Unique Festive Events & Activities In The North East This December
I recently shared my list of 70 things to do in December, but I wanted to expand on some of the really unique ones that are specific to the North East over this festive season. From winter light trails, to the Flying Scotsman on it’s centenary journey, carol services in unique places and one off experiences, here’s some of the more unique activities to do in the North East this December.
These events are all still runnings and have availability, even with just two weeks to go until Christmas. So there’s plenty time to make a plan and join in some festive fun.
Christmas & Winter Light Trails
There are many light trails available across the North East this winter, including the Alnwick Garden Winter Light Trail, Northern Lights in Leazes Park in Newcastle, and AGLOW at Auckland Castle to name a few.
I was invited to both Northern Lights and Alnwick Garden light trails this year, and they’re both worth doing but are different from each other.
Northern Lights
It’s the first year of Northern Lights, running through Leazes Park in the centre of Newcastle. I think it’s great that there’s one so central as it’s really handy for more people to reach, with the metro and parking options really close by.
The trail has a number of installations through the park, making use of the lake, the trees and the park features. Aurora Rising over the water was beautiful, the laser woods are crazy, and my favourite was the North Star in the pavilion at the end.
It’s very much a winter trail, it isn’t Christmassy at all aside from the food village at the end. You can access the bar and food stalls on the way in, and I’d recommend doing this to get a mulled wine to carry round with you to keep you warm!
There are still tickets available for Northern Lights here.
Alnwick Garden Winter Light Trail
The Alnwick Garden light trail was brilliant, I don’t know why I thought it would be the same as last year but it’s absolutely not, they’ve somehow managed to make it more interactive, more festive and more fabulous this year again.
There’s a lot of interactive elements to it that you discover as you go round,, some of my favourites being the Geordie snowman – his jokes were really funny, the snowzone where you push the button for snow and it has a loveseat in the middle, the dancing penguins on the water and the star tunnel that everyone loves for a photo opportunity.
Amongst all this there’s the typically traditional and beautiful lit up reindeers, polar bears and Christmas trees dotted about covered in fairy lights, including the oldest tree and there’s tipi stops for mulled wine and hot chocolate.
The trail leads to the fountain finale which is spectacular. If you’ve never been before I’d really recommend it, and extend your visit with an afternoon in Alnwick town centre. It’s very festive and there’s some beautiful shops and cosy pubs to find too.
Get tickets for Alnwick Light Trail online here.
Grainger Market Christmas
The historic Grainger Market is opening 7 days a week through December, with Christmas music, performances and crafts available at weekends too. Many traders are part of the market outside, but some of them can only be found in the Grainger Market. It’s well worth a visit, you might find some really one of bits and bobs, not to mention the finest butchers, bakeries and fruit and veg stalls for your Christmas food shop.
The weigh house are continuing the tradition of letting you weigh yourself if you want to, and then will invite you back after Christmas to see what the damage is. It’s a bit of fun so don’t take it too seriously, although that said I certainly won’t be hopping on the scales!
South Causey Christmas Events
South Causey Inn in County Durham really know how to do Christmas well, with a full program on offer with so many different types of events each day until Christmas. Some of the ones I’ve picked out include doggy afternoon tea, as they’re so dog friendly you can take your dogs for a festive dog friendly afternoon. One of the dates is sold out but the other does have tickets left.
They also have the extremely popular Christmas carriage rides, where you get your own horse drawn carriage to snuggle up in, with mince pies and mulled wine as you go on a two mile ride enjoying the view. These sound fabulous and it’s no wonder all but one date is sold out. Monday 18th December has availability.
In addition to these events, they’re also hosting wreath making evenings, live music and tribute nights including Adele ABBA, George Michaels and Robbie Williams, a Christmas Choir event and a brass band. Having heard the brass band at Beamish I love the sound of this they’re so traditional and festive.
South Causey are also running a 12 days of Christmas advent on their Instagram where they’re giving away a lot of free things, so make sure you’re following. See the dates they’re being released as well as the full Christmas at South Causey Inn event guide here. You can also visit their Christmas market, which I’ve done a full review of here. One of the best in the North East in my opinion.
Raby Castle & High Force, County Durham
A visit to Raby Castle is always enjoyable, especially a walk through Deer Park – which is well worth doing anyway, and the walk to High Force Waterfall. They also have a number of other unique activities during the festive season too.
For families you could also do the Plotter’s Forrest Trail, which is a ticketed event through December and January. It’s an enchanting Christmas trail with festive music, twinkly lights and plenty of fun to be had. To buy tickets take a look on the website here.
Alternatively, you could also do a stargazing supper, on either the 15th or 16th December. This event includes a three course meal at High Force Hotel, before heading off to the waterfall for the stargazing experience. Binoculars are provided and the trail will be lit up for some photo opportunities. If you’re interested in this see all the stargazing supper details here.
Bamburgh Castle Christmas Kingdom
The stunning Bamburgh Castle has again transformed the state rooms into a Christmas spectacular display, with the theme this year being Myths & Legends, inspired by local Northumberland tales and folklore. Think fairies, enchanted forests and mermaid lagoons.
General admission will let you see the display as you walk around, and it’s open until 7th January. Bamburgh Castle is incredible to visit, so if you can do this then head up there and enjoy followed by food at either the Potted Lobster or the Lord Crewe – both are amazing.
More details on the Bamburgh Castle website here.
