Last updated: 11 November 2024
Explore the festive highlights of South Shields with our guide. We’ve compiled all the key events and activities for you. From those who know South Shields's secrets to those eager to uncover them, this guide ensures a magical holiday season.
This year, visitors can embark on a wondrous adventure at Santa's Enchanted Elf Journey, where children can meet elves, enjoy magical storytelling, and explore winter wonderlands. Another delightful event is Frost Fest, showcasing live performances and a charming Christmas market featuring local artisans. And the Enchanted Christmas Trails is something you definitely don't want to miss, inviting families to explore beautifully lit paths filled with festive cheer. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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South Shields Holiday Light Displays
Enchanted Christmas Trails
- What to Expect
- Immersive Christmas light trail with special treats for children.
- Description
- Step into a world of twinkling lights and festive decorations as you explore The Plotters' Forest Enchanted Christmas Trail. This captivating trail promises an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages, with 2 hours of playtime in the forest and access to the Deer Park.
- Where
- Raby Castle | More Info : Enchanted Christmas Trails
Spirits of the Forest Twilight Lantern Walk
- What to Expect
- Lantern-lit forest walk to a towering Christmas tree.
- Description
- Explore Cragside's enchanted Debdon Valley with a lantern, spotting woodland animals and marveling at shimmering cascades as you make your way to the UK's Tallest Living Christmas Tree.
- Where
- Rothbury | More Info : Spirits of the Forest Twilight Lantern Walk
South Shields Holiday Markets and Shopping
Christmas Craft Fayre at Souter Lighthouse
- What to Expect
- Unique gifts and crafts from local artisans.
- Description
- Explore a variety of handmade crafts and unique gifts at the Christmas Craft Fayre at Souter Lighthouse, featuring local artisans and seasonal items.
- Where
- South Shields | More Info : Christmas Craft Fayre at Souter Lighthouse
South Shields Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Christmas at South Causey
- What to Expect
- Extensive range of festive activities and decorations.
- Description
- South Causey Inn offers a variety of Christmas events, including live music nights, wreath workshops, festive afternoon teas, and horse carriage rides. The inn is decorated with twinkling lights and giant Christmas trees, creating a cozy atmosphere for holiday celebrations.
- Where
- Stanley | More Info : Christmas at South Causey
Naughty Elf Trail
- What to Expect
- Interactive storytelling and crafts in themed rooms.
- Description
- Embark on an interactive Christmas adventure with the Naughty Elf Trail. Explore themed rooms, meet the Chief Elf, and help Jingle and Lily prepare for Santa's journey. Each room offers storytelling, crafts, and audience participation, making it a delightful experience for families and younger children.
- Where
- South Shields | More Info : Naughty Elf Trail
Winter Wonderland 2024
- What to Expect
- Interactive audio trail and pyrotechnic finale.
- Description
- A spectacular parade featuring local community groups, dazzling costumes, family-friendly entertainment, and pyrotechnics, concluding at Littlehaven Beach.
- Where
- South Shields | More Info : Winter Wonderland 2024
The Frost Kingdom Father Christmas Experience
- What to Expect
- Relaxed Father Christmas experience in a themed setting.
- Description
- Step into the Frost Kingdom for a unique Father Christmas experience, where you can meet Santa in a specially designed setting.
- Where
- Middlesbrough | More Info : The Frost Kingdom Father Christmas Experience
Mother Goose
- What to Expect
- Timeless family entertainment with interactive elements.
- Description
- Mother Goose is a classic pantomime featuring beloved characters, music, and comedy, perfect for all ages.
- Where
- South Shields | More Info : Mother Goose
South Shields Other Holiday Activities
Santa's Enchanted Elf Journey
- What to Expect
- Interactive festive activities with Santa and his reindeers.
- Description
- Embark on a festive adventure at Whitehouse Farm Centre, where children become elf-in-training, meeting Santa, his reindeers, and forest elves. Activities include feeding reindeers, completing an elf challenge, and enjoying various festive games and play options.
- Where
- Morpeth | More Info : Santa's Enchanted Elf Journey
Frost Fest
- What to Expect
- Interactive Christmas activities with Santa and festive crafts.
- Description
- Frost Fest is a festive event at Percy Park RFC in Tynemouth, featuring a Christmas Mini Show, Santa's Grotto, and activities like decorating ornaments, making reindeer dust, and participating in an Elf Workshop. Enjoy additional activities like glitter tattoos, face painting, and ice skating with Elsa and Anna.
- Where
- North Shields | More Info : Frost Fest
Santa's Grotto 2024
- What to Expect
- Interactive experience with Santa and his elves.
