Last updated: 11 November 2024
Discover the essence of the holidays in North Shields with our overview guide. Find all the key festive events and activities. From North Shields devotees to casual admirers, this guide ensures a magical yuletide experience.
Popular events include the enchanting Fenwick Christmas Window Reveal, where artfully designed displays captivate those of all ages. Another highlight is Santa on the Roof at Fenwick Newcastle, where children can gaze in wonder as St. Nick makes his grand appearance. And the Newcastle's Christmas Market is something you definitely don't want to miss, offering a delightful array of seasonal treats and unique gifts. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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North Shields Holiday Light Displays
Enchanted Christmas Trails at Raby Castle
- What to Expect
- Twinkling lights and festive music illuminate the forest.
- Description
- Explore twinkling lights and festive decorations in The Plotters' Forest at Raby Castle, creating a captivating winter landscape with Christmas music guiding your path.
- Where
- Staindrop | More Info : Enchanted Christmas Trails at Raby Castle
Spirits of the Forest Twilight Lantern Walk at Cragside
- What to Expect
- Lantern walk through enchanted woodland with illuminated trees and cascades.
- Description
- At Cragside, families can embark on a twilight adventure through the Debdon Valley, carrying lanterns and following a sparkling route between glowing trees. Spot mischievous woodland animals and marvel at shimmering cascades. Climb stone steps to the Iron Bridge for family photos with the illuminated House as your backdrop. End your journey at the foot of the giant Christmas tree, lit with over 2000 lights.
- Where
- Rothbury | More Info : Spirits of the Forest Twilight Lantern Walk at Cragside
North Shields Holiday Markets and Shopping
Newcastle's Christmas Market
- What to Expect
- Family-focused activities and local trader support.
- Description
- Newcastle's Christmas Market offers a vibrant array of local traders and food stalls in Old Eldon Square, Grey Street, and Grainger Street. Enjoy family-friendly activities like Santa's Stories tipi, an Elf Workshop, and the Rockin’ Reindeer stage. Savor seasonal treats and unique gifts while taking in the festive atmosphere.
- Where
- Newcastle | More Info : Newcastle's Christmas Market
Moosenwirt Alpine Bar
- What to Expect
- Luxury igloos and vintage carousel.
- Description
- Moosenwirt Alpine Bar is a vibrant winter attraction featuring a family-friendly Christmas Village at Old Eldon Square with activities like Santa Stories tipi, Elf Workshop, and Rocking Reindeer. The event also includes a spectacular Christmas social experience at the Monument with luxury igloos overlooking Grey Street and the beloved Alpine Bar on Grey Street.
- Where
- Newcastle | More Info : Moosenwirt Alpine Bar
Festive Market at Spanish City
- What to Expect
- Unique gifts and local delicacies in a festive setting.
- Description
- The Festive Market at Spanish City features over 30 stalls offering unique, hand-crafted gifts and local delicacies. A brand-new outdoor marquee and festive food stalls create a vibrant atmosphere, complemented by live entertainment in The Champagne Bar.
- Where
- Whitley Bay | More Info : Festive Market at Spanish City
North Shields Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Grainger Market Santa's Grotto
- What to Expect
- Interactive Santa's grotto with early Christmas gifts and photo opportunities.
- Description
- Visit Santa's cozy grotto at Grainger Market, where children can discuss their Christmas lists and receive an early present. The grotto is centered in the heart of the market, with easy access and a North Pole postbox for posting letters.
- Where
- Newcastle | More Info : Grainger Market Santa's Grotto
Laser Light City
- What to Expect
- Synchronized light and sound show on historic Quayside buildings.
- Description
- Laser Light City is a spectacular light and music show featuring dynamic lasers, huge projections, and stunning pyrotechnics projected onto the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Arts, accompanied by a bespoke soundtrack.
- Where
- Newcastle | More Info : Laser Light City
The Frost Kingdom Father Christmas Experience at Ormesby Hall
- What to Expect
- Intimate character meet and greet with Father Christmas and friends.
- Description
- At The Frost Kingdom Father Christmas Experience at Ormesby Hall, families can enjoy a 30-minute show featuring Father Christmas, The Snow Queen, and Jack Frost. The event includes a meet and greet with the characters, a photo opportunity, and a craft gift to take home. Each showing has availability for 25 children, making it a special and intimate experience.
- Where
- Middlesbrough | More Info : The Frost Kingdom Father Christmas Experience at Ormesby Hall
North Shields Other Holiday Activities
Fenwick Christmas Window Reveal
- What to Expect
- Live unveiling of a new festive window display with public viewing.
- Description
- Fenwick's iconic Christmas window display returns with a new theme, unveiled live on social media channels at 6:30 PM on Sunday 3rd November. The window will be open for public viewing from Monday 4th November, featuring intricate designs and festive decorations.
- Where
- Newcastle | More Info : Fenwick Christmas Window Reveal
Santa on the Roof at Fenwick Newcastle
- What to Expect
- Interactive Christmas experience with Santa and his elves.
- Description
- Meet Santa and his elves on Fenwick Newcastle's rooftop, where you'll enjoy Christmas activities, festive treats, and panoramic views.
- Where
- Newcastle | More Info : Santa on the Roof at Fenwick Newcastle
Ice Skating at Life Science Centre
- What to Expect
- Real ice rink in Times Square for all ages.
- Description
- Ice Skating at Life Science Centre offers an open-air ice rink in Times Square, suitable for all ages and abilities. Skating sessions last approximately one hour, including time to fit skates. The rink is open from 9:30 AM to late Monday to Friday, with special hours on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve. Annual science centre members enjoy discounted rates.
- Where
- Newcastle | More Info : Ice Skating at Life Science Centre
Fenwick: Afternoon Tea with Santa
- What to Expect
- Interactive Christmas experience with Santa and festive treats.
- Description
- Join Fenwick for an unforgettable Afternoon Tea with Santa, featuring delicious sandwiches, scones, and mince pies, along with Christmas-themed activities and a special visit from Santa.
- Where
- Newcastle | More Info : Fenwick: Afternoon Tea with Santa
Santa's Enchanted Elf Journey at Whitehouse Farm
- What to Expect
- Interactive Christmas experience with Santa and festive activities.
- Description
- At Whitehouse Farm, Santa's Enchanted Elf Journey offers a unique Christmas experience where children can meet Santa, feed reindeer, and participate in festive activities like the Elf Challenge and Cuddle Factory. The event includes a variety of interactive games, animal interactions, and a chance to choose a gift from the Elves Toyshop.
- Where
- Morpeth | More Info : Santa's Enchanted Elf Journey at Whitehouse Farm
Father Christmas Experience at Wallington Hall
- What to Expect
- Intimate, accessible Father Christmas experience with reduced numbers and flexible programming.
- Description
- Meet Father Christmas in a quiet and accessible setting at Wallington Hall, where you'll listen to a festive story, make a Christmas decoration, and receive a gift to take home.
- Where
- Cambo | More Info : Father Christmas Experience at Wallington Hall
Woodland Fairy Trail at Gibside
- What to Expect
- Interactive fairy trail with clues and hidden treasures.
- Description
- Explore Gibside's woodland and help the gardeners uncover clues about mischievous fairies. Find toadstool seats for impish elves and miniature laundry lines for playful pixies. Discover secret nooks and hidden treasures in the woodlands.
- Where
- Rowlands Gill | More Info : Woodland Fairy Trail at Gibside