Step Into Xmas Cramlington & Metrocentre

This is an advert for November 2022. Any shares / edits beyond this date have not been asked or paid for. This post is based on a visit to Step Into Xmas Cramlington in November 2022 which is also when the photos in this post were taken.  

Step Into Xmas is a premium Christmas Tree Buying Experience set across two convenient locations in North East England. I absolutely LOVE our tree from here and will actually go as far as to say that it is genuinely the best tree we've ever had. 

Step Into Xmas Cramlington & Metrocentre

Like many, I struggled to get into the festive spirit this year but I can hand on heart say that going to pick out a lovely real tree with the family and then decorating it at home with our festive playlist playing and a Christmas buffet afterwards really got us all feeling Christmassy. FINALLY! 
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Christmas Tree Brownies Recipe

This post has been published by Steve. 

Christmas Tree Brownies Recipe


Brownies are one of my favourite bakes. The are very easy, super quick and so delicious. For Christmas I decided to jazz them up a bit and turn them into happy little christmas trees. This recipe will make 6 large brownies which are ideal for leaving out for Santa, as a Christmas Movie Night Snack or after school treat. 

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What's On in December for Kids & Teens

 AD - This post contains adverts and affiliate links. 


Welcome to my What's On in December Post. It has been a bit of a labour of love so I hope you find it useful. 


I have broken the post into sections with weekend dates and bookable / drop in events. As always, it's super important that you check with venues direct for the most up to date info before heading out. 

If you are viewing this on a desktop, apologies for the random text size changes in this post. I am trying to fix it. 


What's On in December for Kids & Teens
Christmas Daytimes at Beamish 

You may also enjoy the following posts: 


3 & 4 December 



Bookable Events 

2 December - Fools Fest Ashington 

An evening of folklore, fairytales, creativity and fun as the tables are turned and young people are in charge. Anything goes! Tickets are an absolute bargain at £3/£5 and everyone / all ages welcome. If you fancy a Friday night out with a difference, you can find out more and buy tickets here. 




2, 3 & 4 December - Christmas at Spilmans Farm 

Christmas at Spilmans



3 December - Newcastle Cat & Dog Shelter Christmas Market 

3 & 4 December - Believe Christmas (full day event including Santa visit) 

Believe Christmas 




3 & 4 December - VR Santa Sleigh Rides at Dorman Museum 
3 & 4 December - Storytime with Mrs Claus at Brocksbushes


4 December - Beauty and the Beast Panto at Ramside Hall 
4 December - Alternative Christmas Market at Wylam Brewery 

Light Trails (apologies if these have sold out): 

3 & 4 December - Nightfall 
3 & 4 December - Illuminating Ushaw
3 & 4 December - Alnwick Garden Light Trail 
3 & 4 December - Beamish Hall Forest of Light 
3 & 4 December -
Christmas at Gibside Light Trail 



Drop In Events



1 - 20 December - FREE Meet the Donkeys at PlantsPlus
1 - 24 December - FREE Cullercoats Community Advent
7 Nov - 24 Dec - FREE (with sign up) Skating & Arctic Experience at Metrocentre 
17 Nov - 24 Dec - £2 Drop In Grotto at The Bridges Shopping Centre, Sunderland 

2 December - FREE Festival of Flame at Hexham Abbey
2 December - FREE La Flamo Fire Show at Stockton Sparkles 

2 - 4 December - Durham Christmas Festival 

3 December - FREE Make Snowflake Bunting at Oriental Museum, Durham 
3 December - FREE Create Upcycled Christmas Decorations at Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens 
3 December - Tree Planting at Wallington (included with NT membership / admission) 

3 December -
FREE Santa Parade and Light Switch On in Saltburn
3 December - Wintry Tales Storytelling with Chris Bostock at Seaton Delaval Hall (included with NT membership / admission) 
3 December - FREE Redcar Christmas Family Fun Day 

3 December - FREE Entry Ridley Park Christmas Fayre & Funfair 
3 December - FREE Darlington Ice Sculpture Trail 
3 December -
FREE Santa's Grotto at Keel Row Blyth 
3 December - Santa's Christmas Bus, Special Post Box & Grotto (entry with a donation to Daft as a Brush) at Asda South Shields




3 & 4 December - Christmas Daytimes at Beamish (booking a time slot is no longer required)
3 & 4 December - £1 Football Fun Trail at Sunderland Winter Gardens 
3 & 4 December - FREE Visit Santa's Grotto at Garden World Royal Quays 
3 & 4 December - FREE Entry Raby Castle Christmas Market 

