From the Keel Square ice rink to Cinderella at Empire Theatre, we’ve rounded up 13 of the best events.
5. Christmas lights switch on, Keel Square, November 21
Sunderland’s Christmas celebrations are set to sparkle as fairytale stars lead its lights switch-on. The city centre event will be held on Thursday, November 21, when Cinderella and Prince Charming from the Empire panto join mayor Councillor David Snowdon to press the big button in Keel Square, with the party to start from 6pm. Photo: JPI Media
6. Seafront illuminations, throughout the holidays
Sunderland’s illuminations are under way. The bright lights are shining along the seafront after being switched on on November 15. Photo: JPI Media
7. Cinderella, Sunderland Empire, December 13 - January 5
Scarlett Moffatt will be sprinkling some Christmas magic over Wearside in the role of Fairy Godmother in Cinderella, this year's Empire panto which runs from December 13 – January 5. She's joined on stage by fellow cast members: cabaret comedian Miss Rory as Rorina Hardup, Duncan Burt as her ugly sister Ruby, Nick Jnr’s Gemma Naylor (Go! Go! Go!) as Cinderella, ITV’s Superstars finalist Jon Moses as the Prince and Tom Whalley as Buttons. Photo: JPI Media
8. Make your own glass decorations, MBC Ceramics, Norfolk Street
As part of Sunderland’s Festival of Light celebrations, MBC Ceramics in Norfolk Street is offering a series of glass Christmas tree decoration making activities, at £10 per item. Join glass artist Jayne Johnson and learn how to use frits, tacks, stringers and inclusions on coloured glass to design and create your own Christmas tree decoration for 2019. Once finished they will fire the completed work in a specialist glass kiln and make sure it’s ready for you to come back and collect in good time before Santa comes. Sessions will take place on Monday, December 16, between 5pm and 8pm; Tuesday, December 17, between 5pm and 8pm and Thursday, December 19, between 5pm and 8pm. Search for the venue on Facebook to book. Photo: JPI Media