- 21 November 2022
If you’re from the North East you’ll know, nowhere else does Christmas quite like we do! Every year there is a huge range of events and activities to get you into the Christmas spirit, including plenty of free activities.
Take a look at our roundup of the very best there is to offer for both kids and adults!
1. Fenwick’s Window, Newcastle
Arguably the most famous Christmas feature of the North East is Fenwick’s window. Every year it is eagerly anticipated and every year it delivers! This year is no different with the theme of Clarice Bean by Lauren Child. It’s completely free to visit Fenwick’s window and it’s open 7 days a week!
Fenwicks
Find out more: https://newcastlegateshead.com/events/fenwick-newcastles-christmas-window
2. Santa at the Station, Head of Steam, Darlington
From the 4th of December, visit Santa in his magical grotto at the Head of Steam! For £8 per child you will receive a lovely Christmas present, face painting, arts and crafts and the café will be open for refreshments.
Find out more: https://www.head-of-steam.co.uk/whats-on/events-exhibitions/event?id=111787
3. Darlington Ice Rink, Darlington
Darlington Ice Rink returns to Market Square on the 17th to the 23rd of December! From 11am – 4pm you can enjoy spinning around on the ice with friends and family.
Find out more: https://www.darlington.gov.uk/your-council/events/event-item/?id=112252
4. Newcastle Christmas market, Newcastle
Newcastle’s fantastic Christmas market made its return on the 17th of November and is around until the 23rd of December. The market stalls wrap around the famous Grey’s Monument, Grainger Street and Old Eldon Square, and feature plenty of Christmas favourites with German food stalls, mulled wine, jewellery, cheeses, candlemakers and lots more! It’s the perfect place to find a unique Christmas gift or enjoy a festive afternoon out.
Newcastle Christmas Market
Find out more: https://newcastlegateshead.com/events/newcastle-christmas-market-2022
5. A Christmas Carol at Durham Cathedral, Durham
The classic Charles Dicken’s ghost story is recreated by Chapterhouse Theatre Company at Durham Cathedral on the 13th of December. It’s sure to be a wonderfully spooky performance in an incredible setting!
Find out more: https://www.thisisdurham.com/whats-on/a-christmas-carol-p1093441
6. Christmas Wreath Workshops at South Causey Inn
Enjoy a beautifully festive afternoon at South Causey Inn, creating your very own traditional Christmas Wreath. On arrival you will be given a warming glass of mulled wine and a trained florist will take you on a step-by-step journey to create the perfect wreath for your front door.
There are still tickets remaining for some dates in December, so be quick!
Find out more: https://www.southcausey.co.uk/christmas-wreath-workshop/
7. Christmas Daytimes at Beamish, Durham
Experience the celebration of Christmas through time at Beamish Daytimes. From Georgian times to the 1950s, you will experience all of the traditions and celebrations throughout the different time periods!
You can also visit Father Christmas as he travels around the museum on traditional transport on weekends and school holidays.
An admission fee does apply, to find out more visit: https://www.beamish.org.uk/events/christmas-daytimes-at-beamish-2022/
8. Festive Afternoon Tea at Wynyard Hall, Stockton-On-Tees
Get into the Christmas spirit with a festive afternoon tea at Wynyard Hall! On the 4th, 11th. 18th and 24th of December, you can enjoy Christmas treats, traditional pastries and sandwiches as well as a warming cup of tea, mulled wine or Prosecco.
£35 per person, including a welcome drink.
Wynyard Hall
Find out more: https://www.wynyardhall.co.uk/christmas-at-wynyard-hall/
9. Skating at the Life Science Centre, Newcastle
Another of Newcastle’s popular Christmas attractions, the skating rink at the Life Science Centre in Times Square made a return on the 12th of November and stays right the way through to the 6th of January. It is recommended that you book online to avoid disappointment!
Whilst you’re there, why not visit one (or more!) of the wonderful events taking place inside the Life Science Centre this Christmas. Explore the winter skies and take a tour of the stars in the Planetarium, create a UV silhouette print, solve a secret Santa mystery using UV light, and learn tips and tricks to impress your friends!
Centre for Life
To find out everything that the Life Science Centre has to offer this Christmas, visit: https://www.life.org.uk/christmas
10. White Christmas at the Sunderland Empire, Sunderland
Make it a magical Christmas this year with the new spectacular production of the classic musical, White Christmas! You could even enjoy a pre-theatre drink or a meal at the Fire Station in Sunderland!
White Christmas
To purchase tickets and find out more, please visit: https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/white-christmas/sunderland-empire/
If you are attending one of these fabulously festive events, do let us know! Happy Christmas from everyone at Thirteen Homes!