What's On in Tees Valley

Swimming lessons with Everyone Active

Venue: Your local leisure centre

Address: Tees Valley

Website: https://www.everyoneactive.com/courses-lessons/swimming-lessons/

Award-winning swimming lessons at your local Everyone Active leisure centre, for children aged from just 4 months old. Available at Neptune Centre, Rainbow Leisure Centre, Guisborough Swim and Fitness...

EVERY SATURDAY - Free Family Crafts and Play Session

Venue: The Exchange Community Hub, Hillstreet Shopping Centre, Middlesbrough, TS1 1SU

Website: https://www.facebook.com/ExchangeBoro/

Join Freestyle Community Projects for free family fun every Saturday between 10-2. Come try out crafts, lego challenges and play together as a family. Includes refreshements. Please note, no lone children...

Reindeer Post

Venue: Theatre Hullabaloo

Address: Borough Road, Dalington DL1 1SG

Website: https://www.theatrehullabaloo.org.uk/free-shows/christmas-at-the-hullabaloo/

Reindeer post is making a special collection from The Hullabaloo again this festive season. Santa’s post box will be in Café Hullabaloo from Saturday 9th – Saturday 30th November We have colouring...

The Nutcracker

Time: 7.30pm

Venue: Middlesbrough Theatre

Address: The Avenue, Middlesbrough TS5 6SA

Website: https://boxoffice.middlesbrough.gov.uk/event/the-nutcracker/

This seasonal favourite from Crown Ballet will be an unforgettable journey in the run-up to Christmas, and an ideal introduction to the magic that is classical ballet.

A Child's Christmas in Wales (& Other Dylan Thomas)

Time: 3pm and 8pm

Venue: Hipp @ The Hullabaloo

Address: Theatre Hullabaloo, Parkgate, Darlington, DL1 1RR

Website: www.darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk

Olivier Award winner Guy Masterson returns to Darlington with his award winning tribute to Dylan Thomas, featuring 3 glorious short stories including his celebrated A Child's Christmas in Wales to get...

Christmas Lights Switch On with BBC Radio Tees and Everyone Active

Time: 4pm - 6pm

Venue: Centre Square, Middlesbrough

Address: Centre Square, Middlesbrough

Website: Christmas in Middlesbrough - We are Middlesbrough

It’s the most wonderful time of the year and we’re all about bringing that uplifting, mood-boosting festive cheer to this year’s marking it in style as the annual switch on event returns to Centre...

Walking with the Snowman trail

Time: All day

Venue: Various venues, Middlesbrough town centre

Website: Christmas in Middlesbrough - We are Middlesbrough

Middlesbrough’s beloved giant snowmen sculptures are returning to venues across the town centre this November and December. The snowmen have been beautifully designed by an artist and each one depicts...

A Georgian Christmas

Time: 10 am - 3pm

Venue: Kirkleatham Museum

Address: Kirkleatham, Redcar TS10 5NW

Website: www.facebook.com/kirkleathammuseumandgrounds

Indoor and outdoor trails and a Christmas makeover of our popular Georgian Dining Room

Christmas at the Dorman Museum

Time: 10am - 4pm

Venue: Dorman Museum

Address: Linthorpe Rd, Middlesbrough TS5 6LA

Website: https://online1.venpos.net/ConsumerSite/ShowPage?LID=936&PID=2900574a-afab-4e9b-9001-9392c679247e

Unwrap the magic of Christmas at the Dorman Museum with a series of joyful workshops, a virtual reality ride, pop-up market, crafts and lots more! Taking place every weekend between the 30 November –...

Christmas Gift Market

Time: 10am-4pm

Venue: The Dorman Museum

Address: Linthorpe Rd, Middlesbrough TS5 6LA

Website: Festive Fun- December at the Dorman Museum - We are Middlesbrough

Step into our pop-up festive market where you can find independent small business from across Teesside, with an array of beautiful hand-crafted decorations and festive gifts – the perfect place to bag...

