What's On in Newcastle, Gateshead & Northumberland

SCRAN!

Venue: South Shields Museum & Art Gallery

Address: Ocean Road, NE33 2JA

Website: www.southshieldsmuseum.org.uk

An exhibition which charts the history of Food & Drink in South Tyneside, from traditional home-cooked grub of yesteryear, to the origins of some of the Borough’s most iconic eateries, including Colmans...

MEET AND MAKE

Time: Sundays 2-4pm

Venue: Baltic

Address: Gateshead Quays, NE8 3BA

Website: www.balticmill.com

Take part in free artist-led workshops perfect for families with children aged 5-12.

TODDLER TIME

Time: Wednesdays 10am-6pm

Venue: Baltic

Address: Gateshead Quays, NE8 3BA

Website: www.balticmill.com

Toddler time explores the themes of colour, sound and touch, and is designed to support your toddler to play, make, think and do. Have fun and investigate new ways to play in these changing drop-in activities.

UNDER 5'S PLAY HIVE

Time: 10am-6pm

Venue: Baltic

Address: Gateshead Quays, NE8 3BA

Website: www.balticmill.com

Drop in every Wednesday to Sunday to this area where under 5s celebrates Baltic's journey from a flour mill to our present day as an art gallery. Through play, we invite you to explore our past, present...

WONDER & WANDER TOUR

Time: Wednesdays 10.30am

Venue: Baltic

Address: Gateshead Quays, NE8 3BA

Website: www.balticmill.com

Soak up some art with the barins and join a member of our Learning Team (alongside Kitty the Kittiwake) for a Wonder and Wander tour where you and your little one can discover our current exhibitions through...

COWGATE YOUNG THEATRE MAKERS

Time: Mondays 4-6pm

Venue: Cowgate Community Centre,

Address: NE5 3UT.

Website: www.unfoldingtheatre.co.uk

An exciting new drama group for children & young people during term-time that uses drama, theatre-making, movement & creative writing to create & share stories. For ages 8 -14 years old. Delivered...

EAST END STORY MAKERS

Time: Wednesdays 4-4.50pm

Venue: Byker Primary School,

Address: NE6 2AT.

Website: www.unfoldingtheatre.co.uk

A creative group for children and young people during term-time that uses drama, music, movement, creative writing & food to create & share stories. For children & young people aged 5 -14 and...

STEAM TO GREEN

Venue: Discovery Museum

Address: Blandford Square, NE1 4JA

Website: www.discoverymuseum.org.uk

Discovery Museum's new FREE exhibiton which tells the story of energy & the climate crisis in the North East by looking back to the industrial revolution, & forward to the pioneering contributions in green...

NORTH EAST DEAF YOUTH THEATRE

Time: 9.30-11.30am

Venue: Gosforth Civic Theatre,

Address: NE3 3HD

Website: www.unfoldingtheatre.co.uk

North East Deaf Theatre aims to support deaf children and young people to develop their creative skills, build confidence and form new friendships.  Together with deaf arts organisation Turtléar,...

LEAP THEN LOOK, PLAY, INTERACT, EXPLORE

Time: 10am-6pm

Venue: Baltic

Address: Gateshead Quays, NE8 3BA

Website: www.baltic.art

This new exhibition explores play, collaboration & materials. Featuring large, tactile sculptural objects & colourful assemblages, everything in the space is interactive. Lively, exciting & curiosity-filled, Play...

ICE SKATING AT LIFE

Time: 9.30am-Late

Venue: Life Science Centre

Address: Times Square, NE1 4EP

Website: www.life.org.uk

Step into a winter wonderland as Life Science Centre's open-air ice rink returns to Times Square from Saturday 9th November, welcoming skaters of all ages & abilities. Why not share this seasonal delight...

KIELDER WINTER WONDERLAND

Time: 9am-5pm

Venue: Kielder Water & Forest Park,

Address: NE48 1BT

Website: www.kielderwinterwonderland.com

A full day experience packed full of festive activities to keep the whole family entranced overflowing with much needed Christmas cheer including helping Mrs Christmas get ready for Christmas, helping...

