What's On in Newcastle, Gateshead & Northumberland

MEET AND MAKE

Time: Sundays 2-4pm

Venue: Baltic

Address: Gateshead Quays, NE8 3BA

Website: www.balticmill.com

Take part in free artist-led workshops perfect for families with children aged 5-12.

TODDLER TIME

Time: Wednesdays 10am-6pm

Venue: Baltic

Address: Gateshead Quays, NE8 3BA

Website: www.balticmill.com

Toddler time explores the themes of colour, sound and touch, and is designed to support your toddler to play, make, think and do. Have fun and investigate new ways to play in these changing drop-in activities.

UNDER 5'S PLAY HIVE

Time: 10am-6pm

Venue: Baltic

Address: Gateshead Quays, NE8 3BA

Website: www.balticmill.com

Drop in every Wednesday to Sunday to this area where under 5s celebrates Baltic's journey from a flour mill to our present day as an art gallery. Through play, we invite you to explore our past, present...

WONDER & WANDER TOUR

Time: Wednesdays 10.30am

Venue: Baltic

Address: Gateshead Quays, NE8 3BA

Website: www.balticmill.com

Soak up some art with the barins and join a member of our Learning Team (alongside Kitty the Kittiwake) for a Wonder and Wander tour where you and your little one can discover our current exhibitions through...

COWGATE YOUNG THEATRE MAKERS

Time: Mondays 4-6pm

Venue: Cowgate Community Centre,

Address: NE5 3UT.

Website: www.unfoldingtheatre.co.uk

An exciting new drama group for children & young people during term-time that uses drama, theatre-making, movement & creative writing to create & share stories. For ages 8 -14 years old. Delivered...

EAST END STORY MAKERS

Time: Wednesdays 4-4.50pm

Venue: Byker Primary School,

Address: NE6 2AT.

Website: www.unfoldingtheatre.co.uk

A creative group for children and young people during term-time that uses drama, music, movement, creative writing & food to create & share stories. For children & young people aged 5 -14 and...

STEAM TO GREEN

Venue: Discovery Museum

Address: Blandford Square, NE1 4JA

Website: www.discoverymuseum.org.uk

Discovery Museum's new FREE exhibiton which tells the story of energy & the climate crisis in the North East by looking back to the industrial revolution, & forward to the pioneering contributions in green...

NORTH EAST DEAF YOUTH THEATRE

Time: 9.30-11.30am

Venue: Gosforth Civic Theatre,

Address: NE3 3HD

Website: www.unfoldingtheatre.co.uk

North East Deaf Theatre aims to support deaf children and young people to develop their creative skills, build confidence and form new friendships.  Together with deaf arts organisation Turtléar,...

QUEEN HEAVEN

Time: 6.30pm

Venue: Life Science Centre

Address: Times Square, NE1 4EP

Website: www.life.org.uk

Enjoy some of legendary rock band Queen’s greatest hits set to fun, exciting visuals in Life’s Planetarium (a 360° immersive dome). Approved by Queen & inspired by their music, &...

FEBRUARY REOPENING

Venue: Life Science Centre

Address: Times Square, NE1 4EP

Website: www.life.org.uk

Life Science Centre reopens on Saturday 1 February, after a period of closure for exciting upgrades, essential maintenance & team training, ahead of Life’s 25th birthday in May. Among the exciting new...

NEWCASTLE CASTLE

Time: 10am-5pm

Venue: Newcastle Castle

Address: Castle Garth, NE1 1RQ

Website: www.newcastlecastle.co.uk

The city's most historic building & attraction, Newcastle Castle & Keep is open 5 days a week 10am-5pm during winter hours & all week at Half Term. Enjoy a day out exploring the landmarks & discovering...

NEW LIGHTBOX

Venue: Life Science Centre

Address: Times Square, NE1 4EP

Website: www.life.org.uk

Life celebrates its 25th birthday this month & to celebrate, Lightbox is opening on Saturday 24 May, an exciting NEW collection of hands-on exhibits to get stuck into.  Step inside a 6-metre-high tornado,...

