The Must-Book Events and Days Out This December
Keep the whole family entertained this festive season
Spirituality In Sound
A new series of workshops at The Glasshouse, led by Shannon Pearl, will weave together her deep-rooted expertise in music, sacred sound and healing this winter. From a sound bath to a drum circle and guided meditation, everyone is invited to take part in Spirituality In Sound – immersive workshops designed to soothe the body, quiet the mind, and awaken the soul through the profound power of sound.
NOVEMBER–DECEMBER
The Glasshouse, Gateshead
theglasshouseicm.org/seasons/spirituality-in-sound
A Glittering Invitation: Harewood’s Grand Christmas Ball
This Christmas, Harewood’s Grand Christmas Ball will be in full swing and you’re invited to explore each room as the house glitters from top to bottom. Interior designer Siobhan Murphy is bringing her signature maximalism, bold patterns and vibrant colour to this year’s festive decorations ready to ignite your imagination.
8TH NOVEMBER–4TH JANUARY
Harewood, Leeds
harewood.org
Christmas at Castle Howard with the Wonderful Wizard of Oz
Follow the Yellow Brick Road to Castle Howard this Christmas as they explore a festive take on L. Frank Baum’s story with installations, soundscapes and projections. Don’t miss the Oz Twilight Tour on selected dates for an after-dark guided tour of the house complete with a sparkling wine reception.
13TH NOVEMBER–4TH JANUARY
Castle Howard, York
castlehoward.co.uk
The Polar Express
Immerse yourself in your favourite Christmas film. The Polar Express will pick you up at Leeming Bar station to take you on your Christmas journey where The Polar Express story will be told to you by the singing chefs, before you meet the main man himself – Santa Claus.
14TH NOVEMBER–23RD DECEMBER
Wensleydale Railway, Leeming Bar
yorkshiredalesthepolarexpressride.com
Betwixt and Between – The Poetry of Landscape
Don’t miss this colourful new exhibition of works by painter and printmaker Andrew Waddington. Betwixt and Between – The Poetry of Landscape includes paintings, prints, and original drawings, depicting both the Cornish and Yorkshire landscapes. All works are for sale. Elsewhere at YSP this Christmas, families can get hands-on with workshops and there’ll be storytelling in the gallery. Outdoors, children will love playing in the Little Wild Wood, a magical space illuminated with fairy lights for the season.
FROM 15TH NOVEMBER
Upper Space, YSP Centre
ysp.org.uk
Christmas at York Castle Museum
Enjoy Yorkshire Christmases through the ages as you wander through more than 200 years of festive history at York Castle Museum this Christmas. On Kirkgate, the famous Victorian street, enjoy authentic decorations and live performances of traditional carols as you’re transported to Dickensian England. Then explore York Castle Museum’s period rooms, showcasing traditional decorations of the 17th and 18th centuries. Green Father Christmas will be visiting on selected dates with Victorian games, songs, and tales of winter feasts and traditions.
15TH NOVEMBER–4TH JANUARY
York Castle Museum
yorkcastlemuseum.org.uk
Christmas at the Palace
Once again, Auckland Palace’s State Rooms will be decked with garlands, glittering trees and themed decorations, blending history with festive sparkles for Christmas. Whilst you’re there don’t forget to visit the 18th-century Neapolitan Nativity scene on display in the Faith Museum. Plus, the Palace’s dazzling light trail, AGLOW, returns – and this year promises to be bigger, brighter, and more magical than ever before.
21ST NOVEMBER–31ST DECEMBER
Auckland Palace, Bishop Auckland
aucklandproject.org
Winter Lights At The Alnwick Garden And Lilidorei
Experience two award-winning attractions for one price this winter. The Alnwick Garden and Lilidorei will glisten this Christmas when Winter Lights returns.
20TH NOVEMBER–4TH JANUARY
The Alnwick Garden and Lilidorei
lilidoreialnwick.co.uk
Raby Castle at Christmas
For the first time in more than 50 years the ground-floor rooms of Raby Castle will be dressed for the festive season with evergreens, gifts and Christmas trees. Each room will tell the story of Christmas Day at the castle and there’s a chance to explore never-before-seen items from the castle’s collections including toys and games that were gifts in decades past.
22ND NOVEMBER–4TH JANUARY
Raby Castle, Staindrop
raby.co.uk
Christmas at Beamish Daytimes
Be part of the magic of a truly traditional Christmas at Beamish Museum. From the Georgian period through to the 1950s, discover traditional decorations, tasty yuletide treats, festive music and lots of fun activities. You can even step into the museum’s 1950s cinema to enjoy a selection of classic Christmas films, guaranteed to get you in the festive spirit! Christmas at Beamish Daytimes are included with admission and are free for Beamish Unlimited Pass holders and Friends of Beamish members, pay once and visit for free for a whole year! The Grand Cinema screenings require a separate ticket which must be pre-booked online.
22ND NOVEMBER–24TH DECEMBER
Beamish
beamish.org.uk
The Christmas Experience
From Christmas crafts and a magical Elf Village to enchanted trails and the chance to meet Santa and Mrs Claus, Lotherton’s Christmas Experience has it all. The hall, gardens and grounds will all be decorated for perfect festive photo opportunities.
22ND NOVEMBER–4TH JANUARY
Lotherton, Leeds
thechristmasexperience.co.uk
Northern Lights
Northern Lights Newcastle returns to Leazes Park, transforming the iconic park into a sparkling festive trail with 14 dazzling new illuminations and a refreshed route for 2025. Wander through glowing tunnels, explore Lantern Tree Lane, see the serene Pearl Blossoms on the lake and discover the enchanting Jungle Tree. With shimmering pathways, cascading waves of light and original soundscapes, it’s the ultimate winter wonderland for all ages. End the evening with a mulled wine, toasted marshmallows and the cosy festive atmosphere of the Christmas Village.
