15 festive shows and activities for families in Sunderland this Christmas
While Christmas may be a little different this year, there’s still a number of shows and events taking place to keep the magic of the season alive.
We’ve rounded up some of the activities taking place for families across the city, from Christmas card making to socially-distanced pantos. Tickets are available now where applicable, but will be subject to change depending on any potential Government rulings in December.
1. Sunderland Christmas lights, city centre
The traditional big switch on event couldn't take place this year, but Sunderland's Christmas lights are still spreading some festive magic throughout the city centre, from huge lit up presents to light tunnels you can walk through. Photo: JPI Media
2. Hansel & Gretel, St Andrew's, Roker, December 23
With the help of the government’s Culture Recovery Fund, Sunderland-based Theatre Space North East will be one of the first to return to live performances when they perform Hansel and Gretel in a mobile tent across the North East this December. It includes a date at St Andrew's Church in Roker on December 23. To comply with strict COVID policies, a limited number of 36 tickets, bookable in household bubbles of six or less are available each night, with stringent protocols introduced for cast and crew. Tickets are priced £8 for general admission and £6 for concessions, (which includes Healthcare & Emergency Service professionals) from https://www.seetickets.com/tour/hansel-and-gretel. Photo: submitted
3. Meet The Grinch, The Palm, Hylton Riverside, December 5 & 22
Meet The Grinch afternoons are being held at The Palm on December 5 and 22. There will also be Christmas experiences running every Saturday and Sunday in December from 10am to 4.30pm. Experiences are priced from £9.95 and includes a gift to take home as well as making reindeer dust. Book at [email protected] Photo: stock photo
4. Christmas characters trail, Sunderland city centre, until January 3
A festive themed augmented reality trail is running in Sunderland city centre until January 3 with seven Christmas characters to find. The Sunderland Experience app is available to download for free from Apple and Google Play stores, or anyone who downloaded it for the Halloween event can use it again by updating it. As an added incentive, the app will also highlight offers at city centre businesses which can be used in the run-up to the festive season. Photo: submitted