3 & 4 December -
FREE Entry Georgian Christmas Weekend at Kirkleatham Museum 
3 & 4 December - FREE Drop In Santa's Grotto at Manor Walks, Cramlington 

3 & 4 December - Daytime Christmas Trail at Ushaw 

3 & 4 December - £5 Entry to Life Science Centre 
3 & 4 December - Elf Crazy Christmas Crafts at Ormesby Hall
3 & 4 December - Winter Wanderer Spotters' Trail at Seaton Delaval Hall (included with NT membership/admission)


3 & 4 December - A Fairytale Christmas at Ormesby Hall (included with NT membership/admission)
3 & 4 December - Christmas Present Hunt at Cragside (included with NT membership / admission)
3 & 4 December - T'was the Night Before Christmas at Cragside House

3 & 4 December - Christmas through the eras at Wallington (included with NT membership / admission)
3 & 4 December - Mrs Christmas Storytelling at Wallington (included with NT membership/admission)


3 & 4 December - Ollie Owl's Winter Trail at Wallington (included with NT membership / admission)

3 & 4 December -
 FREE Frost Fest Live at Land of Oak and Iron 

3 & 4 December -  A Magical Victoria Christmas at Preston Park (includes letter writing to the North Pole, an Elf Trail, Family Crafts & Christmas Choirs) 
3 & 4 December - Twelve Days of Christmas at Bamburgh Castle

3 & 4 December - FREE Entry Christmas Market at Dorman Museum 
3 & 4 December - FREE Entry Christmas Extravaganza at Dorman Museum 


3 & 4 December - 
Winter Wonderland at Durham Botanic Garden 


10 & 11 December 


Bookable Events: 

7 - 11 December - Disney On Ice at Utilita Arena 
9, 10 & 11 December - Christmas at Spilmans Farm 

10 December - Fools Fest Tyne Valley 





Part of the Hadrian's Wall 1900 Festival. 

An evening of folklore, fairytales, creativity and fun in Prudhoe as the tables are turned and young people are in charge. Anything goes! Tickets are an absolute bargain at £3/£5 and everyone / all ages welcome. If you fancy a Saturday night out with a difference, you can find out more and buy tickets here. 

10 December - Candlelit Tours of Arbeia Roman Fort 
10 December - VR Santa Sleigh Rides at Dorman Museum 

10 December - The Snowman Live Orchestra at Ushaw

10 & 11 December - Believe Christmas (full day event including Santa visit) 
10 & 11 December -  Storytime with Mrs Claus at Brocksbushes
10 & 11 December - Breakfast with Santa at Tynemouth Aquarium 
10 & 11 December - The Three Bears at Washington Arts Centre 
10 & 11 December - Breakfast with Mrs Claus at Seven Stories 
10 & 11 December -  - Little Elves Workshops at Seven Stories




10 & 11 December - Aladdin at Sunderland Empire. Tickets available from just £13.


10 & 11 December - 'Naughty or Nice' Seven Stories Christmas Performance


11 December - Letter to Santa and Christmas Story Time at Seven Stories 
11 December - Relaxed Performance of Cinderella at Newcastle Theatre Royal 
11 December - Discounted Sleeping Beauty Panto Tickets at Rainton Arena. Save 60%. 

Light Trails (apologies if these have sold out): 

10 & 11 December - Illuminating Ushaw
10 & 11 December - Alnwick Garden Light Trail 
10 & 11 December - Beamish Hall Forest of Light 
10 & 11 December - Christmas at Gibside Light Trail 


Drop In Events: 




1 - 20 December - FREE Meet the Donkeys at PlantsPlus

1 - 24 December - FREE Cullercoats Community Advent

7 Nov - 24 Dec - FREE (with sign up) Skating & Arctic Experience at Metrocentre 

17 Nov - 24 Dec - £2 Drop In Grotto at The Bridges Shopping Centre, Sunderland 

10 December - FREE Peg Doll Workshop at Oriental Museum Durham 
10 December - £2 Make A Snowglobe at The Word, South Shields 


10 December - FREE Santa's Grotto at Keel Row Blyth 
10 December - Santa's Christmas Bus, Special Post Box & Grotto (entry with a donation to Daft as a Brush) at Blyadon Morrisons


10 December - FREE Drop In Christmas Market & Family Crafts at Shipley Art Gallery (donations welcome) 


10 December - Wintry Tales Storytelling with Chris Bostock at Seaton Delaval Hall (included with NT membership / admission) 