COWGATE YOUNG THEATRE MAKERS

Time: Every Monday 4-6pm

Venue: The Cowshed

Address: Houghton Avenue, Cowgate NE5 3UT

Website: www.unfoldingtheatre.co.uk

An exciting new drama group for children & young people aged 8-14 during term-time that uses drama, theatre-making, movement & creative writing to create & share stories. Delivered by Unfolding Theatre...

FESTIVE FUN

Venue: Life Science Centre

Address: Times Square, NE1 4EP

Website: www.life.org.uk

Make magical memories this Christmas with a festive day out at Life. Cosy up in the 360° immersive dome for our delightful, animated show What Santa Sees. Craft unique festive creations in our Making...

OUTDOOR ICE SKATING

Venue: Life Science Centre

Address: Times Square, NE1 4EP

Website: www.life.org.uk

Life’s ice rink is back from Saturday 8 November for 8 weeks only! Enjoy an open-air whirl on real ice for a smooth skate. The rink is ideal for ice skaters of all abilities. Plus they have loads of...

NEWCASTLE CHRISTMAS MARKETS

Time: From 10am every day

Venue: Newcastle City Centre,

Address: NE1

Website: www.newcastleschristmas.com/markets

Get ready for a magical Christmas experience as Newcastle's Christmas Market returns to the city. With brand new additions, the return of the much-loved Christmas Village, & plenty of tasty food stalls...

DISNEY ON ICE

Venue: Utilita Arena

Address: NE4 7NA

Website: www.utilitaarena.co.uk

Experience the legacy of Disney as Disney On Ice presents Find Your Hero, a brand-new magical adventure for the whole family! Discover what it truly means to be a hero as Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse &...

GOLDILOCKS & THE THREE BEARS

Venue: Customs House

Address: South Shields, NE33 1ES

Website: www.customshouse.co.uk/theatre

Step right up for a magical, madcap adventure in this spectacular pantomime, Goldilocks & the Three Bears! Join the fabulous Dame Bella, the queen of the big top, & her hapless but lovable sidekick Dennis...

90 YEARS GOING FURTHER TOGETHER

Venue: Discovery Museum

Address: Blandford Square, NE1 4JA

Website: www.discoverymuseum.org.uk

A display celebrating 90 years of Newcastle International Airport from its inception, its role in the Second World War to its place in the North East region today. Featuring images from the Airport’s...

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH ON

Time: 10am-6.30pm

Venue: Market Place

Address: Blyth, NE24 1BW

Website: www.greatnorthumberland.co.uk/luminarium

Enjoy an exciting line up of live music, browse festive market stalls, and treat yourself to delicious seasonal food and drinks. Enjoy funfair rides, creative face painting, and colourful balloons. Santa...

FIND THE FLOCK

Time: 10am-4pm

Venue: Belsay Hall, Castle & Gardens

Address: NE20 0DX

Website: www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/belsay-hall-castle-and-gardens

Herd your family together for a baaa-rilliant Christmas trail this festive season. Grab a trail map & track down twelve super-sized sculptures of Shaun the Sheep designed by different artists. The trail...

THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISMOUSE

Venue: Northern Stage

Address: NE1 7RH

Website: www.northernstage.co.uk

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house not a creature was stirring, not even a…MOUSE! Join MOUSE on a Christmas Eve mission to deliver a present.  Climb to the top of the pile...

THE SANTA EXPERIECE

Venue: Life Science Centre

Address: Times Square, NE1 4EP

Website: www.life.org.uk

The sell out Santa Experience is back. A magical, festive experience that you won’t find anywhere else. And you get access to the science centre too, for FREE, making this a unique, & great value,...

WOODLAND FAIRY TRAIL

Time: 10am-4pm

Venue: Gibside NT

Address: NE16 6BG

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/gibside

Discover the secrets of the woodland fairies at Gibside. Speak softly & keep your eyes wide, as magic stirs deep in the woodlands. Where the frost clings to fern & holly, whispers of fairy life can be...

ALADDIN

Venue: Newcastle Theatre Royal

Address: NE1 6BR

Website: www.theatreroyal.co.uk

Enter a whole new world of pantomime with a brand-new version of Aladdin celebrating Danny & Clive’s 20th year as the stars of the Theatre Royal panto! Michael Harrison’s retelling of the legendary...