Christmas at Beamish Daytimes
Beamish is just fabulous for everyone of all ages at Christmas, a really festive day out with loads to see and do. The Christmas evenings are sold out, but the daytimes anyone can visit until 24th December.
The open air museum takes you through areas like the 1900s Edwardian town, the 1950s Georgian town, the 1900s pit village and the 1940s farm to name a few, and all have been decorated for Christmas.
Don’t miss the big Christmas tree and the sweetshop in the town, you might also spot Santa driving through too, and grab a mulled wine or hot chocolate from the pub. The fish n chip shop in the 1950s section is a must visit, with the most incredible beef dripping chips to enjoy while the street accordion plays Christmas tunes.
Make sure you go through Elf Wood to see what the elves are up to, enjoy the fairground rides, the choirs and the characters that wander the street. The brass band also play Christmas tunes in the park and it’s one of the most festive atmosphere’s you could hope for at this time of year.
Visit the Beamish website for all you need to know about admission, memberships, and booking extras like Santa’s Grotto, and my review of Beamish daytimes a couple of years ago.
Flying Scotsman at Christmas
The famous steam train, the Flying Scotsman is going to be at Locomotion in County Durham this Christmas, so you can pay it a visit, go onboard and see how it works. They’ll be playing the Flying Scotsman: 100 Years film in celebration of it’s centenary, and there will be activities for kids too.
See more about this and info on visiting the Flying Scotsman here.
Christmas Glamping at Forcett Grange
There are any number of glamping opportunities across the region, but many are booked out so far in advance. Forcett Grange glamping however, are going the extra mile for Christmas. Enjoy a hot tub, dog friendly stay where your cabin will overlook the Christmas tree. Imagine sitting with a wine in your hot tub with that view – sounds so festive.
They’ve also recently opened their new sauna and wellness facilities where you can rest and rejuvenate. Sounds amazing if you need a slower pace for a night or too during such a busy time of year. They’re offering 20% off stays in December too.
Take a look on their instagram here.
North East Tasting – Private Wine Tastings
North East Tasting host monthly wine tastings in unique venues, I joined the first one on Warkworth Beach in October and it’s a great friendly event, where you’ll enjoy some delicious, buyable wines and learn a lot from the experience too.
Although the monthly event for December has passed, they also do private wine tasting events. So if you’re entertaining at home over the festive season and want to do something a bit different, this will honestly be a great thing to enjoy as a group.
See more on the website here and take a look on Instagram.
Christmas Magic at Matfen Hall
I think sometimes people are put off visiting luxury hotels like Matfen Hall if they’re not staying there, but actually Matfen is very welcoming and has some lovely things to do in the run up to Christmas. Firstly they have their Christmas markets each Thursday, and the one on the 14th December also has the option to do wine tasting too.
They also have a synthetic ice rink which is great for kids as they’re a lot less likely to fall over, and the champagne ice skating experience means parents/adults can enjoy a glass of champagne during the session from the Laurent Perrier champagne truck.
The Santa’s Grotto here is also beautiful I had a sneak peak, and is available at weekends. There’s plenty photo opportunities in the gardens too as it’s all decorated for the season.
A stay here would be nothing short of fabulous, and they have some offers on two or three night stays, as well as festive dining and afternoon tea options.
Don’t discount it if you’re not staying, and there’s a brilliant pub nearby in Great Whittington you could turn it into a great day out over that way.
Allards Christmas Carols
Allards serve up some of the best tapas in North Tyneside at their three locations, Tynemouth, North Shields and the recently opened Monkseaton venue. This year they have a program of festive events including Christmas Carols. I know Christmas carols are nothing new but it’s always nice to support businesses when they put on extra events over the festivities.
Join in on the 11th December at Allards on the Quay from 7pm, and Allards Monkseaton on 18th December from 7pm. Song sheets are provided and they will have offers on their tapas throughout.
They also do some incredible seasonal cocktails which you could enjoy after. See the full Allards Christmas program here.
Visit Cragside at Christmas
Cragside House may be closed for entry during winter, but the grounds and gardens still have plenty on offer through the festive season. They have a Merry Maze trail until 1st January which has quiz clues and selfie props as you make your way around. Spot the mischievous mice dotted around the grounds or join in festive decoration making at the Stables.
Cragside is also a great location for a winter walk, and they have plenty of trails you can download and follow for some fresh air, ideal for between Christmas and New Year when you need to walk off some of the mince pies.
Find all details of what’s on at Cragside here.
Middleton Lodge Christmas Carols
I know I’m repeating myself suggesting a lot of the same places for things to do over Christmas, and Middleton Lodge appeared in my luxury stays suggestions for over the festive period, but at least you know the recommendations are genuine! And none more so than this one.
Middleton Lodge is just fabulous at Christmas, it’s the epitome of country luxury and with the amazing food, out of this world spa and beautiful accommodation, you won’t regret a stay there. However, if you’re looking for an excuse to visit without staying, they’re also hosting a Christmas Carols night in the main house.
The local Croft Church Choir will be joining, and there will be mince pies and drinks on offer with all proceeds going to the choir. Find out more and book here.
There’s bound to be so many more one off events or unique things to do in the North East this Christmas, but these were the ones i came across when looking about. If you do any let me know, I’ve been sharing a few of these over on my Instagram if you want to see some photos and videos in more detail of some of these activities mentioned.
Other posts you might like:
South Causey Christmas markets – every Tuesday!
Newcastle Christmas Market 2023
Luxury Stays in the North East for the Festive Season