dec 2022👉 £2 per child self-led woodland trail & festive quiz. No booking needed, info here
Ice Skating
As well as the popular Whitley Bay Ice Rink, there are some lovely festive experiences in the North East which have pop-up ice rinks, with indoor and outdoor options and a few which offer walk-up sessions (for others it’s best to book to avoid disappointment, although at quieter times there may be walk-ins available at some venues).
⛸️ Whitley Bay Ice Rink📆 All year round👉 £7-£8pp (family £27), permanent indoors ice rink. No booking required, info here
⛸️ Metrocentre Arctic Experience, Gateshead📆 7th Nov – 30th Dec 2022👉 Free for mailing list subscribers (or suggested donation £2). Indoors synthetic rink. No booking required, info here.
⛸️ Life Science Centre, Newcastle📆 12th Nov – 15th Jan 2023👉 £10-£13.50pp (family £40), open-air ice rink in Times Square. Booking recommended here.
⛸️ Christmas Town, Bishop Auckland📆 Fri 18th Nov – Sun 20th Nov 2022👉 £6.50-£8.50pp, outdoor synthetic ice rink, no walk-ups, booking required here.
⛸️ Winter Wonderland Newcastle, Newcastle Racecourse📆 18th Nov – 24th Dec 2022👉 £7.50-£9.50pp (family £29) plus entry fee. Booking recommended here
⛸️ Rainton Arena Winter Wonderland, Houghton Le Spring📆 19th Nov – 1st Jan 2023👉 £6pp outdoor ice rink, book here.
⛸️ Ocean Beach Pleasure Park Winter Wonderland, South Shields📆 9th Dec – 8th Jan 2023👉 £8-£10pp (£30 family), real undercover ice rink. Book here.
🌿Garden Centre Displays Many garden centres have gorgeous displays of Christmas lights, decorations, gifts, wreaths and trees, that make visiting to pick up Christmas or gardening supplies a fun festive outing. Here are a few popular North East centres that are frequently recommended to look out for:RedFox Gardenworld, Newcastle Road, GatesheadDobbies Garden Centre, Birtley, GatesheadDobbies Garden Centre, Gosforth, NewcastlePlantsplus Garden Centre, NewcastleClay’s Garden Centre, Washington, SunderlandLanchester Garden Centre, Co DurhamAzure Garden Centre, Cramlington, NorthumberlandHeighly Gate Garden Centre, Morpeth, NorthumberlandTyne Valley Garden Centre, Mickley, Northumberland
There’s plenty on Gateshead Mumbler to help keep little ones (and big ones!) busy, check here for more ideas and info for playgroups, classes and fun days out from tots to teens!
If you’d like to keep up to date when new resources are added, please click here and like the Gateshead Mumbler Facebook page
Source: https://antiquewolrd.com
Categories: Antique News
