Many festive events get booked up early but don’t despair, plenty more will be added to the list over the coming months. If you’d like to keep up to date when new events are added you can like us on Facebook.
If you see an event below which is already fully booked on all dates, please do take a minute to hit the ‘report an error’ link under the event details and we’ll update the listing to reflect this to help avoid some disappointment.
There’s also a quick overview of events in date order here.
If you run a relevant festive event that’s not listed yet (or if you’re a parent with a recommendation) please feel free to get in touch with details.
Basic listings are free, information on upgraded listings (with up to 200 words, social media links & photos) can be found here.
Wed 11 Dec, 5.30 – 8.15pm
The Biscuit Factory, 16 Stoddart Street, Newcastle, NE2 1AN
Tel: 0191 261 1103
Little Biscuits is a series of 45-minute workshops led by professional art teachers and practising artists, aimed at children aged between 7 and 13 years old.
All three workshops take place on Wednesday 11 December as part of the gallery’s special Christmas Lates ‘Fill Your Stockings’ shopping event, which runs until 9pm.
The Little Biscuits programme includes:
• Baubles and Stars: 5.30 – 6.15pm – adorn your tree with beautiful handcrafted textile decorations
• Wire Decorations: 6.30 – 7.15pm – make your own animal or decoration using an assortment of textiles, colourful wires and lights
• Garlands and Wreaths: 7.30 – 8.15pm – create a classic, simple wreath or garland for your tree or door.
Children do not need to be accompanied by an adult during the workshops, giving parents and carers the chance to explore the gallery’s late night shopping evening and street food pop up.
The Little Biscuits workshops are priced at £10 per child, per session.
For more information about the Christmas Lates events and to book a workshop place, visit www.thebiscuitfactory.com.
Sun 10th Nov, 10.30am – 2.30pm
Watergate Forest Park, Gateshead, NE11 0AN
Rainbow Pottery Painting will be joining us to capture your baby’s hand and footprints and create beautiful bespoke christmas keepsakes and gifts for the family. Items made will be taken away for finishing off and returned to the cafe for collection approximately 2-3 weeks later.
Drop in. Prices start at £5.
Fri 6th Dec, 11 – 11.45am
Croft View Halls, Lanchester Methodist Church, Lanchester, Co. Durham, DH7 0HY
Singing and signing some of the best loved Christmas songs, with tinsel, lights and bubbles. Open to everyone. Come and join us for some festive fun.
£5, book online on Bookwhen.
Saturday 14th December
10:15 – 11:15am:
11:45am – 12:45pm: Birth to 13 Months
1:15 – 2:15pm: Birth to 13 Months
Wesley Memorial Methodist Church, 557 Durham Road, Low Fell, NE9 5EY
Come and celebrate babies 1st (or 2nd) Christmas, we’re going to be rocking around the Christmas tree, jingling our bells and having a dance with the snowmen! Gift for each child and refreshments included.
Booking required.
£12 (1 Baby & 2 Adults).
£3 per sibling (must be accompanied 1-1)
Birth to 13 Months
Sat 14th Dec, 10.30 – 11.30am
129 Cotemede, Leam Lane Estate, NE10 8QH
Tel: 0191 433 6428
Help the beebots deliver presents!
£1
Sat 30th Nov, 12 – 3pm
Clarity House, Durham Road, Birtley DH3 2TB
Tel: 0191 691 0203
We have heaps of card, colourful stamps, scissors, glue & all the materials you will need to make unique Christmas cards this festive season… you just need to bring your creativity.
£3 per family, drop in.
Sat 14th Dec, 12 – 3pm
Clarity House, Durham Road, Birtley DH3 2TB
Tel: 0191 691 0203
We all know how important it is to make someone feel special and a thoughtful letter would be lovely to receive over the festive season. We will provide paper, colourful card, fancy stamps and all the material you will need to write a kind letter to a friend.
£3 per family, drop in.
