20+ Christmas Events for Kids across North East England

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Here are my top picks for what's on across the North East for kids this Christmas......

(ad) The Santa Experience at Life 

The Santa Experience at Newcastle's Centre for Life includes day entry to the full science centre before and after your experience & is a full (indoor) day out. 

Perfect for families with children aged 3-10 years (although all are welcome), your Santa Experience begins with a 'What Santa Sees' planetarium show where you join Santa's reindeer as they fly around the planet on Christmas Eve. It's a magical show and will give you all the Christmassy feels! 

Then you'll meet Santa's Elf for a warm drink and sweet treat as you visit Santa's house. Enjoy exciting Christmas themed science experiments with Santa and his Elf and help them solve their festive problems (including what to do with all those leftover sprouts!) in this interactive science show. 

There will then be photo opportunities and a gift for every child from Santa and you can enjoy the rest of the Science Centre's activities including festive crafts and experiments. 

This was a sell-out last year and received 5* reviews. Relaxed sessions are available. 

Find out more and book here: https://www.life.org.uk/whats-on/event/the-santa-experience/

(ad) Ice Skating in Times Square, Newcastle 

Ice Skating returns to Time Square this November (the rink opens on 9 Nov). Made with real ice, skaters of all ages and abilities are welcome to join in with the fun. Wheelchair users are welcome (quiet times recommended) and skate aids can be hired for £5. 

We love doing this and it's a tradition we'll be carrying on with this year. 

If you book now for the first week, use code EARLYBIRD for a 20% discount (t&cs apply). 

As well as general skating sessions, you'll find relaxed sessions and special events including a Silent Disco on Ice, Karaoke on Ice and Skate it Off on Ice available to book using the link below. 

Book here: https://www.life.org.uk/whats-on/event/ice-skating/

(ad) Santa's Enchanted Elf Journey at Whitehouse Farm 

Christmas at Whitehouse Farm is a super magical full day out for the whole family. 

This VIP Christmas Experience packs in so much fun including a visit to the Enchanted Forest to meet Santa (you arrive on a festive tractor and receive a Golden Ticket to select a gift from the toy shop), Elf Training Passport & Elf School, Letter Writing to Santa (and posting), the Elf Challenge, Festive Biscuit Decorating, Christmas Show, Cuddle Factory Teddy Making plus all the fun of the farm set to a beautiful Winter Wonderland backdrop. 

Find out more and book here: https://www.whitehousefarmcentre.co.uk/events/santas-enchanted-elf-journey-2024/

(ad) Jack and the Beanstalk at Sunderland Empire 

Jack and the Beanstalk is playing at Sunderland Empire from 13 Dec - 5 Jan with tickets available from just £13. Bargain!

There are also limited seats available on Christmas Eve, Boxing Day and New Year's Eve. I know panto is a popular option for these days so make sure you get booked in.

We watch this panto every year and it really is one of our faves. The chemistry between Miss Rory and Tom Whalley is just fantastic and it's always a panto that has the grown ups laughing just as much as the kids.

Sunderland Empire is a fabulous family-friendly venue with booster seats available for kids, lots of food and drink options & really helpful and friendly staff.

It's easy to get to by train/Metro, bus or car (we park in St Mary's) and if you want to make a day of it, there are LOADS of restaurants nearby including the Botanist and Mexico70 (our personal fave). You could even dine in the theatre's own restaurant, Pizza al Teatro.

This year's classic tale features stunning 3D effects and stars Matthew Wolfenden (Emmerdale) as Jack. Expect a kidnapped cow, a fiesty fairy, a punch-packing Princess, a witty widow and a very large magical plant.......

Find out more and book here: https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/jack-and-the-beanstalk/sunderland-empire/

(ad) Frost Fest at Percy Park Rugby Club (North Shields) 

Taking place over the four days before Christmas (21 - 24 December), Frost Fest at Percy Park RFC promises to be the ultimate pre-Christmas adventure. 