Community Christmas Tree Display

Time: Open during normal museum hours

Venue: Preston Park Museum

Website: prestonparkmuseum.co.uk

Inspired by the Victorian Street and park, local community groups have created a beautiful display pf Christmas trees. Included in the price of museum admission.

Elf Pick n Mix Crafts

Time: 10.30am-3.30pm

Venue: The Dorman Museum

Address: Linthorpe Rd, Middlesbrough TS5 6LA

Website: Festive Fun- December at the Dorman Museum - We are Middlesbrough

Join us at our Elf Pick ‘n’ Mix Crafts Station and create personalised Christmas ornaments, decorations, and gifts. With a variety of craft supplies to choose from, you can mix and match to create...

Elf Town Experience

Time: 10.30am-3.30pm

Venue: The Dorman Museum

Address: Linthorpe Rd, Middlesbrough TS5 6LA

Website: Festive Fun- December at the Dorman Museum - We are Middlesbrough

Join Mrs Claus for a festive story, create your own reindeer feed, and decorate a gingerbread character ready for Santa to enjoy on Christmas Eve.

Magic Rabbit Christmas Trail

Time: 10am-4pm

Venue: The Dorman Museum

Address: Linthorpe Rd, Middlesbrough TS5 6LA

Website: Festive Fun- December at the Dorman Museum - We are Middlesbrough

Help us find all of the magic rabbits that have escaped from the Spellbound Exhibition. Follow the clues as they take you on a fascinating journey of discovery around the Museum tracking down amazing treasures...

Santa's Sleigh VR Ride

Time: 10am-4pm

Venue: The Dorman Museum

Address: Linthorpe Rd, Middlesbrough TS5 6LA

Website: Festive Fun- December at the Dorman Museum - We are Middlesbrough

Welcome aboard Santa’s sleigh as we give the sleigh a trial flight before Christmas Eve. Hold on to your hats and antlers everyone as you will fly across the globe and even into space!

A Georgian Christmas

Time: 10am - 3pm

Venue: Kirkleatham Museum

Address: Kirkleatham, Redcar TS10 5NW

Website: www.facebook.com/kirkleathammuseumandgrounds

A range of stalls inside the pavilion selling a variety of goods

Family Big Gig: Rockin' Christmas

Time: 6pm

Venue: Town Hall

Address: Albert Rd, Middlesbrough TS1 2QJ

Website: Family Big Gig: Rockin’ Christmas | Middlesbrough Box Office

Join us for a festive fun-filled Family Big Gig, delivered by the creative education specialist, Apollo Arts! There’ll be a magical singalong with a live band and loads of musical Christmas games.

3d pens: Christmas

Time: 3.30pm - 4.30pm

Venue: Thornaby Central Library

Address: Wrightson House, Pavilion Shopping Centre, Thornaby, Stockton-on-Tees, TS17 9EW

Website: www.stockton.gov.uk/book-library-event

With Christmas around the corner, get festive with our 3d pen sessions. Create your own decorations, gift tags and tree ornaments. Suitable for ages 8+ ages. Registrations open on Monday 25 November, 10am....

Sleeping Beauty

Venue: Darlington Hippodrome

Address: Darlington Hippodrome, Parkgate, Darlington, DL1 1RR

Website: www.darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk

Darlington Hippodrome's spectacular Christmas panto returns, starring Lee Mead and Su Pollard. Make Sleeping Beauty the pantomime of your dreams!

Snow White panto

Time: Various times

Venue: Middlesbrough Theatre

Address: The Avenue, Middlesbrough TS5 6SA

Website: https://boxoffice.middlesbrough.gov.uk/event/snow-white-pantomime/

With TV Star Melinda Messenger as ‘The Wicked Queen’ and returning fan favourite and Britain’s Got Talent alumni, Philip Green as ‘Muddles the Jester’, this panto is sure to knock your socks...