Saturday 14th December 2 – 4pm
129 Cotemede, Leam Lane Estate, Gateshead, NE10 8QH
Disco with dance offs, games and prizes, plus a Santa visit and small gift (optional). Hotdog and juice provided for children, refreshments available and stalls selling sweets and other Christmas items. Come along in your fanciest Christmas outfits, Christmas jumpers or fancy dress!
£4 per child & 2 adults (£3 per child for disco only)
Booking required.
Thurs 5th Dec, 2 – 3.30pm
Central Library, Prince Consort Rd, NE8 4LN
Tel: 0191 433 8420
Join the Friends of Central Library for songs, crafts and refreshments. Make your own Christingle orange.
Free, drop in.
Sun 17th Nov, from 2pm
Watergate Forest Park, Gateshead, NE11 0AN
Demonstration, guided design tutorial and making session lead by Rebecca Ridley Ceramics. You will use porcelain stoneware clay to create customised Christmas bunting with holidays sayings (or your own), plus festive treats provided.
Booking required on Eventbrite. £21.38pp.
Adults and children aged 6+.
Sun 22nd Dec, 10.30 – 11.30am
Gateshead Leisure Centre, Alexandra Road, Gateshead, NE8 4JA
Tel: 07833 222 219
There’ll be all your usual Little Learners mark making stations but with a Christmas twist along with Crafts, Card making, Dancing, Chocolate & More.
£8.50. Online booking required.
Ages 5 months to 5 years (older siblings welcome)
Saturday 14th December
10am: crawling- 3 years
11.30: 6 weeks- crawling
1pm: 6 weeks- crawling
2.30pm: crawling- 3 years
Blaydon Youth & Community Centre, Shibdon Road, Blaydon, NE21 5LU
Christmas themed Yoga, Music, Movement and Sensory activities with lots of singing, lights, musical instruments, props and a sensory exploratory area! Festive refreshments, a special gift for every full price child.
£11 (Siblings £2.75 – Discount code ‘Elf2019’)
Booking required
Sat 14th & 21st Dec, 10 – 11am
Gateshead District Scout Hut, 36 Gladstone Terrace, Bensham, NE8 4EF
Tel: 07833 222 219
There’ll be all your usual Little Learners mark making stations but with a Christmas twist along with: Crafts, Card making, Dancing, Chocolate & More.
Online booking required.
Christmas Crafts: £7 (£3.50 sibling)
Clarty Party: £7 (£3.50 sibling)
Both events: £12.50 (£6.25 sibling)
Ages 5 months to 5 years (older siblings welcome)
Tues 24th Dec, 10 – 11.30am
Winlaton Mill, Blaydon, NE21 6SF
Tel: 07925 851 011
Children’s cinema morning.
£2 per family.
Sun 22nd Dec, 12 -4pm
Whitley Park, Whitley Road, Benton, Newcastle, NE12 9SF
Tel: 07722 174 303
Christmas Fair & Disco with crafts, unlimited soft play and bouncy castle, plus character appearances, a visit from Santa and more. All in aid for Hadrian school and NEWLIFE Charity.
Adults: £2
Children: £5
OR £10 includes dinner with Santa.
Under 2’s free.
Sun 22nd Dec, 11.15am – 1.15pm
Tues 24th Dec, 9.30 – 11.30am
37 High Street, Felling, Gateshead, NE10 9LU
Tel: 07531 353052
Includes entry to play in role play cafe, party games, Christmas themed party food and a gift from under the Christmas tree.
£10 per child. Booking essential.
Sat 21st Dec, 6 – 11pm
Family party with disco, karaoke and fun games for all ages with lots of prizes, plus Santa’s Grotto with a gift for each child.
Tickets available from clubhouse.
Adults: £2.50
Kids: £1.50
Sat 23rd Nov, 10am – 12pm
Durham Road North, Chester Le Street, County Durham, DH3 1LE
Tel: 0191 433 6101
Get Your Christmas On Again: Rhymetime Plus! Festive rhymes and songs, plus special guest, ride on train and soft play.
