Christmas lights switch on in Keel SquareChristmas lights switch on in Keel Square
Christmas lights switch on in Keel Square

13 fun events in Sunderland that will get you in the mood for Christmas

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, and there’s plenty of shows and events taking place in Sunderland to get you in the festive mood.
By Katy Wheeler
Published 19th Nov 2019, 14:33 BST
Updated 20th Nov 2019, 16:25 BST

From the Keel Square ice rink to Cinderella at Empire Theatre, we’ve rounded up 13 of the best events.

The Festival of Light returns this year, with a new location at Mowbray Park. It will be open every week from November 21 to December 22, from Thursdays to Sundays. There will be a range of sparkling new lighting installations, live music, illuminated street theatre characters and added extras such as visits from Santa’s reindeer and craft workshops. Tickets are priced at £3 per person with under 2s admitted free. You can buy them in advance from the See It Do It Sunderland website.

1. The Festival of Light, Mowbray Park, November 21 to December 22

The Festival of Light returns this year, with a new location at Mowbray Park. It will be open every week from November 21 to December 22, from Thursdays to Sundays. There will be a range of sparkling new lighting installations, live music, illuminated street theatre characters and added extras such as visits from Santa’s reindeer and craft workshops. Tickets are priced at £3 per person with under 2s admitted free. You can buy them in advance from the See It Do It Sunderland website. Photo: JPI Media

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The open air ice rink in Keel Square, Sunderland, returns from November 21 until January 5. The prices are: Children (4 & under): £3, Children (5 – 17): £7.50, Adults (18s and over): £9 or Family ticket: £25 (2 adults & children or 1 adult & 3 children). Skating sessions run from Monday to Friday noon until 9pm and Saturday and Sundays from 10am until 9pm.

2. Keel Square Ice Rink, November 21 - January 5

The open air ice rink in Keel Square, Sunderland, returns from November 21 until January 5. The prices are: Children (4 & under): £3, Children (5 – 17): £7.50, Adults (18s and over): £9 or Family ticket: £25 (2 adults & children or 1 adult & 3 children). Skating sessions run from Monday to Friday noon until 9pm and Saturday and Sundays from 10am until 9pm. Photo: JPI Media

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The popular Reindeer Dash returns to the Bridges on Sunday, December 8. The unique 1K indoor family fun run raises valuable funds for a local charity. Children's entry (12 and under) to the event costs £3.50 which includes reindeer nose and antlers, plus a reindeer medal and free entry to The Bridges Santa Grotto. And for all you adults young at heart... you can join the fun too. Enter the run for £5.50 and receive your own reindeer nose and antlers, whilst knowing your donation will help raise as much money as possible for charity. Registration starts from 9am on the day. Buy your tickets in advance by searching for the event on Event Brite.

3. Reindeer Dash, The Bridges, December 8

The popular Reindeer Dash returns to the Bridges on Sunday, December 8. The unique 1K indoor family fun run raises valuable funds for a local charity. Children's entry (12 and under) to the event costs £3.50 which includes reindeer nose and antlers, plus a reindeer medal and free entry to The Bridges Santa Grotto. And for all you adults young at heart... you can join the fun too. Enter the run for £5.50 and receive your own reindeer nose and antlers, whilst knowing your donation will help raise as much money as possible for charity. Registration starts from 9am on the day. Buy your tickets in advance by searching for the event on Event Brite. Photo: JPI Media

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Hadrian’s Tipi is making a return to Sunderland for the second year running. This winter pop-up retreat offers everything a hardened Christmas shopper would want on a cold day. Inside you’ll find a warm log fire, cosy snug seating areas that welcome families, groups and dog owners. They also have a large well stocked bar of hot & cold drink favourites including mulled wine and hot cider. There will also be live music.

4. Hadrian's Tipi, former Crowtree site, November 21 - January 5

Hadrian’s Tipi is making a return to Sunderland for the second year running. This winter pop-up retreat offers everything a hardened Christmas shopper would want on a cold day. Inside you’ll find a warm log fire, cosy snug seating areas that welcome families, groups and dog owners. They also have a large well stocked bar of hot & cold drink favourites including mulled wine and hot cider. There will also be live music. Photo: JPI Media

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