NORTHERN LIGHTS NEWCASTLE

Venue: Leazes Park,

Address: Richardson Rd, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE2 4BJ 

Website: www.northernlightsnewcastle.com/new-for-2025/

This magical Christmas light trail will transform the park into a winter wonderland with enchanting illuminations, captivating zones & a festive food village. Ticket prices -Adults from £15.00, Child...

A CANNY CHRISTMAS GROTTO

Venue: Discovery Museum

Address: Blandford Square, NE1 4JA

Website: www.discoverymuseum.org.uk

Ho Ho Howay! A new Christmas tradition at Discovery Museum. Step into a Geordie winter wonderland at the Canny Christmas Grotto.  From twinkling lights to the warmest welcome this side of the Tyne,...

BLYTH CELEBRATES CHRISTMAS

Venue: Market PLace,

Address: Blyth, NE24 1BW

Website: www.greatnorthumberland.co.uk/whatson

This Christmas, Blyth town centre will sparkle with festive spirit. Enjoy seasonal markets, delicious food & stalls full of Christmas treats & gifts. Follow the Advent Trail, meet special guests & soak...

FATHER CHRISTMAS AT BELSAY

Venue: Belsay Hall, Castle & Gardens

Address: NE20 0DX

Website: www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/belsay-hall-castle-and-gardens

Join Father Christmas as he tells some of his favourite seasonal stories around the Christmas tree & then meet the man himself, with the chance to take photographs plus every child receives a traditional...

MAKE A CHRISTMAS CARD

Time: 11am-1pm

Venue: Shipley Art Gallery

Address: Prince Consort Road, NE8 4JB

Website: www.shipleyartgallery.org.uk

Drop-in from 11am - 1pm to create a Christmas card or small painting using watercolours & coloured pencils. Free event but donations welcome.

THE ELF EXPRESS 2025

Time: Every Sat & Sun 9.45am-3.45pm plus Monday 22nd December

Venue: Stephenson Railway Museum

Address: Middle Engine Lane, NE29 8DX

Website: www.stephensonrailwaymuseum.org.uk

Make this Christmas a real cracker with a trip on board the Elf Express! Meet the Chief Elf as well as Santa Claus himself & enjoy an interactive Christmas performance before jumping on board a heritage...

THE SERVANT'S BALL

Time: 11am-3pm

Venue: Cragside NT

Address: NE65 7PX

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cragside

While the Armstrong family are away, the servants are at play & throwing a mischievous party. It’s a revelrous rebellion of ribbons & over-sized decorations, with a sprinkle of rule-breaking. Expect...

THE UK'S TALLEST LIVING CHRISTMAS TREE

Time: 11am-3pm

Venue: Cragside NT

Address: NE65 7PX

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cragside

Standing at over 42-metres tall, this towering Christmas spectacle is more than twice the height of the Angel of the North& is decked out in multi-colur with 1,200 light bulbs! 11am-3pm with late evenings...

ROBIN'S LANTERN QUEST

Venue: Wallington NT

Address: NE61 4AR

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wallington

Step into a magical winter adventure at Wallington’s China Pond! Follow fun clues around the pond to discover hidden augmented reality lanterns. Collect them in the app to unlock a beautiful wintry scene...

MRS CHRISTMAS & WALKAROUND FATHER CHRISTMAS

Time: 11.30am-3pm

Venue: Wallington NT

Address: NE61 4AR

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wallington

Mrs Christmas is back! With her sparkly shoes & books galore, pick your beanbag & snuggle in for her wonderful storytelling.Plus whilst walking around the House, keep your eyes out for a very special guest....

BEAUTY & THE BEAST

Venue: Northern Stage

Address: NE1 7RH

Website: www.northernstage.co.uk

A stolen rose spells bad news for heroine Belle & her unfortunate dad in this enchantingly wicked retelling of Beauty & the Beast. Families are invited to join the narrators – two mischievous fairies...

