The countdown to Christmas is officially on! After last year, almost all Christmas Light Switch On Events are back welcoming spectators and promise to be bigger than ever – with most offering a full programme of entertainment from parades and live music to guest appearances and street performers. I’m sure even the most Christmas-averse person cracks a smile at the sight of magical festive light displays so wrap up warm and join your local switch on.
As always, if you’re planning to visit any of the events listed, ALWAYS check direct with the organisers beforehand to ensure none of the details have changed.
The build up and buzz to Christmas 2021 is well underway now and one of our favourite family festive activities is ice skating. There’s something so nostalgic about putting on a pair of skates and slipping around the rink. Here’s our guide to the best ice skating experiences available this year.
*I’ll be updating this post regularly so keep checking back*
Centre For Life, Newcastle
Dates: 13th November 2021 – 9th January 2022
Where: Times Square, NE1 4EP
About: “We are delighted to confirm that our much-loved, open-air ice rink will return this winter. Tickets for timed slots can be purchased online in advance. Some slots will be kept free for walk-ups – but booking is advised to avoid disappointment.”
About: “Ready to deliver a magical winter experience for people of all ages we promise to give you the best year yet at Sunderland Ice Rink with our fantastic new all weather rink – say goodbye to the rain and wind we now have a huge marquee covering us from the elements!”
About: “Join us at Manor Walks Shopping Centre for festive fun with a glide on our first ever real ice rink! Grab your skates and enjoy the 32x 15m open air ice rink and enjoy the perfect day out with friends and family.”
About: “We’ve brought the outdoors indoors this year with our magical Arctic Experience. Little kids, and big kids too, can skate on our synthetic ice rink, grab a selfie on our enchanted throne, and watch the magical snow fall indoors.”
About: “We have something for all the family – from thrilling rides, attractions and an ice rink to Santa Claus himself & his reindeer. This is not one to be missed! We look forward to seeing you there!”
Prices: Adult – £9.50, Child – £7.50 (general admission tickets also need to be purchased)
Winter Wonderland At Rainton Arena, Houghton-Le-Spring
Dates: 26th November 2021 – 2nd January 2022
Where: DH4 5PH
About: “Grab Your Skates And Come And Join Us At Our Real Open Air Ice Rink. Kick Off The Winter Season With Some Festive Skating, Open Daily. Stretch Out And Practice Your Skating Moves And Enjoy The Afternoon Sun As It Glistens On The Ice; Soak Up The Romantic Atmosphere At Twilight, Or Skate After Dark Under The Stars.”
From bats to pumpkins, ghosts to potions there are loads of Halloween Trails happening over Half Term throughout the region.
Alnwick Garden Family Friendly Halloween Trail, Alnwick
What They Say: “Grisly ghouls, spooky skeletons and Halloween nasties have taken over The Alnwick Garden, grab your family’s hand and go on a spook-tacular adventure around The Alnwick ‘Spooky’ Garden. A trail card and activity pack will assist you on your ghoulsome journey.”
Booking Needed:
When: Saturday 23rd October until Sunday 31st October 2021
What They Say: “Pick up your trail sheet at the museum Welcome Desk then explore the museum to try and find all the bats. Count how many you can find and make your way back to the Welcome Desk with your completed trail sheet. If you’ve spotted them all then you’ll be rewarded with a small sweet treat! The Berwick Bat Trail is inspired by the story of the Berwick Vampire.”
Booking Needed:
When: Saturday 23rd October until Sunday 31st October 2021
What They Say: “The famous Scarycrow Trail has been running for over 10 years and causes great excitement amongst visitors and locals. Follow the trail of weird and wonderful ‘Scarycrows’ around the villages, awarding them scores as you go.”
Booking Needed:
When: Monday 25th October until Sunday 31st October 2021
What They Say: “Venture on a quest through the West Wood and help Ghastly Griselda collect magic items to conjure a grizzly pet. Creep towards Griselda’s lair and create a scary monster using twigs, acorns, leaves and more – from spindly arms and scruffy hair to yellow fangs and eyes that glare!”
Booking Needed:
When: Saturday 23rd October until Sunday 31st October 2021
What They Say: “This Halloween trail is inspired by the Day of the Dead. Purchase your trail sheet from the café and search for the items hidden around the park. Each one will help you learn more about the Mexican traditions relating to this special.”
Booking Needed:
When: Saturday 23rd October until Sunday 31st October 2021
What They Say: “If you venture down to High Force Waterfall this Halloween, you’ll find a series of spine-tingling clues along our woodland walk. Can you collect them all, solve the puzzle and make it all the way back to the Hotel?”
Booking Needed:
When: Saturday 23rd October until Sunday 31st October 2021
Land Of Oak & Iron Painted Pumpkin Trail, Winlaton Mill
What They Say: “After the popularity of last year’s trail – we have once again enlisted our artist friends and our staff team to get creative by hand painting spooky pumpkins for our Painted Pumpkin Trail! Visit the Heritage Centre in Winlaton Mill and pick up a trail page during half-term, then find and name all the different painted pumpkins that you encounter.”