£1, drop-in. Under 5 years.
Fri 20th Dec, 10 – 10.45am
Retail World, Team Valley, Gateshead, NE11 0BD
Tel: 0203 4755268
Babies and toddlers are given the freedom to move around at their own pace to explore non-toxic and hypo-allergenic products, including a sand pit, pasta, jelly, foam and much more. Suitable for 4 months – 4 years.
Booking required.
Child: £6 (+1 Adult)
Siblings: £5
Mon 23rd Dec, 12 – 3pm
Clarity House, Durham Road, Birtley DH3 2TB
Tel: 0191 691 0203
Join us to make the worlds biggest festive scene on the gallery floor at Thought Foundation. We have huge paper, colourful crayons and the beginnings of a Christmas town scene for you and your family to colour and complete. All Welcome.
£2 per family, drop in.
Sat 7th Dec, 12.15 – 2.15pm
Springwell Village, Gateshead, NE9 7QJ
Tel: 0191 416 1847
Make a Christmas Wreath to decorate your home. Includes a hot glass of non alcoholic mulled wine to get the festive cheer flowing.
£10 per wreath, book online on Ticketsource or at site office Thurs or Sat.
Fri 29th Nov, 11am – 1.30pm
The Hagg, Lintzford Road, Hamsterley Mill, Rowlands Gill, NE39 1ND
Tel: 07836 323 022
Make your own Christmas wreath to display on your front door. Forage some of the material and then sit around an open fire in beautiful countryside and craft a stunning Christmas wreath to a festive soundtrack. All materials are provided along with festive refreshments.
£40, booking required on Eventbrite.
Sat 21st Dec, 10.30 – 11.30am
Dunston Community Centre, Collingwood Terrace, NE11 9DU
Mon 23rd Dec, 1.30 – 2.30pm
Blaydon Youth Centre, Shibdon Road, Blaydon, NE21 5QE
ChristMessy Party with lots of festive themed messy play and crafts, mark making stations with Christmas twists, decorations and festive music.
£8. Online booking required.
Ages 5 months – 5 years.
Sat 30 Nov, Sat 14 Dec & Sat 21 Dec
10am & 11.30am
Gateshead Quays, South Shore Road, Gateshead NE8 3B
Tel: 0191 478 1810
Join ceramic artist Alex Sickling to get creative with clay and craft your favourite animal to a playlist of festive tunes to take home, or gift to a loved one for Christmas. Families of all ages and abilities welcome.
£6.80pp (plus booking fee). Booking essential.
Sun 15th Dec, 2.30 – 3.30pm
Watergate Forest Park, Gateshead, NE11 0AN
Each dog will enjoy their own Doggy Christmas dinner. There will be a lucky dip, photo booth, pass the pawcel and a gift left by the big guy himself. Feel free to spread the Christmas cheer and bring a gift for our Bryson’s collection.
Booking essential, £16.22 per dog.
Weekends Sat 7th – Sun 22nd Dec
Pattinson, Washington, County Durham, NE38 8LE
Tel: 01914 165454
Special workshops including ‘elf & safety guidelines, the spirit of kindness, gift wrapping and craft skills. Create wooden name toggles, animal pen holders and magic reindeer food, followed by a graduation ceremony where recruits receive their elf diploma! Hot drink and homemade treat included. 90 minute experience.
Adult: £3.50
Child: £10
Suitable for ages 4+.
Regular admission fee applies if visiting rest of centre.
Thurs 19th Dec, 5 – 8pm
Stargate Lane, Crookhill, Ryton, NE40 3DX
Tel: 07505 275 837
Christmas Movie night with a film starting at 5pm, popcorn and hot chocolate will be available.
£3 per child.