METROCENTRE SANTA ELF ACADEMY

Venue: Metrocentre

Address: NE11 9YG

Website: www.themetrocentre.co.uk

Step into a magical world of elf training, where you can join Santa & his jolly helpers to learn everything needed to become honorary elves. With exciting activities like Northern Lights Laser Training,...

MOTHER GOOSE

Venue: Customs House

Address: South Shields, NE33 1ES

Website: www.customshouse.co.uk/theatre

They ’ve HATCHed a plan…The EGG-cellent fairy tale of Mother Goose gets a CRACKING Cooksonville remake for 2024. Packed with song, dance & lots of laughter, the YOLKS are guaranteed to CRACK you up....

NORTHERN LIGHTS

Time: 4.15-8.15pm

Venue: Leazes Park,

Address: NE2 4BJ

Website: www.northernlightsnewcastle.com

Immerse yourself in a magical journey as you explore the brand-new light installations & enchanting zones designed to delight & inspire. This year's Northern Lights will feature 12-15 stunning illuminations...

SANTA'S GROTTO

Time: 10am-4pm

Venue: Manor Walks Shopping Centre

Address: Cramlington, NE23 6UT

Website: www.manorwalks.co.uk

Step into a world of magic where children can meet Santa throughout the festive season in his FREE grotto. Open 10am-4pm on weekends upto Christmas.No need to book, just turn up.

THE SANTA EXPERIENCE

Venue: Life Science Centre

Address: Times Square, NE1 4EP

Website: www.life.org.uk

 This Christmas enjoy a magical, festive experience that you won’t find anywhere else. Cosy up in Life’s immersive 360° domed theatre for the delightful, animated show What Santa Sees & look up...

VISIT FATHER CHRISTMAS AT GIBSIDE

Time: 10.45am-3.40pm

Venue: Gibside NT

Address: NE16 6BG

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/gibside

Follow the stars to Gibside Stables for an enchanting encounter with Father Christmas & his elves in this immersive theatre & craft workshop experience. The full Father Christmas experience will last approximately...

WOLF!

Venue: Northern Stage

Address: NE1 7RH

Website: www.northernstage.co.uk

Beneath the Christmassy moon, under the snowy mountains, amongst a flock of woolly sheep, Jack is bored. Bored of watching sheep, bored of counting sheep but, most importantly, bored of sheep! Down in...

WOODLAND FAIRY TRAIL

Time: 10am-4pm

Venue: Gibside NT

Address: NE16 6BG

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/gibside

Discover the secrets of the woodland fairies at Gibside. The gardeners at Gibside keep losing tools and misplacing plant pots. That can only mean one thing - the mischievous fairies are back! Help them...

THE LITTLE MERMAID

Venue: Newcastle Theatre Royal

Address: NE1 6BR

Website: www.theatreroyal.co.uk

Join Newcastle’s pantomime superstar Danny Adams & Theatre Royal favourites Clive Webb, Chris Hayward & Joe McElderry as they dive to the depths of the ocean in an exhilarating & enchanting theatrical...

A CHRISTMAS CAROL

Venue: Northern Stage

Address: NE1 7RH

Website: www.northernstage.co.uk

Ding, dong, ding, dong, the bells are ringing because Scrooge is coming to Newcastle – & he’s meaner & greedier than ever. Bah Humbug! Is it too late for Scrooge to change his miserly ways? Can a magical...

FESTIVE FUN AT BELSAY HALL

Time: 10am-4pm

Venue: Belsay Hall, Castle & Gardens

Address: NE20 0DX

Website: www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/belsay-hall-castle-and-gardens

Every weekend leading up to Christmas enjoy festive activities including storytelling & music. Meet the toy makers in their workshop to make a christmas craft, & enjoy festive songs & stories with musicains....

FESTIVE TALES AT WOODHORN

Venue: Woodhorn Museum & Country Park

Address: NE63 9YF

Website: www.museumsnorthumberland.org.uk

Father Christmas will be at Woodhorn Museum every weekend from Saturday 30th November until Christmas Eve. This is your chance to meet Father Christmas, tell him what you would like for Christmas & receive...

SANTA'S GROTTO

Time: Every Sat 10.30am-2.30pm

Venue: Park View Shopping Centre,

Address: Whitley Bay, NE26 1DG

Get in the Christmas spirit & visit Santa on selected days throughout December. These events are organised by the Rotary Club of Whitley Bay who will be raising funds for local causes.

