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Events across the North East for all to enjoy in the run-up to Christmas

The team at HLN have rounded up some of the best Christmas events taking place in the next few weeks to get you in the festive spirit.

Written by High Life North
Published 13.12.2019

By Charlotte Cooper

Of course, the Christmas markets and festive pantomime shows are amongst some of the traditional events people enjoy during December. However, these popular festive activities soon become repetitive year after year, and we all find ourselves searching the internet for alternative festive things to do in the region. 

A Christmassy cathedral service with special celebrity guests

Join the festivities at St. Nicholas’ Cathedral in Newcastle in aid of The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation. The fantastic festive celebrations have previously featured some of the celebrities from the region such as Tim Healy, X Factor’s Amelia Lily and Vera’s David Leon, while this year’s line-up is said to be just as strong.

The event is being held on Thursday 19 December starting at 7.00pm. Ticket prices start at £22.00, going up to £38.50 for a VIP experience which includes drinks and canapes after the show with the artists and guests. 

St. Nicholas’ Cathedral, Newcastle, NE1 1PF

https://www.theatreroyal.co.uk/whats-on/christmas-at-the-cathedral2019

Festive wreath making at Blackfriars

Wreath making sessions are amongst some of the most popular craft classes across the world during the winter months. The festive door wreaths are traditional decorations for many households, and horticultural expert Kate Norris is hosting this fantastic Blackfriars workshop.

Many of the classes have already sold out, so get in quick to guarantee your place on 22nd December. The session costs £69.00pp and includes a glass of fizz, a three-course Christmas lunch, a glass of wine and your very own wreath to take home. 

Blackfriars Restaurant, Friars Street, Newcastle, NE1 4XN

https://www.blackfriarsrestaurant.co.uk/events

Get in the festive mood the night before Christmas

Gibside’s The Night Before Christmas event is taking place on the 21st December between 5.00pm and 9.00pm. Expect tasty street food, live music and Christmas entertainment throughout the evening. Get that festive feeling and enjoy the most wonderful time of the year at Gibside’s very own family beer garden.

Visitors will be charged £3 (£2 for children) to attend the event and dogs are welcomed too. 

Gibside National Trust, Newcastle, NE16 6B

https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/christmas 

Christmas classics shown across the Tyneside Cinema Screens

Enjoy some of the best-known and most-loved festive films this December at the Tyneside Cinema. From Saturday 14th December, family favourites such as White Christmas, Home Alone, Elf, The Grinch and The Holiday will take to the screens at various times throughout the festive period. Special events such as the screening of The Polar Express are also taking place, where children can visit Santa Claus and watch the film with hot chocolate and gingerbread men. For afternoon tea fanatics, we recommend enjoying the timeless story that is It’s a Wonderful Life in the Classic Circle theatre after some delicious food and drink.

Book your tickets for each event via the cinema website. 

10 Pilgrim Street, Newcastle, NE1 6QG

https://tynesidecinema.co.uk

A winter light trail at The Alnwick Garden

Get your senses buzzing, and your heart filled with seasonal spirit this December as the garden comes to life with sound and light like never before. From 13 December until the 22 December, The Alnwick Garden opens its grounds for the whole family to immerse themselves in a magical festive story as you wander the garden trails.

This event costs £8.95pp and is guaranteed to be a spectacular show with many hidden surprises along the way. 

The Alnwick Garden, The Gardeners Cottage, Greenwell Road, Alnwick, NE66 1HB

https://www.alnwickgarden.com/product/winter-light-trail/

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