If you’re worrying about how to keep the family entertained while you’re busying away preparing for Christmas 2024, allow us to give you some suggestions around the North East.
From Hartlepool’s annual pantomime at the Town Hall Theatre to the incredible theatrical work of Slava’s Snowshow in Sunderland, we’ve taken a look across the area to pick 19 festive events for all the family, so you can concentrate on preparing for the busy day.
Many of the events are free, however in the event that you stumble across something that does involve a ticket, many of them can be purchased through Skiddle or at the local box offices in your area.
13. Redcar Ice Sculpture Trail
Renowned ice sculptors Sand in Your Eye will create nine amazing ice sculptures around the theme of pantomime across Saltburn, creating a wonderful one-day trail for families to explore. Each sculpture will reveal a secret that you’ll need to find to complete the trail competition. The trail will feature a live ice carve, and a workshop with its very own ice post box, where the elves will help you write and post your letters to Santa on December 7 2024. | Stuart Boulton
14. Middlesbrough on Ice
Wrap up warm and glide around the real ice rink in Centre Square when Middlesbrough on Ice makes a welcome return on Friday 8 December. Christmas VIPs, Santa and the Grinch will also be making an appearance on ice – keep an eye out on our social media channels for the dates when they will be arriving in Middlesbrough. | Dave Charnley Photography.
15. Stockton Sparkles
Pop down to Stockton High Street for festive fun and entertainment as Stockton Sparkles returns for another year. This year’s highlights also include a Santa Experience with free stories, a Victorian Christmas Fair, a Lantern Parade and much more as it begins November 28 2024. | Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council
16. Sunderland Winter Wonderland 2024
This year's Sunderland Winter Wonderland once again is set to offering a wide variety of attractions, activities, including time with Father Christmas, the Naughty Elf Trail, food, drinks and so much more. The season at Rainton Arena, Houghton Le Spring takes place from November 22 to December 31 2024. | Sunderland Live