10 & 11 December -Elf Crazy Christmas Crafts at Ormesby Hall
10 & 11 December - A Fairytale Christmas at Ormesby Hall (included with NT membership/admission)

10 & 11 December - Winter Wanderer Spotters' Trail at Seaton Delaval Hall (included with NT membership/admission)


10 & 11 December - Christmas through the eras at Wallington (included with NT membership / admission)
10 & 11 December - Ollie Owl's Winter Trail at Wallington (included with NT membership / admission)
10 & 11 December - Mrs Christmas Storytelling at Wallington (included with NT membership/admission)
10 & 11 December - £5 Entry to Life Science Centre 

10 & 11 December - Twelve Days of Christmas at Bamburgh Castle
10 & 11 December -  Christmas Daytimes at Beamish (booking a time slot is no longer required)
10 & 11 December - Winter Wonderland at Durham Botanic Garden 
10 & 11 December - £1 Football Fun Trail at Sunderland Winter Gardens 

10 & 11 December - Snowflake Trail at Northumberlandia 

10 & 11 December - Daytime Christmas Trail at Ushaw 

10 & 11 December - FREE Visit Santa's Grotto at Garden World Royal Quays 
10 & 11 December - FREE Drop In Santa's Grotto at Manor Walks, Cramlington 


10 & 11 December -  A Magical Victoria Christmas at Preston Park (includes letter writing to the North Pole, an Elf Trail, Family Crafts & Christmas Choirs) 

11 December - FREE Bauble Making at IKEA Gateshead
11 December - Santa's Christmas Bus, Special Post Box & Grotto (entry with a donation to Daft as a Brush) at Tynemouth Morrisons
11 December - FREE Entry Berwick Christmas Market 



Until 6 Jan - FREE Christmas in the City AR Trail in Sunderland 

Add events from Christmas market post, low cost post 

17 & 18 December 


Bookable Events: 

16, 17 & 18 December - Christmas at Spimans Farm 
16 - 18 December - Bowes Museum Christmas Market 

17 December - Santa's Elf at Jingle Bell Square (South Shields Museum)
17 December - Ghost the Christmas Stag Event at Walltown Country Park 
17 December - Festive Storytelling in the Woodland at Northumberlandia 





17 & 18 December - VR Santa Sleigh Rides at Dorman Museum 
17 & 18 December - Believe Christmas (full day event including Santa visit) 
17 & 18 December -  Storytime with Mrs Claus at Brocksbushes

17 & 18 December - Breakfast with Santa at Tynemouth Aquarium 

17 & 18 December - Elf Academy at Ushaw Historic House 

17 & 18 December - Breakfast with Mrs Claus at Seven Stories 
17 & 18 December - 'Naughty or Nice' Seven Stories Christmas Performance 
17 & 18 December -  Letter to Santa and Christmas Story Time at Seven Stories 
17 & 18 December -  - Little Elves Workshops at Seven Stories




17 & 18 December - Aladdin at Sunderland Empire. Tickets available from just £13.

18 December - Movie Sing a long Family Show at Ramside Hall 
18 December - Discounted Sleeping Beauty Panto Tickets at Rainton Arena. Save 60%. 



Light Trails (apologies if these have sold out): 

17 & 18 December - Illuminating Ushaw
17 & 18 December - Alnwick Garden Light Trail 
17 &18 December - Beamish Hall Forest of Light 
17 & 18 December - Christmas at Gibside Light Trail 




Drop In Events: 

7 Nov - 24 Dec - FREE (with sign up) Skating & Arctic Experience at Metrocentre 

1 - 24 December - FREE Cullercoats Community Advent

17 Nov - 24 Dec - £2 Drop In Grotto at The Bridges Shopping Centre, Sunderland 

17 December - £2 Drop In Bauble Painting at The Word South Shields
17 December - FREE Saltburn Ice Sculpture Trail
17 December - FREE Santa's Grotto at Keel Row Blyth 
17 December - FREE Make Christmas Decorations from Around the World at Oriental Museum, Durham
17 December - Santa's Christmas Bus, Special Post Box & Grotto (entry with a donation to Daft as a Brush) at West Denton Morrisons 


17 & 18 December -  Christmas Daytimes at Beamish (booking a time slot is no longer required)
18 December - FREE Entry Christmas in the Woods at Plessey Woods 



Until 6 Jan - FREE Christmas in the City AR Trail in Sunderland 


19 - 23 December 


Just a quick note to say - most schools are breaking up towards the end of this week however some do break up earlier. Make sure you double check your school holiday dates and teacher days before planning / booking anything. 

