Last updated: 11 November 2024
Celebrate the magic of the holidays in Houghton-Le-Spring with our detailed guide. For Houghton-Le-Spring natives and newcomers, our guide showcases the city's top festive events.
Popular Events: Glide around the enchanting Ice Skating 2024 rink, where the spirit of Christmas glows beneath twinkling lights. With a unique atmosphere and cheerful music, it promises fun for all ages. Another highlight is Santa's Grotto 2024, a delightful experience that allows children to meet Father Christmas himself and share their holiday wishes. And the Winter Wonderland 2024 is something you definitely don't want to miss, featuring festive stalls and activities for the whole family. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
Have suggestions or corrections? Contact us!
Houghton-Le-Spring Holiday Light Displays
Northern Lights Newcastle
- What to Expect
- Inclusive light trail with dynamic choreography and original audio compositions.
- Description
- Northern Lights Newcastle features world-class illuminations and immersive installations in Leazes Park, designed to be inclusive and enjoyable for all ages. The event includes a Christmas Village with local food vendors and festive music, making it a perfect place to celebrate the season with family and friends.
- Where
- Newcastle | More Info : Northern Lights Newcastle
Houghton-Le-Spring Holiday Markets and Shopping
Rainton Arena Christmas Market
- What to Expect
- Large-scale Christmas shopping event with live music.
- Description
- Rainton Arena Christmas Market offers an Ultimate Christmas Shopping Experience with 100 stalls selling food, drinks, and gifts, along with live music.
- Where
- Houghton-le-Spring | More Info : Rainton Arena Christmas Market
Houghton-Le-Spring Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Winter Wonderland 2024
- What to Expect
- Interactive festive activities with themed food and drink options.
- Description
- Winter Wonderland 2024 at Rainton Arena offers a variety of attractions, activities, and entertainment, including ice skating, Santa's Grotto, and themed food stalls. The event transforms into a vibrant fairground with sparkling lights in the evenings, providing something for everyone.
- Where
- Houghton-le-Spring | More Info : Winter Wonderland 2024
Ice Skating 2024
- What to Expect
- Family-friendly ice skating sessions under the stars.
- Description
- Ice Skating 2024 at Rainton Arena offers a fun and energetic winter activity where families can choose various ice skating sessions, including afternoon, twilight, and after dark under the stars. The event is part of the Winter Wonderland festivities, providing a perfect winter activity to get moving and encourage quality time.
- Where
- Houghton-le-Spring | More Info : Ice Skating 2024
Santa's Grotto 2024
- What to Expect
- Daily meet and greets with Father Christmas.
- Description
- Meet Father Christmas at Santa's Grotto in Rainton, where children of all ages can enjoy daily meet and greets. All children require a ticket, including those under 2 years old, unless they are accompanying another paying child.
- Where
- Houghton-le-Spring | More Info : Santa's Grotto 2024
Christmas Pantomime
- What to Expect
- Classic fairy tale adaptation with pre- and post-show socializing.
- Description
- Join us for a delightful performance of Beauty and the Beast at the Gala Theatre, Durham. Meet at the Theatre cafe from 12:00 PM for coffee, drinks, and snacks before the show. After the pantomime, head to Wild Boar Wetherspoons in Houghton for a social gathering.
- Where
- Houghton-le-Spring | More Info : Christmas Pantomime
Tipi Bar and Grinch Ranch
- What to Expect
- Themed bars and food stalls with festive offerings.
- Description
- Tipi Bar offers a variety of festive drinks, while Grinch Ranch provides themed treats and meet-and-greets with Mr. Grinch.
- Where
- Houghton-le-Spring | More Info : Tipi Bar and Grinch Ranch
Meet Father Christmas
- What to Expect
- Traditional gift-giving experience with Father Christmas.
- Description
- Meet Father Christmas in his cosy Grotto at Rowley Station Goods Yard, where each child receives a small, traditional gift.
- Where
- Edmondsley | More Info : Meet Father Christmas
Storytime with the Elves
- What to Expect
- Interactive storytelling session with Santa's elves.
- Description
- Join Storytime with the Elves for an intimate and interactive session where children can engage with Santa's helpers and enjoy a special storytime experience.
- Where
- Gateshead | More Info : Storytime with the Elves
Christmas Cinema
- What to Expect
- Live orchestral performance of John Williams' score during a screening of Home Alone.
