It’s a Christmas cracker of a line-up.

From family activities and film screenings to festive entertainment and live performances, there’s plenty happening at Arts Centre Washington in the coming weeks..

The Littlest Elf will provide family fun | Submitted

placeholder image — The Littlest Elf will provide family fun | Submitted

The celebrations begin on Saturday, November 21 with the Christmas Craft and Makers Fair, running at the centre from 10am to 3pm.

Visitors can browse a wide range of stalls, enjoy festive performances and take part in free crafts, with free admission.

The programme continues with Deepest Fears on Thursday, November 26 at 7.30pm, featuring two classic ghost stories to set a spooky seasonal mood. The two stories dramatised are the The Room in the Tower by E.F. Benson and The Captain of the Polestar by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

Deepest Fears is aimed at people aged 14 and over.

On Thursday, December 3 at 7pm, a Christmas Cabaret will bring a fun-filled variety performance to the stage, showcasing music and dance from talented local community groups and young performers.

Meanwhile, film fans can enjoy Last Christmas, the George Michael-inspired romantic comedy, followed by a festive afternoon tea on Thursday, December 10 at 1pm. Prices start at £4 for the film, £19.50 for the film and afternoon tea, or £27 for the film, afternoon tea and prosecco.

Younger audiences are catered for with The Littlest Elf on Friday, December 11, with performances at 10.30am and 1.30pm.

This charming Christmas show combines puppetry, storytelling and songs for pre-school children. Pip is a tiny elf with big dreams. Slower than the other elves and never quite perfect, she dreams of seeing a toy she has made delivered on Christmas Day. Set in Santa’s workshop, this magical show combines puppetry, storytelling, songs, and interactive fun for young audiences.

Music lovers can catch Washington-based singer-songwriter Callum O’Neil performing Almost A Decade at 7.30pm that evening, alongside support acts Kayden Turner and Daniel Maple.

Homegrown talent Callum O’Neil will perform | Submitted

At just 18, Callum has already established himself as one of the North East’s most promising emerging artists, crafting honest, relatable songs that connect deeply with audiences.

Festive family fun continues on Saturday, December 12 with The Jingle Generator Jam Show, at 11am and 2pm. Aimed at ages six and above, this interactive adventure invites audiences to help Santa’s elves restore the Christmas spirit through singing, cheering and participation.

Santa’s right-hand elves, mischievous Tinsel Tally and stoney Agent Frostbite are on a vital mission. They’ll need your help to bring the energy by cheering, singing and taking part in festive fun.

The award-winning Dyad Productions returns on Wednesday, December 16 and Thursday 17 at 7.30pm with A Christmas Carol. Following a sell-out performance in 2024, this fresh opportunity to experience Charles Dickens’ timeless ghost story promises a memorable festive theatre visit.

The programme concludes on Saturday, December 19 at 1pm with Film and Fun: The Muppets Christmas Carol.

Families can watch the festive favourite and join artist Rachel Hamer to design and create their own Jim Henson-style Muppet to take home.

Matt Blyth, General Manager at ACW, said: “We’re delighted to be bringing such a varied Christmas programme to Washington this year. From our popular craft fair and fantastic local performers to family shows, live music, classic stories and festive film screenings, there really is something for everyone to enjoy.

“Christmas is a wonderful time to bring people together, and we look forward to welcoming our local community to celebrate the season with us.”

For ticket prices, more information, or to book, visit https://www.sunderlandculture.org.uk/arts-centre-washington