Christmas Events Across North East England – A Local’s Guide
The most exciting season is upon us, and there’s no place quite like the North East to celebrate! From enchanting Christmas markets to twinkling light displays and family-friendly pantos, this region is bursting with seasonal events to get everyone into the holiday spirit.
As a local, brought up in Durham and now living in Newcastle, I’m here to share the very best ways to experience Christmas in the North East, highlighting hidden gems that make this time of year so magical. Whether you’re a resident or just visiting, these must-see holiday events are sure to fill you with festive cheer and create lasting memories.
- Pantomimes
- Chester-le-Street
- Durham
- Sunderland
- Newcastle
Pantomimes
Visiting Chester-Le-Street?
Winter Wonderland is back for 2024, one of the most enchanting and spectacular events of the North East and if visiting you can’t give this a miss! Open for 5 weeks starting 22nd Nov- New Years Eve and offering a wide variety of rides, attractions, food and drinks, entertainment with only £1 entry(+£1booking fee), under 10’s free.
- Ice Skating – Best to Pre-book.
- Santa’s Grotto
- Naughty Elf Trail and Panto (Selected dates/times)
- Fairground Rides – Pay as you go
- Tipi Bar, Grinch Ranch and Food Stalls
Lumley Castle Christmas Market – Taking place at Lumley Castle Hotel on the 7th and 8th December 11am-3pm. There will be 40 stall holders offering some excellent deals to help you finish your Christmas shopping. Free entry, scan your ticket upon entry to win £100 vouchers on the day.
Visiting Durham?
Durham Christmas Festival will return on the 6th to 8th December 2024. – Three Christmas Markets: the Craft & Producers’ Marquee on Palace Green (small entry charge applies), the Festive Outdoor Market in Durham Market Place and Durham Market Hall. A combination of shopping, local crafts, festive music and carols also taking place in the Cathedral to get you in the Christmas spirit.
Christmas at 61 Durham – Christmas Markets at Hallgarth Manor Hotel on November 17th, 11am-3pm. Free entry packed with seasonal stalls, food and drink available, live music, prizes to be won.
Ramside Hall Hotel Christmas Markets, set in the bishops suite in Ramside on Sunday 24th November 11am-3pm. Also please click to link to Ramside’s Christmas events brochure including many more such as Aladdin Lunchtime Family show, Festive Disco and Festive Afternoon Tea.
Bowburn Hall Hotel Twilight Christmas Market. Wednesday 27th November, 6pm-9pm.
Christmas at the Movies – Durham Cathedral, Friday 22nd November, 7.30-9.30pm. Get ready to unwrap the ultimate holiday treat with the Christmas Movies Concert! Join for iconic holiday films, featuring scenes and scores from White Christmas, Love Actually, Home Alone, Elf, The Polar Express, and It’s a Wonderful Life.
Cozy up with your loved ones, throw on your favourite holiday sweater, and enjoy a night of music, laughter, and classic Christmas magic that’ll fill you with seasonal cheer. Don’t miss this joyful celebration of cinema and holiday spirit!
Christmas Wreath Making Workshop – At Popular Tree Garden Centre and Brambles Coffee Shop on Sat 24th and Sun 30th Nov there will be wreath making and afternoon tea hosted by a floral expert in the Brambles Tea Room. The wreaths will be created with festive dried flowers & fruit, as well as a bunch of fresh Eucalyptus for both indoor and outdoors use.
Adventure Valley Winter Wonderland –
Winter Wonderland at Adventure Valley – Last year was a sell out so you better book now! Adventure Valley has created the ultimate Winter Wonderland, from the 23rd Nov – 22nd Dec every weekend and the 23rd and 24th Dec.
- Ride the Winter Valley Express & enjoy the Pony Christmas ride
- Create your pick ‘n’ mix at Claus’ Candy Shop
- Make a bag of reindeer food to sprinkle for Rudolph and the reindeers
- Daily Christmas shows for the family
- Decorate festive gingerbread biscuits
- Winter inflatables and ride-on animals
- 1-1 meet with Santa followed by a trip to the Elf Toy Shop to choose your own gift
Santa’s Enchanted Garden Grotto – Join at Lanchester Garden Centre on November 23rd, 24th, 30th and 1st. £16.95 per child, 2 adults free. Father Christmas and his elves are tucked away in their Enchanted Garden. Discover his magical Christmas Garden complete with Elves, an owl (visiting at various times throughout the day), enchanting music and an array of lights, before meeting the main man and Mrs. Claus in their garden retreat!
Sustainable Christmas Gifts – At Wharton Park on the 23rd November 10am-12. We invite children aged 6 years and above to get creative this festive season and try their hand at creating a range of eco-friendly sustainable Christmas craft projects. Children will recycle and reuse left over materials to design and make a bag, cushion, or hat to take home.