Sun 22nd Dec, 12 – 3pm
Clarity House, Durham Road, Birtley DH3 2TB
Tel: 0191 691 0203
A screening of the magical movie ELF with a jammed packed day of creative activities. Why not wear your festive jumper, search for the hidden elf’s, make snow flakes, colour in and treat yo self with some festival homemade food.
£1 each, drop in.
Wed 11th Dec, 1 – 2.30pm
Watergate Forest Park, Gateshead, NE11 0AN
Come along and become an elf for the afternoon. You’ll look the part with rosey cheeks and elf hat, you’ll even be given your own elf name. Take part in a Christmas crafts and decorating a cookie for Santa. Includes gift and hot drink for adult.
Booking essential on Eventbrite. £13.09 per child.
Sat 21st Dec, 3 – 6pm
Clarity House, Durham Road, Birtley DH3 2TB
Tel: 0191 691 0203
We’re back but this time with a twist! FAMBINGO- CHRISTMAS SPECIAL! A fantastic afternoon of dancing, singing bingo fun for all the family! Heaps of cool prizes JUST A LITTLE CHRISTMASIER THAN NORMAL!!
Adults: £6
Under 15’s: £4
Under 2’s: Free
Booking essential on Eventbrite.
Sun 1st Dec, 10.30 – 11.30am
Happy Feet Dance Studio, 53 High Street, Felling, Gateshead, NE10 9LU
Tel: 07452 815 444
Join our festive Christmas workshop to create, enjoy and explore crafting fun. Inspire your child’s imagination and nurture their creativity and potential with fun, hands-on arts and crafts.
£5 (siblings 50% discount). Booking required.
2-11 Years
Sun 1st Dec, 8.30 – 10.30am
St Michaels Way, Gateshead, NE11 9YG
Tel: 0191 493 0200
Celebrate the true spirit of Christmas with a unique 1km indoor family fun run where there will be a host of jolly characters and more! Come dressed in your favourite festive fancy dress, start with fun entertainment in Exhibition Square, then complete the race to receive a medal and certificate.
£5 per person. Booking required.
Sat 7th Dec, 12 – 3pm
Clarity House, Durham Road, Birtley DH3 2TB
Tel: 0191 691 0203
Watch the lush pair of Raymond Briggs’ festive films The Snowman followed by Father Christmas on our big screen. We will also be making festive snowman chocolate bars to get us in a creative Christmas spirit.
£3 per bar, drop in.
Tues 24th Dec, 12 – 3pm
Clarity House, Durham Road, Birtley DH3 2TB
Tel: 0191 691 0203
Join us this Christmas Eve to watch everyone’s favourite classic heartwarming movie, Its a Wonderful Life. No need to book just turn up, get yourself a festive tipple and relax!
Sun 15th Dec, 12 – 3pm
Clarity House, Durham Road, Birtley DH3 2TB
Tel: 0191 691 0203
A festive afternoon of creating your own Christmas pom pom decoration for your tree at home! Then snuggle up in our gallery to watch How The Grinch Stole Christmas on the big screen.
£3 per family, drop in.
Sat 30th Nov – Sun 1st Dec, 10am – 4pm
Christmas lights switch on: Sun 1st Dec, 4pm
Spa Well Road, Winlaton Mill, Blaydon, Gateshead, NE21 6RU
Festive crafts including wood printing, cookie decorating, willow stars and reindeers and Japanese origami mobiles. Also bird walk, tasting events, music and more. Christmas tree lights switch on with Lantern Parade, violinist and singing by Winlaton Mill Village Choir.
Some activities have a charge, a few require online booking.
Mon 23rd Dec, 4 – 6pm
Old Church Hall, West Avenue, Gosforth, Newcastle, NE3 4ES
Tel: 0191 213 5813
Christmas disco and meal, with a VIP option including a meet and greet with Elsa, Anna and a gift from Santa.
