Discover the joy of the holidays in South Shields with our comprehensive guide. For South Shields connoisseurs and newcomers alike, our guide is your ticket to unforgettable experiences.
Join the festive fun at Christmas Wonderland, a magical place filled with twinkling lights and holiday cheer. Indulge your creative side at The Christmas Craft Fair, where you can find unique handmade gifts and artisanal treats. And the Jingle Bell Walk is something you definitely don’t want to miss, combining the joy of a stroll with the spirit of the season. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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The Top Christmas Events in South Shields
- Christmas Wonderland
- The Christmas Craft Fair
- Jingle Bell Walk
- South Shields Pantomime
- Festive Family Fun Day
- Christmas Markets
- Christmas Carols by Candlelight
- New Year’s Eve Party
- Christmas Charity Swim
- Elf Trail
South Shields Holiday Markets and Shopping
The Christmas Craft Fair
What to Expect:
Showcases exclusively local artisans and craftspeople
Description:
The Christmas Craft Fair in South Shields spotlights the region's talented artisans. Unlike typical holiday markets, this fair exclusively features handmade goods from local craftspeople. You'll find unique gifts ranging from hand-blown glass ornaments to artisanal cheeses. The fair honors South Shields' rich history of craftsmanship, which dates back to the medieval guilds. Visitors can participate in hands-on workshops to learn traditional crafting techniques from skilled artisans.
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Christmas Markets
What to Expect:
Focuses on sustainable and eco-friendly holiday products
Description:
South Shields' Christmas Markets stand out with their commitment to sustainability. Vendors showcase eco-friendly holiday decor, gifts, and treats, emphasizing local and ethically sourced products. The markets reflect the town's growing environmental consciousness, a movement that began in the early 2000s. Visitors can sample organic mulled wine while browsing stalls filled with upcycled crafts and zero-waste gift options. The air hums with the sound of local musicians playing on instruments made from recycled materials.
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South Shields Holiday Giving Opportunities
Jingle Bell Walk
What to Expect:
Combines fitness with holiday cheer and charity
Description:
The Jingle Bell Walk invigorates South Shields with a blend of fitness and philanthropy. Participants don festive attire and jingle bells for a 5km walk along the scenic coastline. The event supports local charities while promoting community health. Rooted in the town's maritime history, the walk follows paths once tread by seafarers. Along the route, walkers encounter live performances by local choirs, adding a melodious backdrop to the coastal views.
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Christmas Charity Swim
What to Expect:
Participants swim in themed costumes for local charities
Description:
The Christmas Charity Swim in South Shields turns the chilly North Sea into a spectacle of goodwill. Brave swimmers don elaborate themed costumes before plunging into the icy waters. This invigorating event raises funds for local charities while honoring the town's long-standing connection to the sea. Originating in the 1970s as a dare among lifeguards, the swim has evolved into a beloved community tradition. Spectators cheer on participants from the beach, creating a lively atmosphere despite the cold.
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South Shields Holiday Shows and Entertainment
South Shields Pantomime
What to Expect:
Incorporates local folklore and history into traditional pantomime
Description:
South Shields Pantomime reimagines classic tales with a local twist. This year's production weaves in elements of North East folklore and South Shields history. The show dazzles with elaborate costumes inspired by the town's maritime heritage. Audience participation reaches new heights as you join in traditional call-and-response moments. Dating back to the Victorian era, the pantomime has been a staple of South Shields' holiday season for over a century.
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Christmas Carols by Candlelight
What to Expect:
Held in a historic 12th-century church with period costumes
Description:
Christmas Carols by Candlelight in South Shields transports attendees to a bygone era. Set in the 12th-century St. Hilda's Church, the event features performers in authentic period costumes. The flickering candlelight casts dancing shadows on ancient stone walls as voices rise in harmony. This tradition connects modern-day carolers with centuries of holiday celebrations in the same sacred space. Participants can join in singing lesser-known carols from the church's medieval manuscript collection.