- Description
- Join us for a nostalgic screening of the beloved holiday comedy Home Alone, accompanied by the Royal Northern Sinfonia performing John Williams' iconic score. The event features the Rivers Edge choir, adding a heartwarming touch with their rendition of the main theme "Somewhere My Memory." Expect a delightful blend of slapstick humor and heartwarming moments as Kevin McCallister defends his home against bumbling burglars.
- Where
- Gateshead | More Info : Christmas Cinema
Houghton-Le-Spring Other Holiday Activities
The Naughty Elf Trail
- What to Expect
- Interactive themed rooms with storytelling, crafts, and audience participation.
- Description
- The Naughty Elf Trail is an interactive Christmas adventure featuring themed rooms where children can explore, participate in storytelling, crafts, and audience participation. Each room offers a unique experience with Chief Elf at the North Pole, Stinky the elf in the reindeer stables, Jingle the elf in the present sorting office, and Lily the elf at the naughty or nice test centre.
- Where
- Houghton-le-Spring | More Info : The Naughty Elf Trail
Fair Ground Rides
- What to Expect
- Thrilling carnival rides under festive lights.
- Description
- The Fair Ground Rides at Winter Wonderland offer a variety of thrilling attractions and classic carnival games, transforming Rainton Arena into a vibrant entertainment hub with thousands of sparkling lights.
- Where
- Houghton-le-Spring | More Info : Fair Ground Rides
Santa on the Rooftop
- What to Expect
- Interactive Christmas workshops with Santa and his elves.
- Description
- Join Fenwick Newcastle for a Christmas celebration on the rooftop, featuring Santa's cabin, interactive workshops, and panoramic views.
- Where
- Gateshead | More Info : Santa on the Rooftop
Christmas at Gibside
- What to Expect
- Holiday celebration with traditional music in a historic chapel setting.
- Description
- Celebrate the holiday season at Gibside with traditional Yuletide tunes in the historic Palladian chapel, surrounded by the estate's beautiful landscape garden.
- Where
- Rowlands Gill | More Info : Christmas at Gibside
Hall Hill Farm – Santa and Dasher Visit
- What to Expect
- Interactive Santa visits with festive farm activities.
- Description
- Meet Santa and Dasher at Hall Hill Farm, where children can enjoy activities like the Elves workshop, Santa's Tractor Ride, and seeing animals in their winter stables.
- Where
- Lanchester | More Info : Hall Hill Farm – Santa and Dasher Visit
North Yorkshire Moors Railway – Santa Specials
- What to Expect
- Traditional steam train ride with Santa Claus and unique keepsake items.
- Description
- Meet Santa Claus on a festive steam train ride through beautifully decorated Pickering Station, with unique Edmondson railway tickets and limited-edition soft toys for children.
- Where
- Pickering | More Info : North Yorkshire Moors Railway – Santa Specials
Christmas at Raby Estates
- What to Expect
- Intimate storytelling with Father Christmas by the fireplace.
- Description
- Delight in the charm of Christmas at Raby Castle, where beautifully decorated grounds and the Grand Entrance Hall offer a warm and inviting atmosphere. Gather by the fireplace to hear enchanting stories from Father Christmas, surrounded by twinkling lights and festive decorations. Enjoy festive afternoon teas, craft your own willow reindeer, and explore the Christmas market for unique gifts and treats.
- Where
- Co Durham | More Info : Christmas at Raby Estates
RedFox Gardenworld – A Journey to Santa’s Toy Shop
- What to Expect
- Interactive Santa's Toy Shop experience with Christmas decorations and market.
- Description
- At RedFox Garden World, embark on a delightful journey to Santa's Toy Shop, where children and adults alike can explore a festive and interactive experience filled with Christmas decorations, a Christmas market, and the joy of meeting Santa.
- Where
- South Tyneside | More Info : RedFox Gardenworld – A Journey to Santa’s Toy Shop
Breakfast with Santa
- What to Expect
- Hearty buffet breakfast with Santa visit.
- Description
- Join Valley Farm for a delightful Breakfast with Santa, featuring a delicious buffet breakfast for adults and kids, plus a special visit from Santa himself.
- Where
- Gateshead | More Info : Breakfast with Santa