Bookable Events: 

19 December - 'Naughty or Nice' Seven Stories Christmas Performance 
19, 20 & 22 December - Discounted Sleeping Beauty Panto Tickets at Rainton Arena. Save 60%. 

19 - 23 December - Believe Christmas (full day event including Santa visit) 
19 - 23 December - Christmas at Spimans Farm 



20 - 23 December - Aladdin at Sunderland Empire. Tickets available from just £13.




20 - 23 December - VR Santa Sleigh Rides at Dorman Museum 

21 December - Elf Screening at The Common Room Newcastle 


Book tickets to watch festive favourtie Elf at The Common Room in Newcastle. Mulled wine, mince pies and festive treats will be available to purchase. Find out more and book here. 


21 & 22 December - Cheap Panto Deal - £4 Tickets for Beauty and the Beast in Newcastle 

22 December - Treasure Island Family Show at Ramside Hall 
Light Trails (apologies if these have sold out): 

19 - 23 December - Alnwick Garden Light Trail 
19 - 23  December - Beamish Hall Forest of Light 
19 - 23 December - Christmas at Gibside Light Trail 


Drop In Events: 

FREE Drop In Events at Royal Quays



7 Nov - 24 Dec - FREE (with sign up) Skating & Arctic Experience at Metrocentre 

17 Nov - 24 Dec - £2 Drop In Grotto at The Bridges Shopping Centre, Sunderland 

1 - 24 December - FREE Cullercoats Community Advent

19 December - FREE Late Night Meet & Greet with Santa at Royal Quays 6pm-8pm
19 December - FREE Alpaca Petting at Royal Quays Late Night Shopping Event 4pm-8pm

19 - 22 December -Elf Crazy Christmas Crafts at Ormesby Hall
19 - 22 December - A Fairytale Christmas at Ormesby Hall (included with NT membership/admission)
19 - 22 December - Winter Wonderland at Durham Botanic Garden 
19 - 23 December -  Christmas Daytimes at Beamish (booking a time slot is no longer required)
19 - 23 December - £1 Football Fun Trail at Sunderland Winter Gardens  (please check seasonal opening hours for this one as they were not available on publication)
19 - 23 December - £5 Entry to Life Science Centre 

19 - 23 December - Christmas through the eras at Wallington (included with NT membership / admission)
19 - 23 December - Ollie Owl's Winter Trail at Wallington (included with NT membership / admission)
19 - 23 December - Christmas Present Hunt at Cragside (included with NT membership / admission)
19 - 23 December - T'was the Night Before Christmas at Cragside House

Christmas Eve 

Bookable Events 


24 December - Arthur Christmas Film & Santa Visit at The Common Room Newcastle (next to Newcastle Central Station). Tickets are now available for just £10 (admits one adult and one child - extra people are charged at £3.50 pp). This is an absolute bargain! Find out more and book here. 


24 December - Breakfast with Mrs Claus at Seven Stories 
24 December - 'Naughty or Nice' Seven Stories Christmas Performance 
24 December -  - Little Elves Workshops at Seven Stories




24 December - Aladdin at Sunderland Empire. Tickets available from just £13.


24 December - VR Santa Sleigh Rides at Dorman Museum 

Light Trails (apologies if these have sold out): 

24  December - Beamish Hall Forest of Light 
24 December - Christmas at Gibside Light Trail 


Drop In Events 

7 Nov - 24 December - FREE (with sign up) Skating & Arctic Experience at Metrocentre 

17 Nov - 24 December - £2 Drop In Grotto at The Bridges Shopping Centre, Sunderland 

24 December - Twelve Days of Christmas at Bamburgh Castle

24 December - FREE Drop In Santa's Grotto at Manor Walks, Cramlington 

24 December -  Christmas Daytimes at Beamish (booking a time slot is no longer required)
24 December - £5 Entry to Life Science Centre 

Until 6 Jan - FREE Christmas in the City AR Trail in Sunderland 

Boxing Day 


Bookable 


Drop In

27 - 31 December 



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Festive Walks & Trails for Winter 2023

Today's post is a list of festive walks and trails you can try across Winter 2023 


There's not one, not two but three Ice Sculpture Trails taking place in the North East this Winter: 

Saltburn Ice Sculpture Trail (FREE)




Taking place on 17 December, this FREE drop in trail includes 9 Ice Sculptures to find - each revealing a secret you will need to complete the trail.

