Here are my top picks for what's on across the North East for kids this Christmas......
Christmas is coming! For some people, it may be too early to start thinking about the festive season and that's absolutely fine. There are always lots of drop in events available that do not need to be booked or can be booked at the last minute. These are not usually announced until much closer to the festive period but don't panic - you DO NOT need to book anything yet.
However for others, it's nice to plan ahead, get a few things in the diary and spread the cost a little. One less thing to think about!
I must also stress that you don't need to book fancy big events to have a magical christmas. Movie nights at home with a hot chocolate and tup of Roses can feel just as special.
For those who do like to get organised, this post is for you and I hope it helps a little with your Christmas planning x
However for others, it's nice to plan ahead, get a few things in the diary and spread the cost a little. One less thing to think about!
I must also stress that you don't need to book fancy big events to have a magical christmas. Movie nights at home with a hot chocolate and tup of Roses can feel just as special.
For those who do like to get organised, this post is for you and I hope it helps a little with your Christmas planning x
Santa's Enchanted Elf Journey at Whitehouse Farm - book here
Families can ride the festive tractor, take part in Elf Training, enjoy a personal meeting with Santa (and receive a Golden Ticket to exchange for a gift in Santa's Toy Shop), make your own teddy bear to take home in the Elf Workshop, help in Mrs Claus' Bakery and so much more.
This experience is wheelchair accessible and suitable for additional needs with sensory spaces and quiet areas. Everything except your meeting with Santa can be completed at your own pace too.
Newcastle's Christmas Village
Newcastle's Christmas Village is BACK at Old Eldon Square with festive vibes, vintage carousel, a BRAND NEW marshmallow land, christmas decor, photo ops and plenty of bookable activities which offer fantastic value.
I would recommend booking these ASAP as a lot of dates were a sell out last year. Santa in particular received rave reviews in our FB group with grown ups saying they had a proper laugh with him and it was just as good an experience for the adults as it was the kids.
Activities to book now:
🎅 Santa Stories : Step inside a cosy double tipi for a fun and interactive storytelling session with Santa and his elves. There will be time for a photo op and every child will receive a 'Nice List' certificate. Sessions last around 35 minutes and Santa shares a different story each time.
Wheelchair accessible and best for ages 2-8 years although all believers are welcome. Guide price: £28 for a family of 4. Book here: https://www.christmasvillagenewcastle.co.uk/santastories
🤶 Mrs Claus' Bakery : Join Mrs Claus (and the elves) in her festive bakery - the air is filled with the scent of fresh gingerbread and festive tunes will set the mood.
Guests are invited to decorate a special batch of christmas gingerbread cookies (which they can take home to enjoy) and will have the chance to create their own magical fairy dust in Santa's very own mixing bowl. There will be an opportunity for photos and this is the perfect indoor activity for those who may already have a visit with Santa booked elsewhere. It's a fab price too (£8 for 1 adult / 1 child).
Some allergies can be catered for if mentioned in advance. Book here: https://www.christmasvillagenewcastle.co.uk/mrsclausbakery
🍿 Festive Flix : The Rockin Reindeer Stage is being transformed into a pop-up cosy festive cinema with seating under twinkling lights, hot chocolate and popcorn for sale and lots of festive classics to choose from including Home Alone, Elf and The Polar Express. Absolutely perfect to book after visiting Fenwick's Window or a walk around the Christmas Market. Wheelchair accessible. From £7.50pp. Book here: https://www.christmasvillagenewcastle.co.uk/festiveflix
🎄Rockin' Reindeer Stage : And for something a little different which guarantees festive fun and smiles, how about catching a christmas show at the Rockin' Reindeer Stage?
Choose from Santa's Superstars, The Grinch, Ice Kingdom and/or Tinsel Tots. Suitable for all ages, wheelchair accessible and lasting around 30 minutes. There's seating inside (and you can bring your cuppa in) plus there's a chance to meet the characters and take a photo afterwards too. Tickets from £5.50pp. Book here: https://www.christmasvillagenewcastle.co.uk/rockinreindeer
The Christmas Village and all of these activities take place in Old Eldon Square in the centre of Newcastle (just outside Nandos) and are super easy to get to by Metro, Bus, Train or Car.
The Great Dinosaur Christmas Show at Great North Museum
🦖Step into a Prehistoric Winter Wonderland with The Great Dinosaur Christmas Show at Great North Museum this Festive Period.
🦖 There are performances on New Year's Eve too.
🦖 Relaxed sessions are available (with 9 relaxed performances to choose from). Carers go free (see booking page for more info).
🦖 You can expect a 45 minute interactive show with dinosaurs blending storytelling and science with a festive twist.
🦖 This performance has been designed for children aged 4-10 years and their grown ups but dino-lovers of all ages and all are welcome. Under 1s go FREE and do not require a ticket.
🦖 If you're not a fan of traditional panto and are looking for an alternative or you know a big dino fan, they're going to love this.
