Looking for something to do at the 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 5th December to Friday 13th December.
The New Adventures of Peter Pan – Whitley Bay Playhouse – Fri 6th Dec to Sat 4th Jan
We’re starting in Whitley Bay for another addition to the North East pantos that I’ve mentioned over the past couple of weeks, and this one is The New Adventures of Peter Pan at the Playhouse. This epic story is fun for the whole family with fantastic sets, fabulous costumes, and maybe even a bit of flying. It also features West End legend, Darren Day, as Captain Hook and I have a feeling he’s going to be a brilliant baddy. If you’re looking for a panto to book, then this would be a great option. It’s on from Friday 6th December until Saturday 4th January and you can get your tickets now on the Whitley Bay Playhouse website.
Darlington Christmas Market and Ice Sculpture Trail – town centre – Fri 6th to Sun 8th Dec
Darlington is a hotspot for getting into the festive spirit this weekend because there’s not one, but two events going on. So first up, we’ve got the Christmas Market on from Friday 6th until Sunday 8th, which will see the market square and indoor market packed to the brim with food and craft stalls. It’s the perfect opportunity to do a bit of gift shopping and soak in the Christmassy atmosphere with music from local school choirs and the Cockerton Silver Band. But you can also tie in a visit to the Christmas Market with the ice sculpture trail that’s taking place across the town centre on Saturday 7th. There’ll be 11 different sculptures to find with some celebrating the new Wicked movie, one in the shape of a train that you’ll be able to climb aboard and so many more. And the best bit is that both of these are free to enjoy, so no need to book, just head to Darlington this weekend.
Saltburn Ice Trail – town centre – Sat 7th Dec
As if one ice sculpture trail wasn’t enough, we’ve got another one happening in Saltburn on Saturday 7th too. There’ll be nine different sculptures dotted around the seaside town, all based the theme of pantomimes, as well as live ice carving to watch, beer and carols sessions with the Saltburn Smugglers, and an art market and live music in the Community Hall. This is always such a popular event and it’s another one that’s completely free to attend, so it’s a great option for some free family-friendly fun this weekend. You don’t need to book – just turn up and enjoy, but if you want any more info, you can take a look at the Enjoy Redcar & Cleveland website.
Whitby Krampus Run – across the town – Sat 7th and Sun 8th Dec
This is something completely different for Christmas and actually takes inspiration from similar celebrations in Alpine countries. The Whitby Krampus Run is back in the seaside town on Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th, and is celebrating its tenth year of being the first place in the UK to bring this European tradition to life. On the Eve of the Feast of St. Nicholas, the Saint visits homes to give gifts to good children. He is accompanied by his dark counterpart, The Krampus, who teases and punishes naughty children and the Whitby Krampus Run sees attendees donning the shaggy, horned costume and parading through the streets. It really is a sight to see! And alongside the parade is a whole host of extra things to see and do, like a themed tea party, drumming performances, a Krampus hunt trail and so much more. This is free to attend, but you can find all of the details you need on the Whitby Krampus Run Facebook page.
Morpeth Christmas Festival – Carlisle Park – Sat 7th and Sun 8th Dec
Christmas is coming to Carlisle Park in Morpeth on Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th with the Christmas Festival that sounds like it’s going to be absolutely fabulous. This is another free entry event with lots of things to see and do. You can pay Santa a visit before he heads back to the North Pole, and snap a picture Rudolph and the sleigh. You can do a bit of Christmas shopping at the market and maybe enjoy a little tipple at the pavilion tipi. There’ll also be a synthetic ice rink there on both days and it’s totally free to skate with no need to book, so there’s something for the whole family to enjoy. If you want any more info about the event at all, just take a look at the Morpeth Christmas Festival Facebook page, but otherwise, just simply head along on Saturday or Sunday!
Christmas with Anton Du Beke – Stockton Globe – Mon 9th Dec
Fans of Strictly, this is one you’re going to want to get in your diaries. The ballroom king and judging panel fave is heading to the Stockton Globe for Christmas With Anton Du Beke on Monday 9th. He’ll be joining forces with his dynamic live band, the incomparable vocalist, Lance Ellington, and a troupe of extraordinary dancers, to bring you a magical evening of music, dance and laughter. He’ll be performing spellbinding renditions of his most cherished Christmas songs and captivating dances, so prepare to be completely enchanted and charmed. It’s sure to make you feel so festive and could be the perfect seasonal outing for friends or couples. There aren’t too many tickets left, so if you fancy it, you’ll have to head to the Stockton Globe website ASAP to book.
Christmas at the Cathedral – Newcastle Cathedral – Thurs 12th Dec
Christmas at the Cathedral promises a sparkling night of local celebrity appearances, music, song and a little bit of comedy on Thursday 12th, all to raise money for charity. This hugely popular annual event has seen performances in the past from local legends, like Jimmy Nail, Tim Healy and Melanie Hill, to name just a few, but the celebrity names for this year are being kept under wraps, so you’ll have to go along to see who turns up. The show usually has quick switches between comedy highs and readings, to singalongs and traditional carols in the beautiful Newcastle Cathedral, which will be transformed to give it a theatre-like feeling. As this is such a popular event, the tickets are running dangerously low to selling out, so if you want to grab some last minute, head to the Newcastle Cathedral website.
Jack and the Beanstalk – Sunderland Empire – Fri 13th Dec to Sun 5th Jan
It only feels right to round out with another panto and this one is at the Sunderland Empire. Jack and the Beanstalk sees Emmerdale’s Matthew Wolfenden leave the Yorkshire dales behind to bring his boyish charm to the Mackems as loveable hero Jack. When a heinous henchman kidnaps a cow and a princess from the downtrodden town of Boggy Bottom, Jack finds himself on an adventure that he thought only existed in story books. You can expect a feisty fairy, a punch-packing princess, a witty widow, and of course, a very large magical plant. If you want to see this fee-fi-fo-fabulous show, it’s on from Friday 13th December until Sunday 5th January and you can get your tickets booked now on the Sunderland Empire website.
Make sure you check back next week for more amazing events!