Booking Needed:
When: Saturday 23rd October until Sunday 31st October 2021
What They Say: “The Borough’s Big Halloween Pumpkin Trail features 30 giant pumpkin caricatures on pavements in and around town centre locations, and adventurers will be able to track all of them using a free app. Characters can be found in Tynemouth, Wallsend, Whitley Bay, North Shields, Cullercoats, Killingworth, Forest Hall and more.”
What They Say: “Are you brave enough to follow the Halloween trail through the house? Grab your potion ingredients list before searching for the potion bottles to find out what is required to cast your spookiest spell. Keep alert for what you might find in the dark rooms filled with magic and mystery, then continue your spooky adventure outside to discover more about the darker side of nature on the poison garden trail.”
Booking Needed: ❌
When: Saturday 23rd October until Sunday 31st October 2021
What They Say: “Collect an activity sheet from our creepy Coach Yard and see what hidden creatures you can find. Steer clear of the Witch’s cauldron and brave our scary spiders to find all of the clues and complete the puzzle.”
Booking Needed:
When: Saturday 23rd October until Sunday 31st October 2021
What They Say: “Travel through our child-friendly Halloween-themed illuminated gardens, where you will come across some rather spooky characters roaming the grounds of Ushaw.”
Booking Needed: ✅
When: Friday 29th October until Sunday 31st October 2021
Washington Wetland Centre Halloween Trail, Washington
What They Say: “Are you brave enough to explore the weird and wonderful side of wetland nature this October? Discover what lurks beneath and join us on our all new interactive trail to uncover amazing facts about some very special creatures, while facing tricky tests along the way.”
Booking Needed:
When: Saturday 2nd October until Sunday 31st October 2021
Gaming lounges have undergone a massive change in the last couple of years. Previously referred to as ‘gaming cafes’ or ‘cyber dens’ the popularity of gaming lounges has grown dramatically in-line with the latest gaming trends and the global esports industry.
Offering a wide range of the latest consoles, gaming lounges are open to all who have a passion for gaming.
If you’ve never been to a gaming lounge before but would like to give them a go, I’ve listed our favourites below:
Watching a panto is a much loved tradition for many families during the festive period and is usually a child’s first introduction in to theatre productions. This year, there are a variety of shows on offer in and around the North East and each needs your support more than ever!
It may seem early to be thinking about Christmas but tickets for pantomime performances are already on sale and selling quickly.
Between the 13th September to the 11th November 2021, see the nave in a whole new light as Luke Jerram’s “Museum of the Moon” lands at the cathedral.
About The Installation: “Museum Of The Moon” is a simply breathtaking moon sculpture which brings together detailed NASA imagery of the lunar surface and surround sound composition by BAFTA and Ivor Novello award winning composer Dan Jones. At an approximate scale of 1:500,000, each centimetre of the internally lit 7m wide spherical installation represents 5km of the moon’s surface. The Moon will be suspended in the air in the unrivalled setting of Durham Cathedral for over 8 weeks giving visitors plenty of opportunity to marvel at the stellar display.
About The Artist: Luke Jerram’s arts practice involves the creation of sculptures, installations and live artworks. Living in the UK, but working internationally, Jerram creates art projects which excite and inspire people around the world.
Planning Your Visit: See “Museum Of The Moon” during the cathedral’s normal opening hours. No admission cost or tickets needed although there is a suggested donation of £5.
Events Programme: Experience “Museum Of The Moon” at night with the evening openings, stretch under the sculpture during Yoga with Liz Adams and move beneath the model throughout a silent disco. To see the full events programme, check out https://www.durhamcathedral.co.uk/whats-on?eventcategory=64
Every September, places across the country throw open their doors to celebrate their heritage and history. It’s your chance to see hidden places and try out new experiences – and it’s all completely FREE.
Heritage Open Days 2021: 10th to 19th September
There are hundreds of Heritage Open Days planned for the North East. From excavation sites to wall walks, film archives to history tours – there’s something for everyone.
Fancy picking your own pumpkin this spooky season? Read about our top spots around the North East which are inviting families to take part in the popular activity during the run-up to Halloween – just remember your wellies!
Adventure Valley, Durham
Date(s): 16th-17th & 23rd-31st October 2021
Prices: Pumpkin Festival activities are included with general admission
A quick guide to upcoming Halloween events taking place in the North East.
🎃 I will be updating this post as more events are announced so keep checking back 🎃
Cruella’s Masquerade Ball At Wallsend Memorial Hall, Wallsend
About: Join Cruella and special guests in an afternoon of Halloween tricks, treats, games and prizes, music and dancing, an art and craft activity along with lots of other surprises.
Fairytale Express Halloween Edition At Stephenson Railway Museum, Wallsend
Forbidden Forest At Holmside Park, Chester-Le-Street
About: Magic is coming to Holmside this Halloween! Prepare yourselves for a spellbinding experience filled with wizarding activities, pumpkin carving, all day play plus so much more!
North East Eats and Kids 