SPIRITS OF THE FOREST LANTERN WALK

Venue: Cragside NT

Address: NE65 7PX

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cragside

This Christmas, experience a twilight adventure through the Debdon Valley where Cragside's Forest Spirits have cast their magic. Carrying your lantern, follow the sparkling route on this 45-60 minute walk...

THE ELF EXPRESS 2024

Time: Every Sat & Sun 9.45am-3.45pm

Venue: Stephenson Railway Museum

Address: Middle Engine Lane, NE29 8DX

Website: www.stephensonrailwaymuseum.org.uk

Make this Christmas a real cracker with a trip on board the Elf Express! Meet the Chief Elf as well as Santa Claus himself & enjoy an interactive Christmas performance before jumping on board a heritage...

THE SORCERER'S SUITCASE

Venue: Customs House

Address: South Shields, NE33 1ES

Website: www.customshouse.co.uk/theatre

A magical adventure awaits two best friends when they accidentally swap suitcases with a powerful sorcerer. Now they just have to find the sorcerer & swap their suitcases back – the only problem is the...

CHRISTMAS AT WALLINGTON

Venue: Wallington NT

Address: NE61 4AR

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wallington

There's plenty of festive magic and sparkle both indoors and out at Wallington this Christmas. The House will be dressed in its seasonal splendour, with the sound of live music filling the air. Mrs Christmas...

ICE SKATING AT OCEAN BEACH

Venue: Ocean Beach Pleasure Park

Address: Sea Road, South Shields,NE33 2LD

Website: www.oceanbeach.co.uk/ice-skating

Winter Wonderland returns to South Shields at Ocean Beach Pleasure Park which means their fantastic ice-skating rink with real ice is back to provide visitors with an authentic & unforgettable skating...

SNOW WHITE & THE SEVEN DWARFS

Venue: Tyne Theatre & Opera House

Address: Westgate Road, NE1 4AG

Website: www.tynetheatreandoperahouse.uk

From the same team behind previous Tyne Theatre spectacular pantomimes, Enchanted Entertainment bring you the world’s best known & most loved pantomime to the North East. Starring… BRITAIN’S GOT...

THE NEW ADVENTURES OF PETER PAN

Venue: Whitley Bay Playhouse

Address: NE26 1LZ

Website: www.playhousewhitleybay.co.uk

Starring panto legend Steve Walls as Smee, & your favourite Dame - Patsy! Go along & see why Playhouse pantos really are the best. Tickets from £25.00.

BLITZEN ON THE TYNE

Venue: Live Theatre, Quayside,

Address: NE1 3DQ

Website: www.live.org.uk

This brand-new family show follows the adventures of a reindeer who takes on the Toon! Blitzen is the littlest, lumpy & bumpy, a little bit wonky & big, but funky! Blitzen is waiting for their big moment...

SANTA AT JINGLE BELL SQUARE

Time: 11.15am-3pm Every Sat Plus Mon 23rd

Venue: South Shields Museum & Art Gallery

Address: Ocean Road, NE33 2JA

Website: www.southshieldsmuseum.org.uk

Santa Claus is coming to Town! Every Saturday in December, leading up to Christmas Day, Santa Claus is making a very special trip from his North Pole HQ to South Shields Museum's Jingle Bell Square. Timed...

SANTA AT THE LIGHTHOUSE

Time: Selected dates

Venue: St Mary’s Lighthouse

Address: Whitley Bay, NE26 4RS

Website: www.bookwhen.com/ ntc-lighthouse

Visit Santa in his grotto including gift & creative crafts. £12 per child. Booking online essential.

STORYTIME WITH SANTA

Venue: Gosforth Civic Theatre

Address: NE3 3HD

Website: www.gosforthcivictheatre.co.uk

Meet Santa in these very first Storytime with Santa sessions.The studio will be transformed into a magical winter wonderland where children & their grown-ups will be welcomed in to share in a tale told...

CINDERELLA

Venue: The Exchange Theatre

Address: Howard Street, North Shields, NE30 1SE

Website: www.theexchange1856.com

Cinderella, the most popular of all fairy tales! Poor Cinderella works night & day but dreams of a very different life, & with an invitation to the royal ball it looks as if her wish may be granted. Tickets...

