From the Empire Theatre’s annual pantomime to a pop-up ice rink and renditions of Hansel and Gretel, there’s plenty of events sprinkling some festive magic in the city.
Here’s a round up of things to do for all the family.
5. National Glass Centre
Make your Christmas a glass act at the National Glass Centre. The cultural attraction will play host to a number of Christmas events over the festive season, and is also a great place to pick up some gifts. Its blow your own baubles sessions are all full, but you can still watch demos. Find out more at: https://sunderlandculture.org.uk/our-venues/national-glass-centre/ Photo: submitted
6. Hansel & Gretel, Arts Centre Washington
This Christmas take a pinch of magic, a dollop of great music and a large portion of laughter, stirred up to create this classic story of Hansel and Gretel by Lyngo Theatre, packed
with adventure and fun, as sweet as a gingerbread house. Taking place at Arts Centre Washington, the show will run from December 9 - 11, however, limited tickets are available. For more information or to book visit https://sunderlandculture.org.uk/events/hansel-and-gretel/ Photo: Alex Brenner
7. New Year's Eve Fireworks, Riverside
A dazzling display of fireworks will light up the Sunderland skyline as the city prepares to welcome in 2022, in a new family-friendly event this New Year’s Eve. Riverside Sunderland will play host to a spectacular aerial display, with live on-stage entertainment, on-street activity and a food and drink offer as part of a family-focused celebration
to see in the new year. And with a family-friendly 6pm start, the event will see Metro Radio broadcast live from the city centre, providing a boost to businesses by attracting more people into the heart of the city for the final evening of 2021. Photo: submitted
8. Reindeer dash, The Bridges
Festive fundraisers can hoof it around Bridges shopping centre for some festive fun and support a good cause at the same time for the Reindeer Dash 1k fun run on Sunday 5 December. Children as young as five can take part in the event, as long as they are accompanied on the course by a paying adult. Anyone wanting to participate must register via organiser’s Sunderland BID’s website at www.sunderlandbid.co.uk. The website also has sponsorship forms which can be downloaded, as well as information on how to set up a Justgiving page for the event. Photo: submitted