Where to Celebrate New Year's Eve in the North East with Kids (2025)

It's always tricky when you have kids and are trying to organise something the whole family will enjoy for New Year's Eve.

Credit: Newcastle Council

We normally have a family party at home but as the children are growing older, I would like to plan something special in the next few years. Here are a few ways to celebrate New Year's Eve in the North East that are child-friendly this year.

It is super important that you check details with organisers direct both when making plans and before heading out as information can change and as we all know, cancellations and event changes are very possible.

20+ Child-Friendly NYE Parties & Events in North East England

(ad) Family New Year’s Eve Party at Gosforth Civic Theatre

A family friendly party in the afternoon with live DJ, dancing, craft room and 'midnight moment'/ Book here: https://www.gosforthcivictheatre.co.uk/whats-on/spend-your-christmas-at-gosforth-civic-theatre/family-new-years-eve

(ad) Alton Towers Family New Year Break

Not quite the North East but ideal for those looking for a hotel package. Expect waterpark entry, evening entertainment, mini golf, evening meal and more - all included with your booking.
Book here: https://prf.hn/l/G9JoYoz/

(ad) Forest of Light at Beamish Hall

This family-friendly light trail is the ideal way to enjoy an early-evening activity with kids.
Book here: https://www.beamish-hall.co.uk/forest-of-light/

(ad) AGLOW at Auckland Palace

One of the largest light installations in the country is open on NYE. Why not combine with a family meal in Bishop Auckland?
Book here: https://aucklandproject.org/event/aglow-25/

(ad) New Year’s Eve Ice Skating at Science at Life

Skating sessions under the stars are now available to book on NYE.
Book here: https://www.life.org.uk/whats-on/event/ice-skating/

Fireworks & Live Music on Newcastle Quayside

There will be two displays this year - a 6pm display (no ticket required) and another at midnight (tickets required to access the quayside after 8:30pm). Kids are welcome at both displays with an adult and there will be street food, walkabout entertainment and live music stages too.
Book here: https://www.getintonewcastle.co.uk/ne1-events/new-years-eve

Noon Year’s Eve Kids Party in the Alnwick Garden Pavillion

Dance along to party hits with a live DJ, play games, count down to 'Noon', enjoy a buffet lunch and access to the gardens afterwards.
Book here: https://www.alnwickgarden.com/events/noon-years-eve-kids-party-in-the-garden-pavilion/

New Year’s Eve at Trenchers Spanish City

Family friendly entertainment includes balloon modelling, table magician and a pianist.

Book here: https://spanishcity.co.uk/new-years-eve-at-trenchers/

Blue Flames New Year’s Eve Party

Blue Flames host the ultimate family party with toddler park, inflatables, disco, buffet and more.

Book here: https://blueflames.co.uk/family-new-years-eve-party/

Allendale Tar Bar’l

Fancy something a little different? This traditional celebration involves 45 men carrying 45 blazing barrels of whisky though the town.
Find out more: https://www.visitnorthumberland.com/explore/seasons/winter/tar-barl

New Year’s Eve Party at Retro Bay Whitley Bay

Retro Bay is hosting a NYE party this yeat with pop, party food and lots of gaming. Book here: https://fb.me/e/8fkEGDPm1

Family New Year’s Eve Party at the Story Book, Boldon Leisure Park

This family friendly party includes a welcome drink, buffet, disco, midnight countdown and toast.
Book here: https://fb.me/e/6EhIrAgva

NYE UV Kids Party at New Hartley Residents Club

This afternoon party includes a disco, UV lights, party games, prizes, dances, glow sticks, snow foam and UV face painting.
Book here: https://fb.me/e/jjvxybXwd

Pie & Puds Night at Northern FC

Join Northern FC for one of their famous Pie & Pud nights.
Book here: https://fb.me/e/3yw83iKHM

Family Friendly New Year’s Eve Party & Fireworks at Ashington Rugby Club

This family friendly night includes a disco, fireworks and bring your own buffet. Book here: https://fb.me/e/5fpmAj4IB

Family Friendly New Year’s Eve Party at the Vermont Hotel, Newcastle

This event includes a meal and family party.

Book here: https://fb.me/e/iQoV5qfQu

Family New Year’s Eve Extravaganza at the Hilton Gateshead

This party includes a 5 course dinner, live swing singer & disco Book here: https://fb.me/e/6XQo1EHmy

Ramside Hall New Year’s Eve Family Party in the Clubhouse

This party in the clubhouse includes a welcome drink, buffet and disco. Book here: https://www.ramsidehallhotel.co.uk/whats-on/clubhouse-nye/

Family New Year’s Eve Party at Hollywood Bowl

There are various packages to book. The standard option includes unlimited bowling from 9:30pm, nachos served at the lanes, unlimited squash for juniors and one drink for adults, Upgrades including more food / drinks are available.
Book here: https://www.hollywoodbowl.co.uk/groups-parties/new-years-eve

The Greatest Show at Purple Peacock
This afternoon performance brings the magic and circus of The Greatest Showman to life. Hosted by Britain's Got Talent's Winner Matt Pagen with live music and acrobatics that will leave you speechless. Book here:
https://purplepeacockncl.co.uk/events-calendar/
Book Panto for NYE

Booking tickets to see your local panto on NYE is guaranteed to start the evening with lots of laughs.

NYE Fireworks Display at Seahouses

There is usually a special NYE fireworks display in Seahouses. (details to follow)