27TH NOVEMBER–31ST DECEMBER
Leazes Park, Newcastle
northernlightsnewcastle.com
A Canny Christmas Grotto
Be one of the first to try Newcastle’s newest Christmas tradition at Discovery Museum – a Geordie-themed festive experience including a visit to Santa in a grotto decked out in black and white. Tickets include a hot chocolate, sweet treat, festive crafts and photo opportunities in a giant sleigh.
29TH NOVEMBER–23RD DECEMBER
Discovery Museum, Newcastle
northeastmuseums.org.uk
Christmas at Nostell
The fires will be lit, seasonal music will be playing and the trees will be twinkling at Nostell, all with a Narnian twist. This Christmas, Nostell will be transformed into The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. From the 1940s railway station to snowy forests and Father Christmas’s woodland camp, the story will come to life.
1ST DECEMBER–4TH JANUARY
Nostell
experiencewakefield.co.uk
The Elves and the Shoemaker
Mr and Mrs Cobblestone are shoemakers with big hearts but empty pockets. Can Christmas spirit change their fortunes? This brand-new musical is a great Christmas show for children of all ages.
4TH–7TH DECEMBER
Montgomery, Sheffield
sheffieldtheatres.co.uk
The Enchantica’s Father Christmas Experience
For the very first time, families are invited to step into Allerton Castle’s halls for an unforgettable festive journey courtesy of Enchantica’s. This year’s programme offers two unique experiences to suit different age groups: interactive Elf Training (up to age eight) and an escape-room-style Codebreakers Christmas experience (for ages seven and above). This year Enchantica’s is celebrating 20 years of creating holistic magic for families – a combination of theatre, wellbeing and festivity for all ages.
13TH–23RD DECEMBER
Allerton Castle
enchanticas.co.uk
Christmas at Catterick
Get into the festive spirit with seven thrilling races at Catterick Racecourse this December. This special Christmas raceday promises to be a fun-filled day out.
16TH DECEMBER
Catterick Racecourse
catterickbridge.co.uk
Fairytale at York Minster: Christmas Hits by Candlelight
Alistair Griffin and the Ebor Quartet will perform all your favourite Christmas classics by candlelight at York Minster this Christmas, including Fairytale of New York, Last Christmas and Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree, plus the magical Home Alone theme tune. Christmas jumpers are encouraged.
17TH DECEMBER
York Minster
yorkminster.org
Hansel and Gretel
Hansel and Gretel follow the white bird to the sugary centre of the forest in this musical theatre version of this classic tale with multi-role performances. Don’t forget to cheer when the witch slides down into the flaming oven.
17TH–28TH DECEMBER
Alnwick Playhouse
alnwickplayhouse.co.uk
Mediaeval Baebes Twelfth Moon Concert
Song, dance, pomp and pageantry will joyfully announce the arrival of the Mediaeval Baebes, with a torchlit procession to herald the start of their tantalising Twelfth Moon concert. Embrace the magic, and join the parade as it makes its way to The Cathedral Church of St Nicholas for an evening of musical stories, poetry and theatre. Renowned for their soaring harmonies, stunning costumes, and performing with a plethora of exotic historical instruments; the Mediaeval Baebes will exalt the twelfth month in all its finery, along with the passion of all things mydwynter.
18TH DECEMBER
The Cathedral Church of St Nicholas, Newcastle
mediaevalbaebes.com
Northern Ballet’s The Nutcracker
Performed to Tchaikovsky’s score which will be played live, David Nixon’s The Nutcracker is a must-see at Christmastime. Follow Clara on an adventure into an enchanting winter wonderland with dancing snowflakes, the famous Sugar Plum Fairy, and the Mouse King in this beautiful ballet.
18TH DECEMBER–4TH JANUARY
Leeds Grand Theatre
leedsheritagetheatres.com
Christmas at Manor Walks
From twinkling lights to magical memories, the whole family will enjoy a visit to Manor Walks this winter. Whilst it’s the perfect place for Christmas shopping, children can meet Santa in his grotto throughout the season too – there’s no need to book.
THIS CHRISTMAS
Manor Walks, Cramlington
manorwalks.co.uk
Leeds Christmas Markets
Experience the magic of Leeds Christmas Markets, where twinkling lights set the backdrop to unforgettable moments. From 21st November to 21st December, up to 60 chalets take over City Square with artisan gifts and festive treats, alongside two bars serving up mulled wine and seasonal cheer. Little Bird Market, featuring local makers and artists, will take place at Bond Court (Thursday to Sunday, 21st November to 23rd December). And at Millennium Square and Victoria Gardens, you’ll find festive market stalls alongside family-favourite Christmas rides including the Carousel, the Big Wheel and and Ice Cube ice-skating from 21st November to 31st December.
THIS CHRISTMAS
Leeds
visitleeds.co.uk
Christmas at Wallington
Meet giant reindeer Magnificence (lit up and pulling the sleigh) at Wallington then head into the House to marvel at the 20ft Central Hall Christmas tree and meet Father Christmas. There’ll also be Christmas Craft workshops, festive afternoon tea, and a chance to print your Christmas photos.
THROUGHOUT DECEMBER
Wallington
nationaltrust.org.uk/wallington
Miniature Worlds: Little Landscapes from Thomas Bewick to Beatrix Potter
This new exhibition at Laing Art Gallery explores the beauty of small-scale landscapes across three centuries of British art, and displays seven highly detailed watercolours by JMW Turner (whose 250th birthday is being celebrated this year) and nine watercolours by Beatrix Potter.
UNTIL 28TH FEBRUARY
Laing Art Gallery, Newcastle
laingartgallery.org.uk
