We’ve rounded up 10 of the top things to do.
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1. Festival of Light, Mowbray Park, Sunderland
The Festival of Light is back in Sunderland with a new location at Mowbray Park. It will run from Thursdays to Sundays until December 22. Part of the Christmas in Sunderland programme, the Festival of Light is back with 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. Entry is from 4pm, with last entry at 8pm and the event closes at 9pm. Tickets are £3 per person with under 2s admitted free. You can book at the See It Do It Sunderland website. | JPIMedia Photo: JPI Media
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2. Keel Square ice rink, Sunderland
The open air ice rink in Keel Square, Sunderland, is running 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. | JPIMedia Photo: JPI Media
3. Snow White, Customs House, South Shields, November 27 - January 5
As part of the Customs House's 25th Anniversary celebrations the Little Panto with the Big Heart presents Snow White. Come see their take on the classic fairytale, performed for the first time since its first festive season in 1994. The Evil Queen, having banished her fair sister in a mirror, is now forced to look after her ward Snow White. Driven evil by her jealousy, she wishes to dispose of the fairest in the land. Will Dame Bella and Arbuthnot save the day or will heroes Sniffy and Whiffy smell something is rotten in the state of Cooksonville and help the Prince of the North find his true love. | Other 3rd Party Photo: Submitted
4. Aladdin, Gala Theatre Durham
Enjoy a magic carpet ride into the wonderful world of panto with Aladdin at Gala Theatre, Durham, running until January 5. The show will see wishes granted, romance blossom and riches lost and won as the talented cast bring the much-loved story of Aladdin and his lamp to life. Featuring a magical flying carpet, audiences will be transported to exotic locations such as China, Egypt and even Sacriston, following the streetwise hero as he attempts to make his town rich by marrying a princess. | Other 3rd Party Photo: Submitted