(ad) 20+ Christmas Events for Kids across North East England

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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 

Santa's Enchanted Elf Journey at Whitehouse Farm - book here

Santa's Enchanted Elf Experience at Whitehouse Farm is a full VIP experience that lasts a full day and includes lots of festive fun at no additional cost.

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. 

Festive Tales at Woodhorn Museum 

This special storytime with Father Christmas takes place across weekends from 6 December 2025, plus 22–24 December. 

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. 

⏰ 11:00, 12:00, 14:00, 15:00 (relaxed session).

🎁 Step into the magic of Christmas with Festive Tales – a heartwarming experience where children can meet Father Christmas, share their Christmas wishes, and take home an early gift.

📷  Each 30-minute group session includes a cosy festive story time and the chance to have your

photograph taken with Father Christmas.

❤️ Relaxed Sessions are available each day for families who prefer a more informal and quieter festive

experience.

Book here: https://www.northeastmuseums.org.uk/woodhorn/whats-on/festive-tales

It's £9 per child with no charge for adults (although adults do require a museum annual pass which is £11 - kids annual passes are FREE). 

Christmas at National Trust North East - check what's on here

I absolutely love visiting National Trust sites over the festive period and enjoying their Christmas decorations. Wallington and Cragside Houses look absolutely stunning at this time of year and are not to be missed. There are usually plenty of festive activities included with membership such as festive music, storytelling, crafts and trails. I will add individual events as they are announced. Visits with Father Christmas are available to book now at both Gibside and Wallington.

National Trust Yorkshire - check what's on here

Details are coming soon for Christmas at National Trust Yorkshire. I will update this section when I have more info.

Discovery Museum - details coming soon

Details coming soon.

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.

Grotto Visits, Breakfast with Father Christmas, Christmas Grand Cinema Showings and Evening Visits DO need to be booked ahead with some tickets going on sale tomorrow.

🎄Christmas Evenings and Christmas Evening Grotto

⏰ Tickets on sale: Wednesday, 10th Sept, 10am

➡️ www.beamish.org.uk/Christmas

🎅 Breakfast with Father Christmas, Christmas Daytime Grotto and Christmas Grand Cinema showings

⏰ Tickets on sale: Thursday, 18th Sept 10am

➡️ www.beamish.org.uk/Christmas

Ice Skating at Life Science Centre - book here

Ice Skating Specials to Book Now

Taking place at Science at Life's (Real Ice) Outdoor Ice Rink in Times Square, Newcastle.

14 Nov - Noughties On Ice

15 Nov - Kate it Off! Ice Skating for Swifties

16 Nov / 7 Dec / 4 Jan - Relaxed Skating Sessions with no music, lights and less skaters

19 Nov - Karaoke On Ice

20 Nov - Seventeen Going Skating

23 Nov - Musicals Night On Ice

27 Nov - Lady Gaga's Little Monster's Skate

28 Nov - Wicked Skating Night

24 Dec - Christmas Eve Skating

Find out more and book: https://www.life.org.uk/whats-on/event/ice-skating/

Regular skating sessions are also available but if you fancy one of these specials, I'd recommend getting booked in asap. I love the idea of a family night out or mate date followed by a trip to a festive tipi for hot chocolates.

FREE Festive Fun with Blyth Celebrates - find out more here

Blyth has a whole host of FREE festive fun to enjoy this winter including a Fire Garden in Ridley Park, Christmas Crafts, Making Light in Market Place, Christmas Markets, Advent Trail & more. 

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

🎅🏼 Indoor Santa Experience in Newcastle 🎅🏼

📌 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

This is such a beautiful light trail, definitely one of my faves. I love that it's not just a light trail - it includes pop up storytelling (for all ages) along the route, interactive elements, creative workshops and lots of wow and magical moments.

I also love that towards the end of the trail there's a big courtyard with local street food vans. It has a real festival vibe and the atmosphere is so friendly and the event really ends on a high.

There are also craft tents and creative workshops where you be inspired and create your own masterpiece at no additional cost.

I always feel like we spend a really decent amount of time at Nightfall, it's not something you're just in and out of and it feels like good value.

Stewart Park, Middlesbrough

Friday 28 - Sunday 30 November (here for 3 nights only)

Tickets from £12.50 with children aged 2 and under go free (they still need a ticket).

The pathways around the park are fully accessible for pushchairs and wheelchairs and there are accessible & baby change toilets. A range of measures are in place for families with additional requirements including BSL interpreters, audio descriptions, a quiet room for anyone who needs it, relaxed/quieter time slots, pre-visit guides and free companion tickets. More info about access available in the link.

I've attached a few photos from our previous visits to give you an idea of what to expect but this year will be new with tiny rabbits dancing across the ground, towering flowers blooming above your head, and glowing installations that bring the park to life after dark and many more surprises in store.

Nightfall is a not for profit event run by a Teesside based Community Interest Company, any funds raised and income from tickets goes to directly to paying staff, technical suppliers, event infrastructure and artists. Stellar Creates

Find out more and book: https://stellarcreates.co.uk/product/nightfall-2025/

Direct ticket link: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/stellarcreates/1720233

Forest of Light at Beamish Hall - book here

⚡ A fully immersive journey through the woods with brand new illuminated areas, lots of interactive installations and a feast for the senses with a surprise around every corner
⚡ 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://beamish-hall.digitickets.co.uk/event-tickets/65930?catID=63039&

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

More info coming soon. 

Make a weekend of it......... 

Christmas Market Trips 

North Shields Victorian Christmas Market 

I 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 

Read our review of York Christmas Markets in 2025 here: York Christmas Markets by Train 

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 

You can read my review from our visit last year here: Manchester Christmas Markets 2025


Amsterdam Christmas Markets with DFDS

Find out more and book here: https://prf.hn/l/aWLOooX

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! 

Find out more, check dates & prices and book here: Santa Sleepover at Warwick Castle 

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