🦖 Book now for the best price using the early bird discount code JOLLYROBIN at checkout (this brings tickets down to £10.70 each): https://www.northeastmuseums.org.uk/greatnorthmuseum/whats-on/the-great-dinosaur-christmas-show
📆 Dates:
-Saturday 20 December
-Sunday 21 December
-Monday 22 December
-Tuesday 23 December
-Saturday 27 December
-Sunday 28 December
-Monday 29 December
-Tuesday 30 December
-Wednesday 31 December 2025
⏰ 11am/12noon/1pm/2pm
Festive Tales at Woodhorn Museum
I feel like this experience ticks all of the boxes for those wanting a traditional Father Christmas experience - storytime with Santa, photo opportunity, chance to chat, festive crafts and a gift are all included for less than £10 per child. And there are daily relaxed sessions available every too.
Afterwards, visitors are welcome to enjoy the rest of the museum and there will be a chance to try some festive crafts in the Ashington Group Hut.
Christmas at National Trust North East - check what's on here
Enchanted City Newcastle
A Canny Christmas Grotto at Discovery Museum Newcastle
National Trust Yorkshire - check what's on here
AGLOW Festive Light Trail - book here
Christmas at Auckland Palace - book here
Low Cost Christmas Events at Caledonian Hotel, Jesmond
Christmas at Beamish Museum - find out more here
Daytime visits over the festive period are INCLUDED with your Beamish Unlimited Pass and do not need to be booked ahead.
Ice Skating at Life Science Centre - book here











FREE Festive Fun with Blyth Celebrates - find out more here
Details will be announced in due course but do keep these events in mind. They are FREE and open to all.
The Santa Experience at Life Science Centre - book here
📌 Science at Life 22 Nov - 23 Dec
👍 Ideal for ages 3-10 years but all welcome
🫶 Includes entry to the Science Centre so you can spend a full day here
☕ £26pp including Science at Life Full Day Entry (including Lightbox, Live Science Theatre, Play Zone, Experiment Zone, Festive Make & Takes and more), What Santa Sees Planetarium Show (it's magical), Hot Chocolate & Sweet Treat with Santa's Elves plus a Visit with Santa including Festive Science Experiments with the main man himself and a gift for every child.
Find out more and book: https://www.life.org.uk/whats-on/event/the-santa-experience/
💕 Relaxed sessions with reduced numbers, lower lighting and noise levels and other adjustments available on selected dates here: https://www.life.org.uk/whats-on/event/the-santa-experience-relaxed-sessions/
Christmas at Gosforth Civic Theatre - book here
🎅🏼 Storytime with Santa (pictured) looks very sweet. It's £15 per child (up to 2 accompanying adults go free) and perfect for up to around age 10. Selected dates across December.
The theatre studio is transformed into a magical winter wonderland where St Nick will share stories and talk about what Santa means to you. Relaxed and group sessions are available and there's no naughty list!
Small gift included: https://www.gosforthcivictheatre.co.uk/whats-on/spend-your-christmas-at-gosforth-civic-theatre/storytime-with-santa
👻 There will be a special one-off performance of A Christmas Carol on Sun 8 Dec (recommended for ages 10+). This is a GCSE text so a perfect Christmas outing with teens.
Adapted and performed by Adam Z. Robinson in his inimitable style, this production of ‘A Christmas Carol’ teases out the gothic aspects, presenting Dickens’ remarkable story as you’ve never seen it before. This enthralling version is by turns hair-raising, thrilling and heartwarming.
Using a combination of gripping narration, eerie recorded voices and an immersive soundscape, the show transports audiences to the office of Scrooge and Marley, the humble Cratchit household and the fearful, final resting place of that most infamous miser.
Book: https://www.gosforthcivictheatre.co.uk/whats-on/a-christmas-carol
🎅🏼 A Town Called Christmas brings all the cosy feels to Gosforth Civic Theatre with this production for the whole family.
Clementine dreams of a place where gingerbread houses glow under twinkling fairy-lights, and chocolate coins are currency. Where the streets are filled with snow-ball fights, and laughter hangs like baubles in the air! The happiest place on Earth.
Or at least it used to be…
Buckle in for a rollercoaster of magic, music, and mayhem as our hero crash-lands in a crumbling town where only the long-forgotten fables, a cantankerous caretaker and a glitching robot remain! Can they save the day, and the town called Christmas?
Book here: https://www.gosforthcivictheatre.co.uk/whats-on/spend-your-christmas-at-gosforth-civic-theatre/a-town-called-christmas
🎅🏼 A Proper Merry Christmess heads to the theatre on 20 Dec. Suitable for ages 16+, this chaotic Christmas comedy for adults is an antidote to the snowy schmaltz, floppy hair and impossibly big kitchens of the festive romcom.
At the time of year when being skint isn’t an option, step into an honest Christmas story, featuring the bits those movies always leave out, actually.
Book here: https://www.gosforthcivictheatre.co.uk/whats-on/spend-your-christmas-at-gosforth-civic-theatre/a-proper-merry-christmess
📍 Gosforth Civic Theatre is located next to Regent Centre so very easy to get to by Metro, Bus or Car. There's an on-site cafe/bar and the venue is accessible.