WHO STOLE THE CHRISTMAS PUD?

Venue: Alphabetti Theatre,

Address: NE1 4HP

Website: www.alphabettitheatre.co.uk

A brand new family show. One dark night in December, Mr Cracker's infamous Christmas pudding is snatched from the window sill. The next morning, the whole town is flabbergasted; who would dare take the...

THE VELVETEEN RABBIT

Venue: Gosforth Civic Theatre

Address: NE3 3HD

Website: www.gosforthcivictheatre.co.uk

In this entertaining dance theatre performance from Ballet L'Orent, a toy rabbit & a boy embark on an adventure, discovering the essence of growing up & the meaning of love. Toys come to life through the...

WINTER HOLIDAY CLUB

Time: (times vary)

Venue: Various locations across South Tyneside,

Address: NE32-34.

Website: www.southtyneside.gov.uk/holidayclub

Fun, free activities & meals for children receiving benefit related FSM in South Tyneside. Activities include sports, music, arts, crafts, outdoor & indoor challenges, treasure trails & wellbeing & healthy...

ARTHUR CHRISTMAS (U)

Time: 10.30am

Venue: Gosforth Civic Theatre

Address: NE3 3HD

Website: www.gosforthcivictheatre.co.uk

Arthur Christmas is always a firm favourite & is part of the Festive Film Season at GCT. A heartwarming & funny tale of Santa's clumsy son Arthur who gets put on a mission with his grandpa to give out...

ELF (PG)

Time: 5.30pm

Venue: Gosforth Civic Theatre

Address: NE3 3HD

Website: www.gosforthcivictheatre.co.uk

Come & see Buddy the Elf bring us all bundles of Christmas cheer. You'd be a cotton-headed ninny-muggins to miss it! Tickets £5 plus booking fee.

HOME ALONE (PG)

Time: 2pm

Venue: Gosforth Civic Theatre

Address: NE3 3HD

Website: www.gosforthcivictheatre.co.uk

Merry Christmas ya filthy animals! A festive film season wouldn't be complete without the story of careless parents leaving their son to fend off criminals alone at Christmas! Come & see Kevin fight off...

Christmas Eve Ice Skating

Time: 9:30am – 4:30pm

Venue: Life Science Centre

Address: Life Science Centre, NE1 4EP

Website: www.life.org.uk/Christmas-skating

Create a new tradition this Christmas Eve! If you’re looking for something a little different to do, make it one to remember with a festive whirl on the open-air ice rink. Very limited tickets...

PUDDING FUN RUN

Time: 10.30am

Venue: The Links, Whitley Bay,

Address: NE26 1TQ

Website: www.nspoly.co.uk

Woodlawn School's annual charity fun run to work off the Christmas Dinner. Organised by Woodlawn Parents & Friends Association & North Shields Polytechnic Club.

POP-UP ASHINGTON GROUP HUT

Time: 12-3pm

Venue: Woodhorn Museum & Country Park

Address: NE63 9YF

Website: www.museumsnorthumberland.org.uk

The pop-up art hut will open its doors daily 12noon to 3pm during the Christmas holidays from Friday 27th December until Sunday 5th January where you can create your own origami inspired Christmas trees....

WINTER WARMERS

Time: 11:30am, 12.30pm, 2pm & 3pm

Venue: Stephenson Railway Museum

Address: Middle Engine Lane, NE29 8DX

Website: www.stephensonrailwaymuseum.org.uk

Beat the post-Christmas blues with a journey on a heritage train. Plan a trip to Stephenson Steam Railway & enjoy a relaxing heritage train ride on our 4 mile historic urban line. After your train ride,...

Skate it off! Taylor Swift Ice Skating Night.

Time: 5:30pm and 6:30pm

Venue: Life Science Centre

Address: Life Science Centre, NE1 4EP

Website: www.life.org.uk/skate-it-off 

Back by popular demand, it’s the perfect party for Swifties! Have a whirl on Life’s enchanting outdoor ice rink with top Taylor Swift tunes and twinkling lights aplenty. Dig out your Eras...