Snow White Pantomime

Time: Various

Venue: Middlesbrough Theatre

Address: The Avenue, Middlesbrough TS5 6SA

Website: Snow White Pantomime | Middlesbrough Box Office

This spectacular panto will feature dazzling costumes, spellbinding special effects and lots of audience participation that will keep the whole family entertained and amused. With stars Melinda Messenger...

Beginners Magic Workshop

Time: 10.30am-1.30pm

Venue: The Dorman Museum

Address: Linthorpe Rd, Middlesbrough TS5 6LA

Website: Festive Fun- December at the Dorman Museum - We are Middlesbrough

Are you ready to embark on a magical adventure? Our beginner magic trick workshops offer an unforgettable experience, where you can learn the secrets of illusion and create lasting memories with our experienced...

Elsa and Olaf Party

Time: 1.30pm-2.30pm

Venue: Darlington Library

Address: Crown Street, Darlington, DL1 1ND

Website: www2.darlington.gov.uk/events

Meet Elsa and Olaf as we sing, dance and play games together. Recommended for children aged 4-7. £7.50, booking required.

Hedgehog Houses

Venue: The Bowes Museum

Address: The Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle, DL12 8NP

Join the Museum’s friendly team to help build habitats for hibernating hedgehogs in the parkland. On days when it’s too rainy to be outside, we’ll get arty and make for Autumn and Winter in the Create...

Magical Illusion Family Crafts

Time: 10.30am-3.30pm

Venue: The Dorman Museum

Address: Linthorpe Rd, Middlesbrough TS5 6LA

Website: Festive Fun- December at the Dorman Museum - We are Middlesbrough

Discover the joy of illusion-making and unleash your inner magician at our enchanting family workshop! Ever dreamt of creating illusions that will dazzle and delight? Join in our family crafts where you’ll...

Spellbound Magic Performances

Time: 10am-4pm

Venue: The Dorman Museum

Address: Linthorpe Rd, Middlesbrough TS5 6LA

Website: Festive Fun- December at the Dorman Museum - We are Middlesbrough

Experience the magic of Christmas like never before! Join us for captivating performance of wonder and delight in our pop-up Christmas magic show in the magical new spellbound exhibition.

3d pens: Christmas

Time: 4pm - 5pm

Venue: Ingleby Barwick Library

Address: IB Leisure, Blair Avenue, Stockton-on-Tees, TS17 5BL

Website: www.stockton.gov.uk/book-library-event

With Christmas around the corner, get festive with our 3d pen sessions. Create your own decorations, gift tags and tree ornaments. Suitable for ages 8+ ages. Registrations open on Monday 25 November, 10am....

3d pens: Christmas

Time: 4pm - 5pm

Venue: Norton Library

Address: 87 High Street, Norton, Stockton-on-Tees, TS20 1AE

Website: www.stockton.gov.uk/book-library-event

With Christmas around the corner, get festive with our 3d pen sessions. Create your own decorations, gift tags and tree ornaments. Suitable for ages 8+ ages. Registrations open on Monday 25 November, 10am....

Santa's Grotto

Time: Time slots available throughout the day

Venue: Darlington Library

Address: Crown Street, Darlington, DL1 1ND

Website: www2.darlington.gov.uk/events

Come and join us for a Christmas trail, games and activities before being escorted to Santa's Grotto to meet Father Christmas himself (includes a gift). Recommended for children aged 0-4. £7.50, booking...

Christmas by Candlelight

Time: 7.30pm

Venue: Town Hall

Address: Albert Rd, Middlesbrough TS1 2QJ

Website: Christmas By Candlelight | Middlesbrough Box Office

A spectacular West End Cast and incredible live band perform your favourite Christmas Hits, as you have never heard them before! ‘It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas’, so, join us at Middlesbrough...

Winter Swans

Time: 10am

Venue: 4pm

Address: The Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle, DL12 8NP

Website: thebowesmuseum.org.uk

Artist Maker, Cath Hodson will be leading a printing workshop inspired by the beautiful Silver Swan. Suitable for ages 5+, free with Winter Market admission.