There will be plenty of festive entertainment across the day including free drop-in letter writing workshops (and a special ice postbox), walk about acts and live ice sculpting. Dogs on leads welcome.  Find out more here. 



Darlington Ice Sculpture Trail (FREE)


At time of publishing, there is minimal info available but Enjoy Darlington have mentioned to save the 3rd and 10th December for the return of their ice trail. More details should be announced soon. Dogs on leads welcome.  Find out more here. 


Sunderland Ice Sculpture Trail (FREE)




Magical Music Trail in Hexham (FREE) 









Beamish Circular / Elf Woods (included with admission) 


The walk around Beamish Museum is around 2 miles circular (a little longer if you take detours to the different areas) and a nice way to take in the festive sights and sounds of the past and get into the Christmas mood.

Alternatively, for a shorter walk, why not wander though Elf Woods and look out for all of the elves who are hiding there. Christmas Daytimes at Beamish run from 26 Nov - 24 Dec and visits no longer need to be booked in advance. Dogs on leads welcome in the grounds.  Find out more here. 


An Elf for Christmas Trail at Land of Oak and Iron (suggested donation of £3 per child) 




From 5 Dec - 3 Jan, visitors can collect an Elf for Christmas Trail Sheet. Find and name all of the elves and you will be rewarded with an 'Elf for Christmas' finger puppet activity to take home.

Once at home, you can create your own finger puppet and enter their competition to win a prize. Dogs on leads welcome. Find out more here. 


12 Days of Christmas at Raby Castle Deer Park (included with admission) 




We love a walk around Raby Castle Deer Park and this year they are hosting a 12 Days of Christmas Trail in their grounds from 26 Nov - 24 Dec. Included with admission, visitors can follow the clues using lyrics from the famous song in a natural winter wonderland. Dogs on leads welcome. Find out more here.


Winter Wanderers' Trail at Seaton Delaval Hall (included with NT membership / admission) 





Take a stroll around the gardens, find all of the festive stars and become a winter nature detective with this drop in trail available between 3 Dec and 8 Jan during normal opening hours (do check for seasonal opening times online before heading out). Dogs on leads welcome. Find out more here. 


Festive Snowflake Trail at Northumberlandia (£3 per trail) 




There is a self-led Festive Snowflake Trail at Northumberlandia on 10&11 / 17&18 December. Download the trail to your phone and hunt for the snowflakes in the woodland whilst solving the wildlife clues. On completion of the trail, you can collect a small chocolate treat from the cafe as your reward. Dogs on leads welcome. Find out more here. 


Christmas Present Hunt in Cragside's Formal Gardens (included with NT membership / admission) 




Head to Cragside's Formal Gardens and search for six Christmas gifts which have accidentally fallen from Santa's Sleigh as he was practicing his loop-de-loops over Cragside. Drop in from 3 Dec - 2 Jan during opening hours (Cragside is closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day). Dogs on leads welcome. Find out more here. 


Ollie Owl's Winter Trail at Wallington (included with NT membership / admission) 





Follow 10 trail boards around East Woods and discover what different animals get up to in Winter time. Available on a drop in basis from 1 Dec - 8 Jan during opening hours (check seasonal opening hours online before you visit). Dogs on leads welcome. Find out more here. 



Wild Welly Walks at WWT Washington (included with admission) 




From 2 Dec - 29 Jan, you can take part in a Wild Welly Walk at WWT Washington. Pick up a guide on arrival and complete the challenges as you go including spotting wild birds and making a stick person. Once complete, you can show your guide to the cafe team and collect a complimentary cookie as your reward. No pet dogs permitted. Find out more here. 


Cullercoats Community Advent (free) 

Each evening from 1 - 24 December, a new Christmas window will be unveiled in Cullercoats. You can follow the community advent trail through the village and enjoy the festive displays. This event is free and drop in. Dogs on leads welcome.  Find out more here. 


Elf Trail at Hamsterley Forest (£3 per trail) 




An Elf Trail will be available at Hamsterley Forest as part of their Christmas Festival Weekend on 10 & 11 December. Trails cost £3 per person and everyone who completes the trail will receive a complimentary Hot Chocolate at the end. Dogs on leads welcome.  Find out more here. 


Christmas in Sunderland AR Trail (free / charity donations) 




Hunt for several charity stockings across the city and watch as they are brought to life with augmented reality technology. Dogs on leads welcome. Find out more here. 


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