SATURDAY ART CLASSES

Time: 10:15 - 11:45am & 1.45-3.15pm

Venue: Laing Art Gallery

Address: New Bridge Street, NE1 8AG

Website: www.laingartgallery.org.uk

An inclusive art class held on the first Saturday of every month for 10-15 year olds. £5 per child.Pre-booking essential at www.laingartgallery.org.uk.

HOW ENGINEERING SHAPES OUR WORLD

Time: 5pm

Venue: Curtis Auditorium,

Address: Herschel Building Newcastle University. NE1 7RY

Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/events/public-lectures/childrenslectures/#2025holmesmemoriallectures

The Holmes Memorial Lectures are designed for children aged 10 to 14 with the intention of fostering an interest in science. The 2025 Holmes Lectures will be given by researchers from Newcastle University’s...

FAMILY ART CLASS

Time: 10.30am - 12 noon & 1-2.30pm

Venue: Shipley Art Gallery

Address: Prince Consort Road, NE8 4JB

Website: www.shipleyartgallery.org.uk

A monthly Saturday art class for 7 - 12 year olds. At each session you'll be guided by a professional artist to discover a different art technique, such as watercolours, ceramics, mixed media, drawing...

NORTH EAST DEAF YOUTH THEATRE

Time: 9.30-11.30am

Venue: Gosforth Civic Theatre,

Address: NE3 3HD

Website: www.unfoldingtheatre.co.uk

Free monthly theatre workshops for deaf children (ages 5–12). Led by deaf actor and writer EJ Raymond, these free workshops nurture creativity, confidence, and friendships. Explore acting, storytelling,...

ENGINEERING FOR A BETTER WORLD - CLEAN WATER FOR ALL

Time: 5pm

Venue: Curtis Auditorium,

Address: Herschel Building Newcastle University. NE1 7RY

Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/events/public-lectures/childrenslectures/#2025holmesmemoriallectures

The Holmes Memorial Lectures are designed for children aged 10 to 14 with the intention of fostering an interest in science. The 2025 Holmes Lectures will be given by researchers from Newcastle University’s...

QUEEN HEAVEN

Time: 6.30pm

Venue: Life Science Centre

Address: Times Square, NE1 4EP

Website: www.life.org.uk

Enjoy some of legendary rock band Queen’s greatest hits set to fun, exciting visuals in Life’s Planetarium (a 360° immersive dome). Approved by Queen & inspired by their music, &...

CHINESE NEW YEAR

Venue: Stowell Street, Newcastle,

Address: NE1 4YB

In 2025 the Chinese New Year falls on Wednesday 29th January & is the year of the Snake, which symbolizes wisdom, intuition, & transformation. The Newcastle celebrations which are free to attend should...

SATURDAY ART CLASSES

Time: 10:15 - 11:45am & 1.45-3.15pm

Venue: Laing Art Gallery

Address: New Bridge Street, NE1 8AG

Website: www.laingartgallery.org.uk

An inclusive art class held on the first Saturday of every month for 10-15 year olds. £5 per child.Pre-booking essential at www.laingartgallery.org.uk.

NORTH EAST DEAF YOUTH THEATRE

Time: 9.30-11.30am

Venue: Gosforth Civic Theatre,

Address: NE3 3HD

Website: www.unfoldingtheatre.co.uk

Free monthly theatre workshops for deaf children (ages 5–12). Led by deaf actor and writer EJ Raymond, these free workshops nurture creativity, confidence, and friendships. Explore acting, storytelling,...

HERE BE DRAGONS

Venue:  At venues throughout Sunderland & South Tyneside.

Address: NE31-35

Website: www.unfoldingtheatre.co.uk/here-be-dragons

A captivating new show for families from Unfolding Theatre packed with music, fun & adventure. Em lives near the River Wear. She is ten (&three quarters), & she isn’t scared of made-up stories, okay?...

NORTH EAST DEAF YOUTH THEATRE

Time: 9.30-11.30am

Venue: Gosforth Civic Theatre,

Address: NE3 3HD

Website: www.unfoldingtheatre.co.uk

Free monthly theatre workshops for deaf children (ages 5–12). Led by deaf actor and writer EJ Raymond, these free workshops nurture creativity, confidence, and friendships. Explore acting, storytelling,...