Early bird tickets are now available to book for £60.29 per family (other options available): https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/frost-fest-tickets-1028921129797

(Scroll down when you select your ticket to access early bird prices) 

Included with your Frost Fest ticket: 

• A Mini Christmas Show 
• Meet Santa in his Grotto and receive a special gift 
• Decorate your very own keepsake Christmas ornament to take home 
• Make magical reindeer dust & take home to sprinkle on Christmas Eve night 
• Visit the Elf Workshop and take part in Christmas crafts 
• Visit the Giant Snowglobe and capture the memory forever 
• Discover the Enchanting Fairy Trail 
• Browse seasonal market stalls 

Ice Skating with Elsa and Anna and Street Food will also be available to be purchased on the day. 

Frost Fest is organised by CM Events and Productions - an event organiser in North Tyneside. Check out their page to read their 5* reviews & see photos from previous events. 

(ad) Christmas at Gosforth Civic Theatre 

Gosforth Civic Theatre is a fantastic independent venue / social enterprise and very easy to get to - literally next door to Regent Centre Metro Station, Bus Stop and Car Park. It's extremely family-friendly and inclusive. One of their core aims is to provide brilliant art for EVERYONE and be at the heart of the community (which I feel they achieve). 

Their Christmas programme is wonderful this year. Let's take a look: 

• Storytime with Santa (including dedicated sessions for young people with complex needs). Tickets are well-priced at £12 for one child and up to two accompanying adults (inc gift). 
  
  
• The Velveteen Rabbit - a beautiful and relaxed Christmas production where children are invited to snuggle up on floor cushions and watch on as the toys in front of them are brought to life. There's a chance to meet and interact with the characters after the performance too. 
  
  
• Classic Christmas Films on the Big Screen - Home Alone and Arthur Christmas will be screening at the theatre on 23 December 

There's also a Festive Gospel Choir, Christmas with the Strictly Smokin' Big Band and the super popular Family New Year's Eve Party. Check full festive event listings here: https://www.gosforthcivictheatre.co.uk/spend-your-christmas-at-gosforth-civic-theatre

(ad) A Christmas Carol at Northern Stage 

The Christmas production at Northern Stage is always pretty special and perfect for those looking for a panto alternative.

Best suited to families with children aged 5+ (although all welcome), Charles Dickens' classic is rebooted and brought to Newcastle with lots of festive merriment, magic and music.

We have booked our tickets and are looking forward to leaving with warm hearts.

Find out more and book here: https://northernstage.co.uk/whats-on/a-christmas-carol/

(ad) Christmas at Beamish Daytimes

Christmas at Beamish runs from 23 Nov - 24 Dec during normal museum opening hours (do check them here before your visit). 

Christmas at Beamish Daytimes at included with the Beamish Unlimited Pass at no additional cost and you don't need to book in advance. 

Visitors can enjoy the beautiful festive decor, visit Elf Wood, complete a festive trail (there are two to choose from this year), listen to festive music on selected dates, watch out for Father Christmas or Mrs Claus travelling around in a horse and cart over weekends and discover how Christmas was celebrated and prepared for in the  1820s, 1900s, 1940s & 1950s. 

Of course, there will be lots of festive treats for sale and you can book a visit to Santa's Grotto seperately. 

Find out more about Christmas at Beamish here: https://www.beamish.org.uk/events/christmas-at-beamish-daytimes-2024/

(ad) Enchanted Christmas Trails at Raby Castle 

Surely nowhere is better for a Christmas walk than Raby Castle? Plotters' Forest is surrounded with 100s of Christmas Trees and will be filled with twinkling lights and festive decor from 16 November. 

During the daytime, families can enjoy an Enchanted Christmas Trail around Plotters' Forest which includes a special treat at the end. 2 hours of play is also included as well as a visit to the Deer Park where you may spot Native Deer and can complete a special 12 Days of Christmas Trail. 

In the evening, the Christmas Trail will be illuminated with twinkling lights and music and the setting is perfect for a magical evening outing. 

Find out more and book: https://www.raby.co.uk/christmas/

(ad) Christmas at North East National Trust 

Christmas is a fantastic time to make the most of your National Trust Membership. Expect beautifully decorated houses, festive treats for sale, festive music, trails, events with Santa and more. 