Step into Storytime: OH Christmas Tree – At Hardwick Park, Wed 27th Nov at 10-11.30, 30th at 10.30-11.30 and 1-2.30pm. £6 per child. Outdoor discovery sessions for younger children involving craft activities, storytelling and interactive park trails. Suitable for children approx. 18 months-5 years.
Light up a Life 2024 –
The annual Light up a Life Service provides a beautiful opportunity for anyone in our community to come together and reflect and cherish the memories we’ve shared with loved ones. This years’ service will be held at Durham Cathedral on Sunday 15th December at 7pm. By donating to the Hospice through Light up a Life, the name of your loved one will be included in our books of remembrance which will be dedicated at the service.
Children’s Lantern Parade – To many families the Lantern Parade has become ‘the beginning’ of the Christmas season – it will take place on the afternoon of Saturday 7th December 2024, departing from Durham Market Place at 2.30pm. Buy your lantern from: https://durhammarkets.co.uk/product/festive-lantern/
Visiting Sunderland?
The Snowman in concert with The EverReady Band – The EverReady Band are back this Christmas performing in the Fire Station on the 22nd December at 5pm. Performing the classic score alongside a screening of the film, The Snowman has become one of the world’s most popular children’s books, created into a 26 minute animated film.
Naughty Elf Trail – Naughty Elf Trail at Sunderland Live Arena, new for 2024! A Magical Christmas Adventure Awaits You And Your Little Ones With Our Elf Trail This Festive Season. Explore The Trail Together Through Our Magical Themed Rooms. Visit the Chief Elf at the North Pole, where you will find out the story of the naughty elves! Join Stinky the elf at our reindeer stables where your first task begins! Make A Wish At ‘The Wishing Well’ before entering the Elf Workshop. Dates are: 23rd Nov, 24th, 30th , 1st Dec, 7, 8th , 14, 15th , 21st, 22nd – 11.30am-7.30pm
Naughty Elf On The Shelf Welcome Back Party –
At the Grand Hotel, Sunderland on the 1st December, 12.30pm-3pm. It’s time to celebrate the return of our mischievous Elf On The Shelf with a fun and festive party! Adult £15, Child £12
- Buffet food
- Bouncy castle
- Face paint
- Naughty Elf Visit
- Disco and game
Christmas at Sunderland Minster – 18th December at 7.30pm, tickets £10. You will witness a spectacular display of uplifting, feel-good pop, rock contemporary chart, and Christmas songs performed the North East Rock Choir at Sunderland Minster. Rock Choir’s ethos of fun, friendship and community spirit is a huge part of its attraction and is passed on to its audience through every performance.
POP Flix Community pop up cinema holds It’s a Wonderful Life (Matinee) on the 8th December at 2pm and the Muppets Christmas Carol on the 13th December at 5pm.
Christmas Village Sheepfolds Stables – Nov 30th 1-6pm and free entry. Indoor and outdoor Christmas stalls with live entertainment and food and drink available. Easington street, Sunderland, SR5 1BA
Visiting Newcastle?
Fenwick’s Window – This Christmas, Fenwick’s Window brings a delightful twist to a holiday classic! In a unique collaboration with renowned author and illustrator Chris Riddell and the talented designers at Propability, Fenwick reimagines The Twelve Days of Christmas with a whimsical, heartwarming touch. This year’s display follows the journey of Foggy, an endearing little partridge with a special Christmas wish. Blending timeless holiday traditions with Fenwick’s signature creativity and a sprinkle of surprise, this magical display is sure to capture the spirit of the season.
Newcastle Christmas Market – Taking place Nov 16th – Dec 22nd at the Monument and Grey Street there are some new additions this year as well as some of the iconic stalls and popular bars.
- Ever popular alpine Moosenwirt bar
- New – North Pole igloo pods above the markets to enjoy your food and drinks
- Activities such as the Santa stories tipi, an elf workshop and a Rockin’ Reindeer Stage
- Traditional carousel and illuminating Christmas tree
St James Park Christmas Market – The Christmas Market at St. James Park takes place on 3rd Dec 5-9pm with free entry. Enjoy an evening full of Christmas shopping, seasonal stalls, food and drinks.
Christmas Rocks – Christmas Rocks is taking place again for 3 days 27-29th December at the O2 City Hall Newcastle. A Rock/Pop concert with excellent tribute bands for music such as AC/DC GB, Dressed To Kill: A Tribute to KISS, Motley Cruel, Def Leppad, Van Hailen, Tyne Maiden, Cheat Trick. Get your tickets for 1, 2 or 3 days.
To Sum Up…
With so many magical events lighting up the North East this season, there’s truly something for everyone to enjoy. From festive markets and cosy winter lights to lively pantos and classic holiday displays, the region is bursting with holiday cheer. So, wrap up warm, gather your loved ones, and experience the unforgettable sights and sounds that make a North East Christmas so special. Here’s to making wonderful memories and soaking up the joy of the season—Merry Christmas from the heart of the North East!
Wondering how to spend your New Years Eve, continue and read New Years Eve in Newcastle – A Local’s Guide
