What's on in the North East including Christmas Markets | 3rd & 4th December

I absolutely cannot believe it's December already! Steve is working this weekend so I am dedicating this weekend to decorating the house, putting the tree up and finally attempting some of these fabulous Christmas crafts I've been pinning on Pinterest. We have a busy few days with not one but two pantomimes to watch on Thursday on Friday and I am always mindful not to pack too much into my diary. If you would like to get out and about this weekend though, there's lots going on. Check out our guide below.

Preston Park Christmas Bazaar

3rd - 4th December

I can imagine Preston Park is going to look beautifully festive this weekend. Their bizarre is back by popular demand. Expect a Christmas market, Father Christmas visits, the chance to write a letter to Father Christmas, make your own magic reindeer food, festive donkeys, a leather craft workshop, Christmas Choirs and more. My sister in law will be posting about this event for us so keep your eyes peeled next week for our review.

A Traditional Family Christmas at Crook Hall

3rd - 4th December

Christmas is a magical time at Crook Hall with log fires, twinkling lights, mince pies and mulled wine. Elves will be on hand to help children write their letters to Father Christmas, there will be Christmas storytelling, a treasure hunt and Christmas games with Frosty the Snowman plus a visit from the main man himself. Pre-booking is essential.

Living North Christmas Fayre

1st - 4th December

There are over 250 stalls at this popular fair at Gosforth Racecourse. Expect to see local crafts and traders alongside those from further afield. Don't miss the food hall for lots of Christmas treats.

Buy a Real Christmas Tree from Hamsterley Forest

1st December - around 10th December (or until all trees have been sold)

We are heading out to do this today and OMG I am so excited! All trees from Hamsterley Forest are sustainable and sold with a 'Santa Approved' certificate so you know you're getting only the best. You'll also receive a free sapling to plant in a pot or your garden which will grow into a Christmas tree for future years. Don't forget to check out the Stick Man trail in the forest too and you just might spot the Gruffalo. Tree prices are from just £18.

Early Bird Opening at Seven Stories (for visitors with an autistic spectrum condition)

3rd December - 9am

Seven Stories opens it's doors one hour earlier on the first Saturday of every month to allow children to enjoy a quieter experience. There is also a relaxed story telling session at 10am.

Tyneside Winter Wonderland at Linksill Centre

2nd - 4th December

The Linskill Centre will be transformed into a Winter Wonderland this weekend. There will be a Christmas market, food stalls and mulled wine for sale. For children, there will be a storytelling corner, Santa's workshop and a visit from Father Christmas himself.

Remake a Museum | Great North Hancock

3rd - 4th December

This sounds fantastic and is a free 2 day event (you need to sign up before hand). It is your chance to spend time with leaders from the world of museums and academia and design your very own museum. What a challenge!

National Tree Dressing Day at Leam Lane, Pelaw and Chopwell Libraries

3rd December - 10:30am

This is your chance to make a bird feeder to hand outdoors this winter. All ages and abilites welcome. £1.50 (pay on arrival) for library members.

Christmas Carols at Belsay Hall

3rd - 4th December

Join Belsay Hall for festive Carols and Brass bands across the weekend. Performances are scheduled for 12:30pm and 2:30pm. 

Sage Christmas Cracker

3rd - 4th December

Visit the Sage and St Mary's Heritage Centre for a weekend packed with festivities. There will be over 50 local stalls, children's activities and games, face painting, Santa's grotto, live music and cookery demonstrations. £1 entry on the door.

Snowdog Final Farewell at Gateshead International Stadium

2nd - 4th December

All 61 Snowdogs have been brought together for this final farewell event. There'll also be a Christmas Market, Street food and snow dog souvenirs.

Kielder Castle Christmas Fayre

3rd - 4th December 

Kielder Castle is hosting a free festive fayre (car parking charges apply). Expect craft and food stalls, Christmas trees for sale from the forest, local choirs and a visit from Santa Claus on Sunday. This event is raising money for the Great North Air Ambulance. 

Kids Christmas Crafts and Creations at Discovery Museum

Sunday 4th December

Now this is a GENIUS idea. Drop off the little ones (well children aged 5 - 11 years) and the Discovery Museum will keep them entertained for a few hours whilst you crack on with Christmas shopping. They'll enjoy creating 5 crafts to take home and all staff are DBS checked. This costs just £7.50 and must be booked in advance.

Whitley Bay Station Christmas Fayre and Lights Switch On

Saturday 3rd December

Head to Whitley Bay Station from 11am and enjoy stalls, music, entertainment, reindeer, Santa's grotto and food & drink. The big light switch on is at 4:30pm.

Festive Electronics at Life Science Centre

Sunday 4th December

Pre-booking is essential (£7.50) for this special science session for young people aged 13+. Armed with a soldering iron, circuit board and components, you can make your own light up Christmas tree or how about designing a circuit that illuminates Rudolph's nose?

Family Festive Fun at Birtley and Whickham Libraries

3rd December - 11am 

Enjoy Santa rhyme time, the chance to make bird feeders, prize giveaways plus an extra special guest. £2/£3 per child. No need to pre-book.

Durham Christmas Festival

2nd - 4th December

Durham's Traditional Christmas Festival returns to the backdrop of the castle and festival. You'll find a mammoth 185 festive stalls, carols, falconry displays, children's entertainment, choirs, face painting, a lantern procession and more.

Phew! That's quite a list. If you're looking for even more inspiration this Christmas, check out these ideas below:

• Join our North East Christmas Facebook Group here

• Read over 40 reviews featuring Christmas events from around the North East over on NorthEastChristmas.co.uk

• Read about the best places to take the kids ice skating in the North East here

• Check out our guide to Pantomimes in the North East here

Let me know what you're up to this weekend.