More events are still to be added but so far we have: 

• Father Christmas Experience, Storytelling with Mrs Claus & Christmas Music at Wallington Hall
• Spirits of the Forest Twilight Lantern Walk at Cragside
• The Frost Kingdom Father Christmas Experience and A Fairytale Christmas at Ormesby Hall
• Woodland Fairy Trail, Father Christmas in the Stables and Live Music at Gibside 
• Christmas Craft Fayre at Souter Lighthouse 

Some events do require pre-booking. Find out more here: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/north-east/family-friendly

(ad) Festive Tales at Woodhorn 

Festive tales at Woodhorn is a beautiful event where families are invited to listen to stories with Santa and can then have a little chat and photo with the main man himself and receive an early Christmas gift. 

This event is super reasonable at £9.50 per child. Adults go free but do required a museum annual pass which is less than £10 (you can purchase in advance or on the day). Under 18s do not require an annual pass. 

Afterwards (or beforehand), you're welcome to explore the rest of the museum where there will be festive crafts available to enjoy. 

Relaxed sessions are also available. 

Find out more and book: https://museumsnorthumberland.org.uk/whats-on/festive-tales/

(ad) Christmas at Plants Plus Garden Centre

It's no secret that Plants Plus near Ponteland is my favourite garden centre and we love visiting over the festive period. 

This year, they'll be hosting a Christmas Market with over 25 local traders on 30 Nov / 1 Dec and 7 & 8 Dec. It's a lovely more intimate market with free face painting and a free Christmas treasure hunt for children AND you can meet the resident donkey too.No booking required. I picked up the most beautiful vase last year which has a fox in a winter scene painted on. I love it! 

There will also be a traditional Santa's Grotto (£12.99) available from 30 November. This is a 1-1 experience with Santa and his elf with lots of photo ops and time to chat. All children will receive a gift and adults go free.

You can also book Tea with Santa on 19 December which includes Storytime with Santa & Elves, photo ops and a gift from the main man alongside a delicious tea in the cafe (love that cafe!). 

Find out more and book here: https://www.plantsplusgardencentre.co.uk/events/

(ad) A Christmas Through Time at Bamburgh Castle 

Bamburgh Castle's Christmas Kingdom is absolutely magical! Every year, their 14 State Rooms are transformed into a magical Winter Wonderland. This year's theme is 'A Christmas Through Time' where visitors will experience Christmases of the past, present and future. I've heard a Viking Christmas is going to feature! 

The displays will delight children young and old and visiting the Castle Tearoom for Hot Chocolates afterwards is a must. Why not wrap up and take a winter walk along Bamburgh Beach afterwards? 

I like that you can either book in advance or just pay on the day with this event which runs from 9 November - 5 January (closed Christmas and Boxing Day).

Find out more: https://www.bamburghcastle.com/events/a-christmas-through-time/

The Big Family Christmas (Comedy) Show at The Stand Comedy Club 

Lee Kyle and friends have decided to bring an alternative, modern Christmas show to Newcastle this year. Expect lots of fun for everyone without being patronising to kids. 

There will be jokes, stand up, sketches and more. An hour of fun is guaranteed! Suitable for ages 5+ (but all welcome), this is one of the more affordable Christmas Shows with kids tickets available for just £6. 

Available on selected dates in December. Find out more and book: https://www.thestand.co.uk/whats-on/newcastle/december/2024

(ad) Disney On Ice 

I know, I know. Disney On Ice isn't technically a Christmas event but it marks the start of Christmas for me. This year's Road Trip Adventures includes The Lion King, Moana, Frozen, Toy Story 4 and more. 

Find out more here: https://www.utilitaarena.co.uk/events/detail/disney-on-ice-road-trip-adventures

(ad) Festive Fun at Gibside 

🎅Visit Father Christmas at Gibside - Book Now 🎅

Enjoy festive tales with Father Christmas in this fun and interactive session where children will be invited to take part in the fun. There will be a chance to take family photos with Father Christmas before waving goodbye.

Afterwards, children will be invited into Father Christmas’s workshop where they’ll join the elves and create their own Christmas keyring and card to take home.

This experience is £25 per child (accompanying adults go free) + National Trust membership / usual admission.

This is a 55 minute experience and relaxed sessions are also available.

Taking place every weekend from 23 Nov - 22 Dec plus Mon 23 Dec. Booking is essential.