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Christmas Carols by Candlelight
Carols at Arbeia Roman Fort
What to Expect:
Blends Roman history with traditional caroling
Description:
Carols at Arbeia Roman Fort in South Shields offers a unique fusion of ancient history and holiday tradition. The event takes place within the reconstructed walls of the 2nd-century fort, creating an atmospheric backdrop for classic carols. Singers don Roman-inspired attire, bridging the gap between past and present. This distinctive celebration began in the 1980s as part of efforts to bring the fort's history to life. Visitors can explore the fort's museum by candlelight, discovering how Roman soldiers might have celebrated midwinter festivals.
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South Shields Other Holiday Activities
Christmas Wonderland
What to Expect:
Interactive Santa's workshop experience
Description:
South Shields transforms into a winter spectacle with its Christmas Wonderland. The centerpiece is an interactive Santa's workshop where visitors can craft personalized ornaments. The air fills with the scent of freshly baked gingerbread as you explore the various themed areas. This annual tradition dates back to 1952 when local businesses first collaborated to create a community holiday celebration. Stroll through twinkling light tunnels and discover hidden surprises around every corner.
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Festive Family Fun Day
What to Expect:
Offers multi-generational activities focused on creating family traditions
Description:
Festive Family Fun Day in South Shields bridges generations with activities designed to create lasting memories. The event features a "Family Tradition Station" where attendees craft personalized holiday rituals. Children delight in reindeer-themed obstacle courses while grandparents share stories in cozy storytelling corners. This celebration draws inspiration from South Shields' strong community bonds, fostering connections between young and old. Families can collaborate on a giant community mural depicting local holiday scenes.
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New Year’s Eve Party
What to Expect:
Combines traditional Scottish Hogmanay with local English customs
Description:
South Shields' New Year's Eve Party fuses Scottish Hogmanay traditions with local English customs. The celebration kicks off with a torchlight procession through the town, a nod to the area's Celtic heritage. At midnight, revelers participate in "first footing," bringing gifts to neighbors for good luck. This unique blend of traditions reflects South Shields' position at the crossroads of English and Scottish cultures. You can join in the "Auld Lang Syne" circle, reimagined with verses about South Shields' history.
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Elf Trail
What to Expect:
Interactive digital scavenger hunt through historic town landmarks
Description:
South Shields' Elf Trail combines modern technology with local history for a unique holiday adventure. Participants use a custom app to follow clues and solve puzzles at historic landmarks throughout the town. Each completed challenge reveals a piece of South Shields' rich past, from Roman settlements to industrial heritage. The trail cleverly integrates augmented reality elements, bringing elves to life in unexpected places. Explorers can collect digital badges at each stop, culminating in a special reward at the trail's end.
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Festive Afternoon Tea
What to Expect:
Incorporates traditional North East delicacies with a holiday twist
Description:
Festive Afternoon Tea in South Shields elevates the classic British tradition with regional flair. The menu features North East delicacies reimagined for the holiday season, such as stottie cake sandwiches with turkey and stuffing. This culinary experience pays homage to South Shields' gastronomic heritage, which blends coastal influences with hearty inland fare. Diners savor these treats while overlooking the River Tyne, connecting past and present through taste. You can learn about the history of each dish from knowledgeable servers dressed in Victorian-era attire.
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Nearby Events
Enchanted Forest Light Trail (Newcastle upon Tyne)
What to Expect:
Combines art installations with native flora education
Description:
The Enchanted Forest Light Trail in Newcastle upon Tyne illuminates the natural world in a captivating fusion of art and education. As visitors wander through the forest, they encounter stunning light installations that highlight native plant species. Each display is accompanied by information about the flora's role in local ecosystems. This innovative approach to holiday lighting began as a collaboration between artists and botanists in 2018. Guests can use a provided guide to identify illuminated plants and learn about their traditional uses.
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Boxing Day Dip (Whitley Bay)
What to Expect:
Combines costume contest with traditional cold water swim
Description:
Whitley Bay's Boxing Day Dip invigorates participants with a bracing plunge into the North Sea. This event stands out for its whimsical costume contest, adding a layer of creativity to the traditional cold water swim. Rooted in the region's hardy spirit, the dip dates back to the 1930s when local lifeguards challenged each other to a midwinter swim. Spectators line the shore, cheering on the costumed swimmers as they brave the icy waters. After the dip, participants warm up with hot toddies made from a secret local recipe.