Looking for something in the middle of December 2025 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 11th to Thursday 18th December.
Enchanted City – Northumbria University – Thurs 11th to Sun 14th Dec
Enchanted City transforms Northumbria University’s City Campus into a glowing, cosmic adventure from Thurs 11th to Sun 14th Dec. After dark, the grounds light up with dazzling projections, interactive artworks, roaming performers and sparkling installations inspired by stars, space and the night sky. Families can enjoy creative workshops, fire displays and plenty of festive food and drink as they wander the illuminated trail. Entry begins at 4.30pm each evening (with relaxed early sessions on Fri and Sat), and the event wraps up at 9.30pm. It’s a brand new festive experience for Newcastle – magical, imaginative and perfect for winter exploring. Book your tickets now on the Enchanted City website.
Sleeping Beauty – Sunderland Empire – Fri 12th Dec to Sun 4th Jan
The Sunderland Empire’s annual panto returns with Sleeping Beauty, running from Fri 12th Dec to Sun 4th Jan, and complete with all the glitter, giggles, and good-natured chaos you’d expect. Join Princess Aurora, the dashing Prince, and a delightfully over-the-top villain as they dance, sing, and “Oh no they don’t!” their way through this festive favourite. Packed with slapstick humour, local jokes, and plenty of chances to shout at the stage, it’s a show that works for kids, adults, and anyone who loves a good December tradition. Book your tickets now on the Sunderland Empire website.
Saltburn Ice Trail – Sat 13th Dec
Get ready for a frosty, family-friendly adventure on Sat 13th Dec as Saltburn hosts the Ice Trail. Renowned sculptors Sand In Your Eye will carve a magical “Winter Safari” of ice sculptures, so you can expect snowy owls, walruses, arctic foxes and more scattered around the town. Pick up a trail sheet from the library, Chocolini’s, Brockley Hall or Creation, then explore at your own pace. Along the way, there’ll be a festive market, street entertainment, live ice-carving, a Santa “ice post box” for letters and so much more. Entry is free, so wrap up warm, grab a scarf, and enjoy this magical one day winter wander.
Blyth Celebrates Christmas – Sat 13th and Sat 20th Dec
This December, Blyth Celebrates brings festive cheer to the town centre with two full days of free fun on Sat 13th and Sat 20th Dec. Wander through the lively Christmas markets, treat yourself to seasonal street food, enjoy live music from local buskers, and explore the whimsical Festive Window Trail – a charming story told across 17 decorated shop windows. Kids can meet real reindeer, get crafty with Santa’s helpers in the library, enjoy face-painting sessions, and soak up community spirit with local carols and festive entertainment. It’s all free, family-friendly, and full of holiday magic, so a perfect way to soak up some Christmas atmosphere in Blyth.
Here & Now – Stockton Globe – Mon 15th to Sun 28th Dec
Get ready for a sparkling night out with Here & Now, the hilariously heart‑warming new musical based on the songs of Steps, playing from Mon 15th to Sun 28th Dec at the Stockton Globe. Set in a seaside superstore where love, friendship and betrayal collide, the show features hit tunes like “5, 6, 7, 8”, “Better Best Forgotten” and “Last Thing on My Mind.” Directed by award‑winner Rachel Kavanaugh and written by Shaun Kitchener, this tour is produced by the original Steps members and features an all‑star cast. Book your tickets now on the Stockton Globe website.
A Christmas Carol – Durham Cathedral – Wed 17th Dec
Charles Dickens’ classic gets the grand treatment with A Christmas Carol at Durham Cathedral on Wed 17th Dec. There’ll be something so magical about watching Scrooge’s journey unfold beneath the soaring stone arches, accompanied by atmospheric lighting and rich acoustics only a cathedral can offer. The performance blends tradition with theatrical warmth, making it ideal for families and literary fans alike. Expect this well-loved tale to feel both familiar and fresh as the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future guide the story. It’s festive, touching, and just the right amount of spooky. Book your tickets via Durham Cathedral’s website.
Newcastle Winter Wonderland – Utilita Arena – until Sun 28th Dec
Running until Sun 28th Dec, Newcastle’s Winter Wonderland at the Utilita Arena is a full-scale celebration of seasonal fun. Think thrilling rides, classic fairground games, and enough festive food to justify wearing stretchy trousers. Visitors can wander through sparkling stalls, sip hot chocolate (or mulled options for the grown ups), and enjoy family-friendly entertainment throughout the day. Whether you’re chasing adrenaline on the big attractions or taking it easy on the carousel, the atmosphere is lively, bright, and wonderfully wintry. This is a ticketed event, but there’s free entry on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings. Find out more on the Big Wish website.
Winter in Sunderland – until Sat 3rd Jan
Winter in Sunderland is lighting up the city centre (especially Keel Square) with frosted fir trees, mirrored archways and a giant “Ice Queen” sculpture – perfect for a festive stroll or a family photo op. You’ll also find a cheerful fairground along High Street West, winter rides, seasonal food (think Yorkshire pudding wraps, bratwurst and warming treats), and a festive “Expo Pavilion” window with a fairytale carriage ready for a winter ball vibe. With hot drinks, fairytale scenes, lights and music, Sunderland provides plenty of festive fun. It’s ideal for wandering, shopping, or just soaking up holiday atmosphere.
Make sure you check back next week for more amazing events!