🎅 Book tickets to visit Father Christmas at Gibside: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/north-east/gibside/events/fc602b86-b4c2-4e83-8006-9cacf8492145

🎅 Book a relaxed session: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/north-east/gibside/events/464cc56d-5c3b-4d96-851d-7b8dd35b83a2

🌟Follow the Stars to Father Christmas’s Stables - Drop In Winter Trail 🌟

This magical winter trail is included with National Trust membership / admission on a drop in basis during normal opening hours from 16 Nov - 5 Jan.

Visitors can follow a trail of winter stars up to the Gibside Stables. You’ll find the reindeer are out flying for the day so you can sneak a peek into their stalls and listen to a magical reindeer story.

Father Christmas’s sleigh will be parked up in the courtyard in preparation for Christmas Eve so make sure you snap a pic.

🧚‍♀️Woodland Fairy Trail - Drop In Winter Trail 🧚‍♀️

The mischievous fairies are back! Pick up an activity sheet on arrival and explore secret nooks to uncover their magical winter world.

Find toadstool seats for impish elves and the miniature homes of playful pixies and if you truly believe in magic, you might just catch a glimpse of the fairies hiding in the woodland.

We did this last year and it was SO cute! There was even a little fairy ski-slope. This year’s Fairy Trail is brand new so I can’t wait to see what it has in store.

Included with National Trust membership / admission. Drop in during opening hours from Sat 23 Nov - Mon 5 Jan.

🎀 See Gibside Decorated for Christmas 🎀

The grand pillars will be wrapped with winter foliage and sparkling lights. Inside the stone arches will be warmly glowing with flickering candles, and Georgian inspired garlands decorated with fresh foliage from the garden will be draped from pew to pew.

The ceiling of the Chapel will be illuminated by projections of the night sky, and visitors are invited to wish upon a Christmas star at our giant star installation. Soak up the atmosphere with live music in Gibside Chapel.

Drop in from Sat 16 Nov - Sun 5 Jan during opening hours. Included with admission / National Trust membership.

Find out more about these events and more here: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/north-east/gibside/events

Kielder Winter Wonderland 

Kielder Winter Wonderland is pretty much the best Christmas activity I've ever tried. It's super magical with loads of fun packed in. If you can get tickets, I highly recommend. 

Read our full review of this experience here: https://www.northeastfamilyfun.co.uk/2019/11/kielder-winter-wonderland-review-tips.html

Santa on the Rooftop at Fenwick 

Tickets to Santa on the Rooftop are now part of a ballot scheme. Registration has now closed but if you were lucky enough to be selected, you're in for a real treat. 

Read our review and tips here: https://www.northeastfamilyfun.co.uk/2019/11/santa-on-rooftop-at-fenwick-newcastle.html

Christmas at South Causey 

South Causey Inn has a jam-packed calendar of festive events to choose from including Gingerbread House Workshops, Santa Sundays, Christmas Markets, Christmas Choirs, Festive Doggy Afternoon Tea, Santa Horse Carriage Rides, Christmas Brass Bands, Breakfast with Santa and more. There's something for everyone!

We really enjoyed Santa Sunday here when the kids were little. It was a nice place for a christmas meal out with grandparents, aunts, uncles etc....

Check out their full Christmas line up here: https://southcausey.co.uk/christmas-at-south-causey-inn-2024/#gsc.tab=0

The Little Mermaid at Newcastle Theatre Royal 

We adored the Theatre Royal Panto and cannot wait to see Danny Adams play Sebastian this year. What a treat it's going to be. Always so much fun for the whole family with lots of laughs guaranteed. 

Find out more and book here: https://www.theatreroyal.co.uk/whats-on/the-little-mermaid-pantomime/

Jack & the Beanstalk at Sunderland Empire

Equally, Miss Rory has us in fits of giggles at Sunderland Empire's panto which this year is Jack and the Beanstalk. We have thoroughly enjoyed this panto over the past few years and have high hopes for this year which includes special 3D effects. 

Find out more and book: https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/jack-and-the-beanstalk/sunderland-empire/

Northern Lights Trail 

This isn't a Christmas Light Trail as such - more of a Winter Lights Trail. But it's a lovely walk and gives you all of the twinkly feels. We enjoyed it last year and loved the Christmas Village at the end with Christmas music and lots of local food stalls. 