DECEMBER HOME EDUCATION DAY

Time: 10am-3pm

Venue: Life Science Centre

Address: Times Square, NE1 4EP

Website: www.life.org.uk

Enjoy a fantastic day (10am-3pm) of learning with other home educators.  Aimed at young learners aged 5-14, this day gives Home Educated children the opportunity to enjoy a day of exciting, exclusive...

BEAUTY & THE BEAST

Venue: Whitley Bay Playhouse

Address: NE26 1LZ

Website: www.playhousewhitleybay.co.uk

The timeless panto of love & magic..It's a tale as old as time! Blue Genie Entertainment return with their next Christmas production starring BAFTA award-winning CBBC star Dani HAmer, the unforgettable...

CINDERELLA

Venue: Tyne Theatre & Opera House

Address: Westgate Road, NE1 4AG

Website: www.tynetheatreandoperahouse.uk

Join in the festive fun with the lovable Buttons, the handsome Prince Charming, the wicked Ugly Sisters, the magical Fairy Godmother &, of course, the beautiful Cinderella & make it a Christmas to remember...

SOUTH TYNESIDE WINTER PARADE

Time: 5.30-8pm

Venue: Haven Point,

Address: South Shields NE33 2JS

Website: www.southtyneside.gov.uk/christmas

Families are invited to join a celebration of the natural world in this year's parade which sets off along Ocean Road at 5:30pm with an explosion of sound & light. As the parade ends along Sea Road,...

STORYTIME WITH SANTA

Venue: Gosforth Civic Theatre

Address: NE3 3HD

Website: www.gosforthcivictheatre.co.uk

Gather around & meet Santa in a magical winter wonderland with a tale told by St.Nick himself & talk about what Christmas means to everyone. £15 per child, price includes admission for a maximum of two...

BALTIC SQUARE CHRISTMAS MARKET

Time: 10am-3pm

Venue: Baltic Square

Address: Gateshead Quays, NE8 3BA

Website: www.urbanparkmarket.co.uk/event/urban-park-christmas-market-2/

Get ready to step into the festive spirit this winter as Gateshead Quayside’s Baltic Square transforms into a festive wonderland filled with Christmas cheer! The Christmas Market returns from 10am-3pm...

FATHER CHRISTMAS AT HEXHAM OLD GAOL

Venue: Hexham Old Gaol,

Address: Hallgate, NE46 3NH

Website: www.northeastmuseums.org.uk/hexhamoldgaol

Don't miss your chance to meet Father Christmas in this magnificent medieval tower every weekend before Christmas plus Monday 22nd & Tuesday 23rd. Selected 45 minute time slots available. £17 per child...

FESTIVE TALES

Venue: Woodhorn Museum & Country Park

Address: NE63 9YF

Website: www.northeastmuseums.org.uk/woodhorn

This Christmas sees the return of the popular Festive Tales at Woodhorn Museum – a magical festive experience where children can meet Father Christmas, share their Christmas wishes, & take home an early...

MAKE A CHRISTMAS CARD

Time: 11am-1pm

Venue: Shipley Art Gallery

Address: Prince Consort Road, NE8 4JB

Website: www.shipleyartgallery.org.uk

Drop-in from 11am - 1pm to create a Christmas card or small painting using watercolours & coloured pencils. Free event but donations welcome.

NORTH SHIELDS CHRISTMAS MARKET

Time: From 10am each day

Venue: Northumberland Square,

Address: North Shields, NE30

The popular, annual market returns offering a wide variety of goods including gifts, homeware, crafts & artisan produce. There will also be entertainment, live music & fairground rides for children plus...

ONCE UPON A CHRISTMAS

Time: Every Sat 11.15am-3pm

Venue: South Shields Museum & Art Gallery,

Address: Ocean Road, NE33 2JA

Website: www.southshieldsmuseum.org.uk

Celebrate Christmas with The Holly King & Ivy Queen with this new Christmas event at the museum. Set on a festively decorated Victorian Street, you'll meet the Holly King & Ivy Queen for some Christmas...

SANTA AT THE LIGHTHOUSE

Time: Selected dates

Venue: St Mary’s Lighthouse

Address: Whitley Bay, NE26 4RS

Website: www.bookwhen.com/ntc-lighthouse#focus=ev-sthvc-20251206093000

Visit Santa in his grotto including gift & creative crafts. £15 per child. Booking online essential.