Do You Want to Build a Snowman?

Join Artist Maker, Zoe Allen to make a wintery wonderland. Snowflakes will be dancing at The Bowes! Suitable for ages 5+, free with Winter Market admission.

Grinch and Cindy-Lou Party

Time: 1.30pm-2.30pm

Venue: Darlington Library

Address: Crown Street, Darlington, DL1 1ND

Website: www2.darlington.gov.uk/events

Come and join in with games, dancing and mischief alongside the Grinch and Cindy-Lou. Recommended for children aged 4-7. £7.50, booking required.

The Christmas Big Science Workshop

Time: 10.30am-1.30pm

Venue: The Dorman Museum

Address: Linthorpe Rd, Middlesbrough TS5 6LA

Website: Festive Fun- December at the Dorman Museum - We are Middlesbrough

A day filled with exciting experiments, hands-on activities, and a sprinkle of holiday magic! From creating glowing slime to building miniature snow machines, our experiments are designed to be both educational...

Winter Garlands

Artist Maker, Betty Brown will be getting into the festive spirit with a snowflake making workshop. Create snowy garlands for your friends and family. Suitable for ages 5+, free with Winter Market admission....

Groovy Kinda Christmas

Time: 11am-2pm

Venue: The Dorman Museum

Address: Linthorpe Rd, Middlesbrough TS5 6LA

Website: Festive Fun- December at the Dorman Museum - We are Middlesbrough

Get ready for a jingle bell rockin’ good time! Meet Millie Mischief, Shufflin’ Sam & Jumping Jessie of ‘Club Groovy’ fame as they bring you an interactive show, jam packed with magical moments

Rhymetime Christmas Party

Time: 9.30am-10.30am OR 11am-12pm

Venue: Darlington Library

Address: Crown Street, Darlington, DL1 1ND

Website: www2.darlington.gov.uk/events

Join us for a very special Rhymetime party complete with Christmas Elves, pass the parcel and lots of dancing! Recommended for children aged 0-4. £6, booking required (tickets available 02/12/24 @ 8am)

Rhymetime Christmas Party

Time: 9.30am-10.30am OR 11am-12pm

Venue: Cockerton Library

Address: Woodland Road, Darlington, DL3 9AA

Website: www2.darlington.gov.uk/events

Join us for a very special Rhymetime party complete with Christmas Elves, pass the parcel and lots of dancing! Recommended for children aged 0-4. £6, booking required (tickets available 02/12/24 @ 8am)

Santa's Grotto

Time: Time slots available throughout the day

Venue: Darlington Library

Address: Crown Street, Darlington, DL1 1ND

Website: www2.darlington.gov.uk/events

Come and join us for a Christmas trail, games and activities before being escorted to Santa's Grotto to meet Father Christmas himself (includes a gift). Recommended for children aged 0-4. £7.50, booking...

Christmas decorations

Time: 10 - 11am

Venue: Billingham Library

Address: Billingham Town Centre, Stockton-on-Tees, TS23 2LN

Website: www.stockton.gov.uk/book-library-event

Get into the Christmas spirit by decorating your very own Christmas decorations. Registrations open Friday 13 December, 10am. Suitable for ages 4 - 11 years.

Rhymetime Christmas Party

Time: 9.30am-10.30am OR 11am-12pm

Venue: Cockerton Library

Address: Woodland Road, Darlington, DL3 9AA

Website: www2.darlington.gov.uk/events

Join us for a very special Rhymetime party complete with Christmas Elves, pass the parcel and lots of dancing! Recommended for children aged 0-4. £6, booking required (tickets available 02/12/24 @ 8am)

Rhymetime Christmas Party

Time: 9.30am-10.30am OR 11am-12pm

Venue: Darlington Library

Address: Crown Street, Darlington, DL1 1ND

Website: www2.darlington.gov.uk/events

Join us for a very special Rhymetime party complete with Christmas Elves, pass the parcel and lots of dancing! Recommended for children aged 0-4. £6, booking required (tickets available 02/12/24 @ 8am)

Holly and Ivy's Festive Book Club

Time: 10.30am-1.30pm

Venue: The Dorman Museum

Address: Linthorpe Rd, Middlesbrough TS5 6LA

Website: https://www.wearemiddlesbrough.com/whats-on/arts-museums-whats-on/festive-fun-december-at-the-dorman-museum/

Step into a world of wonder with the National Literary Trust, as we embark on a literary journey together, reading a Christmas story that will fill your heart with festive spirit, sipping on hot chocolates...

