Looking for something to do at the end of November or start of December 2024 in the North East? I’ve got you covered with this list. As part of my feature on BBC Tees and Newcastle, I select my top picks of things happening across the North East, and here’s what I’ve chosen for Thursday 28th November to Friday 6th December.
The Alnwick Garden Winter Light Trail – from now until Wed 1st Jan
We’re starting in Alnwick for the incredible Alnwick Garden Winter Light Trail. Now this has already started, but you’ve got plenty of time to visit as it’s on until Wednesday 1st January. This event is now in its sixth year and is still just as popular as ever, with families rolling in to see dancers projected on to the Grand Cascade, and meet a menagerie of yuletide animals lighting up the lawns and walls of the garden. And not only can you see the light art in the garden, but this year, your ticket gets you into Lilidorei too where the playground village will be illuminated and decorated for Christmas. This is always such a fabulous experience and it’s so immersive with the lights and sounds in the dark, so it’s perfect for this time of year. If you fancy it, you can get your tickets now on the Alnwick Garden website.
Winter Wonderland – Newcastle Utilita Arena – Fri 29th Nov to Tues 24th Dec
If you want something family-friendly that’ll help you truly step into Christmas, look no further than Winter Wonderland at the Newcastle Utilita Arena. This huge, festive funfair is a one stop shop to get you and your kids into the Christmas spirit. There’s going to be thrilling theme park rides, kid-friendly rides, fairground games and of course, a Santa’s grotto. There’ll also be hot street food to warm your cockles, roaming characters to meet and greet, and so much more. It sounds like it’s going to be a whole heap of fun, so that’s on from Friday 29th November until Christmas Eve, so plenty of time to visit and you can get booked in on the Newcastle Utilita Arena website.
Spirits of the Forest: Twilight Lantern Walk – Cragside House – Sat 30th Nov to Sun 29th Dec
This is another fantastic event to enjoy at night time, where you’ll be guided by your own lantern light. This is the Spirits of the Forest Twilight Lantern Walk at Cragside House and it sounds like it’s going to be utterly magical. During this experience, you carry your lantern as you work your way through towering trees that glow with enchanted lights, and spot animals hiding in the foliage and marvel at the shimmering cascades. You can climb the stone steps to the Iron Bridge for the best view of the illuminated house and then end your journey at the foot of the UK’s tallest living Christmas tree, decorated with over 2000 twinkling lights. It should be a really atmospheric and amazing event and it’s running on various dates from Saturday 30th November to Sunday 29th December, so there’s plenty of time to visit. If you want any more info or to book your tickets, take a look at the National Trust website and search for Cragside House.
A Christmas Carol – Northern Stage – Sat 30th Nov to Sat 4th Jan
A true Christmas classic is coming to Northern Stage in Newcastle and it’s sure to get you right in the festive feeling. A Christmas Carol is hitting the stage from Saturday 30th November until Saturday 4th January, and is bringing everything we know and love from the story along with it, from ghosts and goodwill, to midnight magic and the meaning of Christmas. Scrooge is on his way to the toon and he’s meaner and greedier than ever. Is it too late for him to change his ways or can a visit to Christmases past, present and future help him to find the goodness in his heart? There’ll be music, merriment and a whole lot of heartwarming moments, and this is something that the whole family can enjoy too, so don’t miss out on this. Book your tickets on the Northern Stage website.
Tribute to Hans Zimmer & John Williams – Hexham Abbey – Thurs 5th and Fri 6th Dec
We’ll hit pause on Christmas for just a sec, but even though this isn’t festive, it’s definitely still just as magical. On Thursday 5th and Friday 6th December, Hexham Abbey will act as the stage for The London Film Music Orchestra as they perform a Tribute to Hans Zimmer & John Williams. This 75 minute show will be jam-packed with cinema’s most iconic music, beautifully performed by the live chamber orchestra, including Harry Potter, Interstellar, Pirates of the Caribbean and so many more huge scores. It’ll be so incredible to hear the music played in the walls of the Abbey, so this is one that movie buffs aren’t going to want to miss. If it sounds up your street, you can book on the Hexham Abbey website.
Christmas Evenings at Beamish Museum – Thurs 5th to Fri 20th Dec
I featured the Beamish Christmas daytimes a couple of weeks ago, but this time, I’m all about the Christmas evenings. It’s cool enough as it is to explore Beamish in the evening, but for everything to be Christmasified too just makes it feel that little bit more special. You can enjoy merry music, delightful decorations and fantastically festive treats explore the Edwardian town street, browse the 1900s town and experience the 1950s toy shop in the Christmas shopping rush. There’ll be live music, crafts, a chance to visit Elf Wood and so much more. These evening events start on Thursday 5th December and run until Friday 20th December, and most Beamish events are included with an annual pass, but as this is a special Christmas event, you’ll need to book a separate ticket. You can do that and find more info on the Beamish Museum website.
Durham Christmas Festival – across the city – Fri 6th to Sun 8th Dec
Durham is bringing three whole days of Christmas fun to the city with the Durham Christmas Festival. From Friday 6th to Sunday 8th December, there’s going to be a whole host of things to see and do, starting with three separate markets where you can do some gift shopping or pick up some delicious food and drink. Families can enjoy storytelling, crafts, face painting and street theatre on Palace Green, and there’ll be live music and a lantern parade in the Market Place. And as if it couldn’t get any more Christmassy, the Cathedral will have festive music, mulled wine and mince pies in the cloisters, and carols to sing along too in the afternoons. It’s going to be a really gorgeous weekend, so if you want to plan it in, find out more on the Durham Christmas Festival website.
Sleeping Beauty – Darlington Hippodrome – Fri 6th to Tues 31st Dec
Panto season is quickly approaching and we’ve got an absolute classic at Darlington Hippodrome. Sleeping Beauty is on from Friday 6th until Tuesday 31st December and features a stellar cast, including musical theatre star, Lee Mead, Hi-de-Hi! Legend, Su Pollard, and panto comic favourite, Josh Benson. The story follows Princess Aurora, who is given a spinning wheel as a 21st birthday present by her evil Aunt Carabosse. By pricking her finger on the enchanted wheel, she is placed under a curse and forced to sleep for 100 years. Can true love survive and the spell be broken? Who will outwit her evil Aunt Carabosse and foil her wicked plans? All will be revealed when you go and see the show. Some of the dates are very popular, so run don’t walk to the Hippodrome website if you want to book.
Make sure you check back next week for more amazing events!