SATURDAY ART CLASSES

Time: 10.15-11.45am & 1.45-3.15pm

Venue: Laing Art Gallery

Address: New Bridge Street, NE1 8AG

Website: www.laingartgallery.org.uk

An inclusive art class held on the first Saturday of every month for 10-15 year olds. £5 per child.Pre-booking essential at www.laingartgallery.org.uk.

THE MUPPET CHRISTMAS CAROL

Time: 11am

Venue: Baltic

Address: Gateshead Quays, NE8 3BA

Website: www.baltic.art

At 11am join Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy & all the hilarious Muppets in this merry, magical version of Charles Dickens' classic tale. Michael Caine gives a performance that's anything but "bah, humbug!"...

A COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS

Time: 12-4pm

Venue: Tynemouth Priory

Address: NE30 4BZ

Website: www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/tynemouth-priory-and-castle

Celebrate the festive season with an afternoon of live music, local food & family fun. Enjoy performances from a bagpiper, the Blyth Samba Band, Sax on the Tyne & local choirs plus children can enjoy colouring...

CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT

Venue: Jesmond Parish Church,

Address: NE2 4DJ

Website: www.carolsbycandlelight.org.uk

With Christmas carols, Bible readings & a short talk, Carols by Candlelight is back! All welcome. Free admission. See website for timings. Doors open 20 minutes before the service starts.

WHERE DO ALL THE KITTIWAKES GO AT CHRISTMAS

Venue: Live Theatre, Quayside,

Address: NE1 3DQ

Website: www.live.org.uk

Live Theatre present a deliciously wintry new play this Christmas, sprinkled with ideas from local schoolchildren. This festive tale will have the whole family squawking with laughter! Tickets Adult £16.00,...

JACK & THE BEANSTALK

Venue: The Exchange Theatre

Address: Howard Street, North Shields, NE30 1SE

Website: www.theexchange1856.com

Oh no he didn’t! Oh yes he did! The magic of panto returns with a giant-sized adventure for all the family! This year, climb sky-high with Jack and the Beanstalk — a laugh-out-loud, song-filled spectacular...

CHRISTMAS COOKIE WORKSHOP

Time: 10.30-11.30am

Venue: Shipley Art Gallery

Address: Prince Consort Road, NE8 4JB

Website: www.shipleyartgallery.org.uk

You'll be given two freshly baked cookies & one freshly baked gingerbread to decorate with a festive theme. Using a range of brightly coloured icing, The Cookie Fairy will guide you through simple step-by-step...

FAMILY ART CLASS

Time: 10.30am - 12 noon & 1-2.30pm

Venue: Shipley Art Gallery

Address: Prince Consort Road, NE8 4JB

Website: www.shipleyartgallery.org.uk

A monthly Saturday art class for 7 - 12 year olds. At each session you'll be guided by a professional artist to discover a different art technique, such as watercolours, ceramics, mixed media, drawing...

HEXHAM CHRISTMAS MARKET

Time: 9am-3.30pm

Venue: Hexham Abbey & Market Place,

Address: NE46

Have a wonderful day out enjoying Hexham's annual Christmas Market. Local makers offer a wide range of Christmas gifts and decorations and you can source foodie treats from the Farmers' Market. It's is...

A TOWN CALLED CHRISTMAS

Venue: Gosforth Civic Theatre

Address: NE3 3HD

Website: www.gosforthcivictheatre.co.uk

Clementine dreams of a gingerbread village where chocolate coins are currency, & laughter hangs like baubles in the air! The happiest place on Earth. Or at least it used to be. Together with a cantankerous...

THE GREAT DINOSAUR CHRISTMAS SHOW

Time: 11am-2.45pm

Venue: Great North Museum

Address: Barras Bridge, NE2 4PT

Website: www.greatnorthmuseum.org.uk

Step into a Prehistoric Winter Wonderland this festive season where you can meet dinosaurs & enjoy interactive performances. Perfect for families & dino-lovers of all ages, this magical event blends science,...