Nightfall at Stewart Park - book here












Forest of Light at Beamish Hall - book here
⚡ Lush festive food & drinks for sale
⚡Tickets start from just £12, with prime dates and sessions at £13 per person – but don’t wait around (infants under 12 months go free and do not require a ticket)
⚡Selected dates from 22 Nov - 4 Jan 4pm-8pm
Book here: https://bit.ly/Fol-2025
I haven't visited this one personally so here is a review from our FB group:
"Tonight we visited Beamish Hall for their Forest of Light trail. An interactive walk through the woods with illuminations, clever lighting, projections & music . Loads of photo opportunities and great for all ages. It’s set in the woods so it’s not wheelchair accessible as it’s uneven (bring a sling for babies - toddlers should be fine walking).
At the end of the trail we finished off with hot chocolates and cake but The Stables Beamish is open serving food & drinks too. Lots of parking available free of charge. We spent an hour here going at a good pace you could easily spend more time here if you wanted though." - Amy
The Snowman with Live Orchestra at Durham Cathedral - book here
Make this Christmas truly unforgettable with a special screening of the beloved festive classic The Snowman, brought to life by a live performance from a professional orchestra.
Presented by Carrot Productions – the world’s leading performers of The Snowman with live orchestra – this award-winning show features some of the UK’s finest musicians.
With a fun, festive medley created by CBeebies Musical Storyland composer, Daniel Whibley, to open the show – and a special visit from the Snowman himself! – this magical show is perfect for the whole family to enjoy together, creating memories to treasure. After the performance, everyone is welcome to come down to meet the musicians, see their instruments and admire their amazing costumes too!
Book now for 6th December.
Great North Museum - details coming soon
Make a weekend of it.........
Christmas Market Trips
North Shields Victorian Christmas MarketI love a trip to a Christmas Market. In the North East my favourite is North Shields Victorian Market on 6 & 7 Dec. It's free entry and full of local stalls and entertainment.
I will be sharing a full bumper round up of all local Christmas markets soon. Keep an eye on this North East Christmas Markets post being updated.
Birmingham Christmas Market
Further afield, my favourite Christmas Market is Birmingham - it's the largest German Style Christmas Market outside of Germany and absolutely stunning. This year they take place from 1 Nov - 24 Dec and Birmingham is around 3 hours direct on the train from Newcastle.
You can read my review from our visit last year here: Birmingham Christmas Markets 2025
York Christmas Market
Edinburgh Christmas Market
- Read our review from 2023 (day trip to Edinburgh by train): Edinburgh Christmas Markets by Train
- Read our review from 2022 (with a hot tub lodge) here: Edinburgh Christmas Market Hot Tub Break
- Watch our video featuring the Dome at Christmas here: Dome at Christmas Video
Manchester Christmas Market
Amsterdam Christmas Markets with DFDS
Santa Sleepover & Panto at Alton Towers
Check-in day
- 1 day entry to the Theme Park with a selection of family rides and attractions including the UK's only CBeebies Land
- A unique visit to Santa’s Grotto
- Theme park entertainment shows and activities
- Traditional Christmas Pantomime
- A fantastically festive evening meal and festive entertainment
- An overnight stay in one of our fabulously themed hotels
Check-out day
- A delicious buffet breakfast
- Entry to the splashtastic Waterpark
- 9 holes of crazy Extraordinary Golf
Find out more and book: Book Santa Sleepover / check prices here
Santa Sleepovers at Warwick Castle
Your package includes:
- An unforgettable overnight stay within the castle grounds
- Two-day Warwick Castle entry ticket
- Festive family evening entertainment**
- Elf wake-up call***
- Storytime with Santa experience^
- Complimentary breakfast
- Car parking and WiFi
- A Chance to upgrade your package with discounted Light Trail or Ice-Skating Tickets
From just £67 per person!
Breakfast or Dinner with Santa at Inn Collection Pubs
Inn Collection Pubs are some of my favourites and this year some of their venues are hosting breakfast or dinner with Santa events. Perfect for a nice family meal.
Find out more and book: Christmas at Inn Collection
You're a life saver, we've no events booked in the diary yet and this is so helpful. I fancy a few of these for us!
ReplyDeleteAhh! What a fab post! There is so much going on up here over the festive season. I am wanting to go to a Christmas market and take the kids ice skating :)
ReplyDeleteHas anyone ever been to Believe at Hardwick Hall? Very few tickets have been sold and there are no reviews online - which is a worrying sign!
ReplyDeleteI took my then 4 year old son last year it is magical. Lots to see and do. It’s a very busy day. Wellies and warm clothing is a must xx
DeleteNow THIS is my kind of roundup. I massively appreciate the time and effort that's gone into this post, it's like a bible for activities this coming season. Now I feel inspired to do something similar on my blog for my local parents!
ReplyDeleteLucy
https://www.realparent.co.uk/