How to Keep the Festive Cheer Going this Twixmas
Keep the whole family entertained this Twixmas
See the Northern Light (Trails)…
Experience the wonders of Christmas with a festive light trail. Step into the magical world of Plotters’ Forest at Raby Castle as little ones venture through the enchanted Christmas trail. With twinkling lights, joyful music and a special treat at the end, daytime and evening tickets are available until 4th January. The Winter Lights at Lilidorei is an immersive experience of light and sound, and this year promises to be the best yet, so make sure to book your tickets, with dates available until 1st January. The Auckland Project’s light trail AGLOW has also returned this year – and it’s dog-friendly. Take a look here. Explore the park after dark at Yorkshire Wildlife Park this year where their winter illuminations include a 3km light trial. Brand new for this year is the wizard’s quest where little ones can meet enchanted creatures, the wicked snow queen and more! Find more magical light trails to explore this year here.
Walking in a Winter Wonderland…
Celebrate 20 years of York’s iconic winter wonderland. offering a magical experience for all with its outdoor ice rink, funfair, and cosy Alpine café in the Chalet. With a newly landscaped woodland scene as its backdrop with Christmas trees, wooden cabins, gingerbread men and candy canes this is the perfect spot for a Twixmas treat. You can also ice skate in the heart of Newcastle at Life Science Centre. An established part of Newcastle’s festive calendar, skating runs throughout the Christmas season until 4th January.
O Christmas Tree…
Celebrate Twixmas with a visit to Cragside to see the UK’s tallest living Christmas tree. The Giant Redwood Wellingtonia is decked out in 1,200 lightbulbs, this year with a colourful twist. With late openings, you can see the twinkling lights against the night sky (until 4th January). The Christmas Tree Festival at York Minister is a local favourite. With 70 trees on display, all decorated individually by local businesses, schools and charities, you can add your own magic with a tag on the festive prayer trees.
Christmas Castles…
Bamburgh Castle’s Christmas theme this year is Treasured Tales. Discover a hidden tropical Christmas paradise, find glistening jewels, embark on a magical adventure and meet a special visitor from colder lands as childhood stories are brought to life by Charlotte Lloyd-Webber’s talented team. Until 4th January, combined with walk on Bamburgh beach, this is the perfect way to spend Twixmas. Further south, Castle Howard has transformed into the magical world of Oz, through installations, soundscapes and projections (until 4th January).
Panto Season is Right Behind You…
A festive panto is the perfect way to fill those days between Christmas and New Year. Newcastle Theatre Royal is putting on a performance of Aladdin this year, with family favourites returning to the stage (dates are available until 18th January). York Theatre Royal is hosting a spellbinding performance of Sleeping Beauty. With stunning costumes, sets and special effects, this is a festive treat for the whole family. For more pantos you mustn’t miss, take a look at our top picks here.
Put Your Feet Up…
If you fancy a well-earned break after the chaos of Christmas and before the excitement of New Year’s Eve, we don’t blame you. Why not sit down and relax in front of the TV with these festive specials (live or on catch-up)? From Here We Go and Call the Midwife to new spooky adaptations like Mark Gatiss’ A Ghost Story for Christmas: The Room in the Tower, you can find our great big Christmas TV guide here. Fancy testing yourself? Try our brilliant North East quiz, or Yorkshire quiz at home with all the family.