FESTIVE FILM SCREENINGS

Venue: Gosforth Civic Theatre

Address: NE3 3HD

Website: www.gosforthcivictheatre.co.uk

A day of festive films shown at Gosforth Civiv Theatre - 10.30am Arthur Christmas, 2pmHome Alone & 5.30pm Elf. Book online.

WINTER HOLIDAY CLUB

Time: (times vary)

Venue: Various locations across South Tyneside,

Address: NE32-34.

Website: www.southtyneside.gov.uk/holidayclub

Fun, free activities & meals for children receiving benefit related FSM in South Tyneside. Activities include sports, music, arts, crafts, outdoor & indoor challenges, treasure trails & wellbeing & healthy...

PUDDING FUN RUN 2025

Time: 10.30am

Venue: The Links,

Address: Whitley Bay, NE26 1TQ

Website: www.racebest.com/races/kkcvy

Woodlawn School's annual charity fun run to work off the Christmas Dinner. Organised by Woodlawn Parents & Friends Association & North Shields Polytechnic Club. As this is a FUN run christmas costumes...

WINTER WARMERS

Time: 11.30am-3pm

Venue: Stephenson Railway Museum

Address: Middle Engine Lane, NE29 8DX

Website: www.stephensonrailwaymuseum.org.uk

Looking for something fun to do, that isn’t sales shopping between Christmas & New Year? Get wrapped up & enjoy a relaxing heritage train ride on this 4 mile historic urban line. Pre-booking recommended.

HOWAYMANAY - NEWCASTLE'S NEW YEAR'S EVE

Time: 6pm - 12.15am

Venue: Newcastle Quayside NE1

Address: NE1

Website: www.newcastleschristmas.com/new-years-eve

This New Year’s Eve, Newcastle’s Quayside is the place to be as it transforms into the city’s biggest celebration… It starts with a free, family-friendly event on the Quayside, with a fabulous...

FAMILY ART CLASS

Time: 10.30am - 12 noon & 1-2.30pm

Venue: Shipley Art Gallery

Address: Prince Consort Road, NE8 4JB

Website: www.shipleyartgallery.org.uk

A monthly Saturday art class for 7 - 12 year olds. At each session you'll be guided by a professional artist to discover a different art technique, such as watercolours, ceramics, mixed media, drawing...

BUILD YOUR OWN BIRD BOX

Time: 10.30am-12pm

Venue: Gateshead Central Library

Address: Prince Consort Road, NE8 4LN

Website: www.gateshead.gov.uk/article/7720/Gateshead-Live

Drop-in to this FREE bird box building workshop & take your bespoke piece home to use for the RSPB Big Bird Watch. Assemble your bird box kit (made from salvaged wood) & decorate it for your feathered...

JANUARY HOME EDUCATION DAY

Time: 10am-3pm

Venue: Life Science Centre

Address: Times Square, NE1 4EP

Website: www.life.org.uk

Enjoy a fantastic day (10am-3pm) of learning with other home educators.  Aimed at young learners aged 5-14, this day gives Home Educated children the opportunity to enjoy a day of exciting, exclusive...

LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD

Time: 2pm & 4pm

Venue: Northern Stage

Address: NE1 7RH

Website: www.northernstage.co.uk

A little kindness goes a long way in this playful retelling of the classic fairy tale by Northern Ballet. Little Red Riding Hood is a kind little girl who loves her family. On the way to visit her grandmother,...

DEAR ZOO LIVE!

Time: 1.30pm & 4pm

Venue: Customs House

Address: South Shields, NE33 1ES

Website: www.customshouse.co.uk/theatre

Dear Zoo the timeless children’s classic book returns to the stage! The story of a child who writes to the zoo asking them to send a pet brings a magical experience to the stage as the show unfolds with...

THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL

Venue: Tyne Theatre & Opera House

Address: Westgate Road, NE1 4AG

Website: www.tynetheatreandoperahouse.uk

When the citizens of Bikini Bottom discover that a volcano will soon erupt & destroy their humble home, SpongeBob & his friends must come together to save the fate of their undersea world. With lives hanging...