Standard: £12 (adults free)
VIP: £15.50
Sun 8th Dec, 2.30 – 3.30pm
Watergate Forest Park, Gateshead, NE11 0AN
Get creative decorating your own gingerbread house biscuit to take home with you. You will also be blinging up your own hot chocolate. You’ll be let loose with the squirty cream, sprinkles and marshmallows to make you own special hot chocolate.
Booking essential. £6.84 per child.
Aimed at children over 5 years.
Sun 22nd Dec, 9am
Saltwell Park, Gateshead, NE9 5AX
Christmas cheer with Saltwell Junior Parkrun. Wear your Santa hats, Christmas jumpers/costumes and Rudolph antlers to our festive fun run – the last one before Christmas. All you need to do is register your child at www.parkrun.org.uk/register and bring their printed out barcode with you.
Free.
Sun 29th Dec, 1 – 4pm
Sunderland Road, Wardly, Gateshead, NE10 8AU
Tel: 07553 084 039
Princess and Superhero Christmas Ball, with performances from special guests, disco, games, dances & prizes, plus a visit from Father Christmas with a gift for each child.
Hosted by Envisage Events.
Booking recommended.
£5 per ticket (admits 1 child+1 adult)
Saturdays 10.30 – 11.30am
23rd & 30th Nov, 7th Dec
Main Street, Crawcrook, Ryton, NE40 4NB
Tel: 0191 413 8164
Christmas Crafts for the family to create.
£2 per child, drop in.
Tues 19th Nov, 10.30am – 2.30pm
Watergate Forest Park, Gateshead, NE11 0AN
Sophie from Humblecreations will be taking finger, hand, foot or paw prints to create silver charms, making a great special gift. Charms can be attached to necklaces, bangles, bracelets or charm carriers for a pandora style bracelet.
Drop in. £50 for a single print, £70 for a double.
Payment in full on the day.
Blaydon Library: Sat 16th Nov, 10 – 11.30am
Central Library: Mon 18th Nov, 5 – 6pm
Leam Lane Library: Sat 23rd Nov, 10 – 11.30am
Tel: 0191 433 8420
Build a sleigh for Santa and race it to see which is the quickest to complete the rooftop course.
£3. Online booking. Suitable for families.
Selected dates Sat 23rd Nov – Mon 23rd Dec
30 Lime Street, Newcastle, NE1 2PQ
Tel: 0300 330 1095
Pop on your pyjamas and help bring the classic Christmas story The Polar Express to life. Enjoy interactive story telling, snuggle with a warm drink and tasty treat, then create a clever festive cardboard craft to take home to decorate your tree.
Booking required.
1h Family Workshop: £9.50 (adult & child)
45min Under 5s Workshop: £7.50 (adult & child)
Relaxed Events: Thurs 19th Dec & Sat 21st Dec.
Fri 22nd Nov, 10am – 12pm
The Hagg, Lintzford Road, Hamsterley Mill, Rowlands Gill, NE39 1ND
Tel: 07836 323 022
Outdoor workshop in the beautiful setting of Conkers Life for parents and children to create some magical Christmas stars and other decorations made from willow to take home. Hot drinks and refreshments included.
£18.50. per adult. Booking essential.
Sat 14th Dec
10 – 11.45am
12.15 – 2pm
2.30 – 4.15pm
Prince Consort Rd, Gateshead NE8 4JB
Tel: 0191 477 1495
Enjoy a Hygge (cosy) afternoon making Upcycled Contemporary Christmas Wreaths, drinking hot chocolate and eating mince pies whilst listening to some festive Christmas music. All materials and refreshments provided.
£3. Booking required.
Thurs 28th Nov, from 6.30pm
Watergate Forest Park, Gateshead, NE11 0AN
Northumbrian Flowers will demonstrate and assist in making the most popular style of Christmas Door Wreath using a mossed base ring and mixed winter foliage decorated with a selection of dried fruits, dressed cinnamon sticks and pine cones. Refreshments provided.
Booking required, £45.