- Description
- Santa's Grotto at Haven Point features a special home for Santa, where he eagerly awaits meeting children in a festive setting.
- Where
- South Shields | More Info : Santa's Grotto 2024
Ice Skating 2024
- What to Expect
- Real ice skating experience with decorated marquee.
- Description
- Ice skating on real ice at Ocean Beach Pleasure Park offers an authentic and unforgettable experience. Skaters can enjoy the decorated marquee with music and lights, and skating boots are available in various sizes. The event is situated near Sea Road and features quiet hours on Sundays from 11am-12noon.
- Where
- South Shields | More Info : Ice Skating 2024
Christmas Afternoon Party
- What to Expect
- Interactive holiday celebration with DJ, music, and quizzes.
- Description
- Join us for a delightful Christmas Afternoon Party filled with music, dancing, sing-alongs, and exciting quizzes with prizes for the winners.
- Where
- South Shields | More Info : Christmas Afternoon Party
Fenwick Christmas Window
- What to Expect
- Iconic department store window display with a new theme each year.
- Description
- Fenwick's iconic Christmas window display is a cherished tradition in Newcastle, featuring a unique theme each year. The 2024 reveal will take place on Sunday, 3rd November, with live streaming available on Fenwick's social media channels. The window will be open for public viewing from Monday, 4th November, showcasing the festive atmosphere throughout the holiday season.
- Where
- Newcastle | More Info : Fenwick Christmas Window
Father Christmas Experience at Wallington Hall
- What to Expect
- Interactive Christmas experience with festive storytelling and decoration-making.
- Description
- Meet Father Christmas at Wallington Hall, where you'll listen to a festive story with Mrs. Christmas, make a Christmas tree decoration, and capture special moments with your camera. Receive a gift to take home.
- Where
- Morpeth | More Info : Father Christmas Experience at Wallington Hall
Woodland Fairy Trail at Gibside
- What to Expect
- Self-led fairy trail with activity sheet in a woodland setting.
- Description
- Explore Gibside's woodland to help mischievous fairies discover clues and uncover their winter world. Follow an activity sheet to find toadstool seats and miniature homes. This self-led trail is free with normal admission charges applying to the venue.
- Where
- Gateshead | More Info : Woodland Fairy Trail at Gibside
Gingerbread House Workshops
- What to Expect
- Cozy farmhouse setting with professional guidance.
- Description
- Join a cozy gingerbread house decorating workshop at South Causey Inn, where you'll create a stunning centrepiece with pre-baked gingerbread, royal icing, and sweets, all while enjoying a refreshing Bucks Fizz or Mocktail and a Christmas Mince Pie.
- Where
- Stanley | More Info : Gingerbread House Workshops
Santa Sundays
- What to Expect
- Family-friendly horse carriage rides and festive activities.
- Description
- Santa Sundays at South Causey Inn feature horse carriage rides, festive doggy afternoon teas, and family gatherings in a cozy, festive atmosphere.
- Where
- Stanley | More Info : Santa Sundays
Festive Doggy Afternoon Tea
- What to Expect
- Special dog-friendly afternoon tea with Santa and a Puppuchino.
- Description
- Treat your dog to a delightful afternoon tea in the elegant Farmhouse, complete with free-flowing tea, coffee, and hot chocolate, a Puppuchino for your furry friend, and a special gift from Santa Claus. Enjoy the chance to dress up and meet Santa in an unforgettable experience.
- Where
- Stanley | More Info : Festive Doggy Afternoon Tea
Breakfast with Santa
- What to Expect
- Traditional Christmas menu with festive delights.
- Description
- Join us for a delightful Christmas celebration at Hill Top, where our festive menus offer a variety of dishes, including Prawn Cocktail and Traditional Turkey with all trimmings. Indulge in something sweet with our melting Chocolate Salted Caramel Bell. Whether you're organizing a festive feast or a cozy gathering, we have everything you need to indulge your cravings this Christmas.
- Where
- Stanley | More Info : Breakfast with Santa
Persistence Sundays @ Tup Tup Palace
- What to Expect
- Diverse music genres and celebrity DJs.
- Description
- Persistence Sundays at Tup Tup Palace is a renowned Sunday night event in Newcastle, featuring a diverse lineup of DJs and celebrities, including Minimal, House, Groove, and Disco music, as well as Afro House and UK/US Rap. The event has been a staple of Newcastle's nightlife for 12 years, attracting clubbers from across the country.
- Where
- South Shields | More Info : Persistence Sundays @ Tup Tup Palace