Orange Pip Market festive edition

Time: 12pm - 6pm

Venue: Middlesbrough Town Hall

Address: Albert Road, Middlesbrough, TS1 2QJ

Website: https://www.wearemiddlesbrough.com/our-stories/blog/christmas-in-middlesbrough/

Have a ‘merry Pipmas’ at Middlesbrough Town Hall and join in with all the festive fun and frolicks that you’ve come to expect. They’ll be serving up more of the region’s leading artisan food...

Christmas crafts

Time: 11am - 12pm

Venue: Roseworth Library

Address: Redhill Family Hub, Redhill Road, Stockton-on-Tees, TS19 9BX

Website: www.stockton.gov.uk/book-library-event

Create some cosy Christmas crafts. Registrations open Friday 13 December, 10am. Suitable for ages 4 - 11 years.

Christmas crafts

Time: 2 - 3pm

Venue: Thornaby Central Library

Address: Wrightson House, Pavilion Shopping Centre, Thornaby, Stockton-on-Tees, TS17 9EW

Website: www.stockton.gov.uk/book-library-event

Create some cosy Christmas crafts. Registrations open Friday 13 December, 10am. Suitable for ages 4 - 11 years.

Christmas storytime

Time: 10 - 11am

Venue: Norton Library

Address: 87 High Street, Norton, Stockton-on-Tees, TS20 1AE

Website: www.stockton.gov.uk/book-library-event

Join us for a festive story. Registrations open Friday 13 December, 10am. Suitable for ages 4 - 11 years.

Christmas storytime

Time: 1 - 2pm

Venue: Fairfield Library

Address: Fairfield Road, Stockton-on-Tees, TS19 7AJ

Website: www.stockton.gov.uk/book-library-event

Join us for a festive story. Registrations open Friday 13 December, 10am. Suitable for ages 4 - 11 years.

Kidz Sound Christmas Tribute Concert

Time: 2pm

Venue: Town Hall

Address: Albert Rd, Middlesbrough TS1 2QJ

Website: Kidz Sound Christmas Tribute Concert | Middlesbrough Box Office

Coming to MIDDLESBROUGH this Christmas… a LIVE show with 3 hours of music from the biggest names in pop… performed by the UK’s best tribute artists. DANCE, SING & PARTY to the music of Taylor Swift,...

BookTrust Storytimes

Website: www.stockton.gov.uk/book-library-event

Look out for more information on our BookTrust Storytimes Prize sessions for families with children under the age of 5 years. These super fun and interactive sessions will share the latest BookTrust Storytime...

Pirates Love Underpants

Time: 3:30pm, 10:30am, 1:30pm

Venue: Darlington Hippodrome

Address: Darlington Hippodrome, Parkgate, Darlington, DL1 1RR

Website: www.darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk

Based on the beloved book by Claire Freedman and Ben Cort. These pirates SO love underpants! Join our swashbuckling party of pirates on their quest to find the fabled Pants of Gold for the Captain’s...

Festive Farm

Time: 10.30am - 4pm

Venue: Newham Grange Farm

Address: Wykeham Way, Coulby Newham, Middlesbrough TS8 0TG

Website: https://newhamgrangefarm.co.uk/tickets/festivefarm/

Pop along to Newham Grange Farm to see the dazzling lights and beautiful Christmas trees before venturing on the festive trail and pick up some free reindeer feed to take home (top tip: leave it out for...