Read our full review and tips: https://www.northeastfamilyfun.co.uk/2023/11/northern-lights-newcastle-review-tips.html

A Christmas Through Time at Bamburgh Castle 

Bamburgh Castle at Christmas is one of my favourite days out over the festive period. They go all out with their decorations and 12 state rooms are transformed into Christmas masterpieces. This year's theme is a 'Christmas through Time' which promises festive scenes from past, present and future. Can't wait! 

Read our full review of Christmas at Bamburgh Castle here: https://www.northeastfamilyfun.co.uk/2021/11/visiting-bamburgh-castle-at-christmas.html

Make a weekend of it......... 

Santa Sleepover & Panto at Alton Towers 

Includes: 

Check-in day  

• 1-Day Entry to the Theme Park with a selection of family rides and attractions   
• A unique visit to Santa’s Grotto  
• New for 2024 traditional Panto   
• A fantastically festive evening meal and festive entertainment  
• An overnight stay in one of our fabulously themed hotels   

Check-out day  

• A delicious buffet breakfast   
• Entry to the splashtastic Waterpark  
• 9 holes of crazy Extraordinary Golf   

Find out more and book here (ad):  https://prf.hn/l/xEaE9Zz

Christmas at Warwick Castle 

Activities include: 

• Santa sleepovers with magical Elf wake up calls 
• Ice skating 
• Light trail 
• Storytime with Santa 

Find out more and book here (ad) : https://prf.hn/l/2M8Gog0

LEGOLAND at Christmas 

Enjoy festive scenes and LEGO builds (including a LEGO Christmas Tree), festive sing-a-longs, character meets, Santa experience, LEGO make and takes and more. 

Find out more and book here (ad) : https://prf.hn/l/ngRoVPX

Winter Illuminations at Yorkshire Wildlife Park 

The Winter Illuminations at  Yorkshire Wildlife Park always look stunning and receive excellent reviews. 

Find out more here: https://www.yorkshirewildlifepark.com/explore/special-events/winter-illuminations/

Santa Safari at West Midlands Safari Park 

One of Santa's Elves will greet you and whisk you off along the Discovery Trail to the North Pole. Travel in an elevator and take a fantasy flight across snowy landscapes before landing in the North Pole. 

Ring the magical doorbell and enter Santa's cosy cabin where you can have good chat with Santa by the fire and take photos before heading to the elf workshop where you can collect an early christmas gift. Don't forget to collect your complimentary refreshments and pop to Mrs Claus' Club to make reindeer food and write/post your letter to Santa to remind him of what you've said. 

Find out more and book: https://www.wmsp.co.uk/events-detail/santa-safari

Christmas at Thomasland 

Christmas at Thomasland is just the cutest! We did it twice when the kids were little and loved it. The park is beautifully decorated and you can climb aboard the festive light train. Don't forget to visit Rusty and Dusty's Hot Chocolate Factory, take in the festive entertainment in the main square and of course, meet Father Christmas too. 

Read our review here: https://www.northeastfamilyfun.co.uk/2013/12/magical-christmas-at-thomasland-all-you.html

Breakfast or Dinner with Santa at Inn Collection Pubs 

Inn Collection Pubs are some of my favourites and this year some of their venues are hosting breakfast or dinner with Santa events. Perfect for a nice family meal. 

Find out more and book (ad): https://tidd.ly/4dXWMXw

Half Price Christmas Market Mini Cruise with DFDS 

Fancy something a little different? How about heading to Amsterdam for ice skating, christmas markets and christmas shopping. 

Find out more and book here: https://prf.hn/l/aWLOooX

Edinburgh Christmas Markets with Kids (+ a lodge with a hot tub) 

Edinburgh Christmas Markets are one of my favourite festive days out, especially when combined with the Dome. A few years ago we stayed in a beautiful lodge with a hot tub which was just next to a park&ride so super convenient for travelling into the city. 

Read our review of Drummohr Lodges + Christmas Market Trip here: https://www.northeastfamilyfun.co.uk/2022/12/drummohr-glamping-camping-near-edinburgh.html

If you're looking for more Christmas events, please join our Facebook group and either post a question with the kind of event you're looking for or use the search function to read previous reviews. 

Our group is super active with over 60,000 members. Please do use the group to post your own days out and Christmas reviews too - they are super useful to other members. 

You can join our group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/NorthEastDaysOut