10 things to do this weekend to kick off the holiday season

Three people dressed as elves smile at the camera on the platform of a train station. Next to them is a old-fashioned maroon train.

The Elf Express  – Stephenson Steam Railway

When: Saturday 30th November, 9:45am – Monday 23rd December, 3:45pm

Where: Stephenson Steam Railway

Price: from £18

Hop on board the Elf Express at Stephenson Steam Railway this winter.

Enjoy an interactive Christmas performance, then board a heritage locomotive for a special festive outing.

Expect Christmas music, photo opportunities, refreshments and a meet-and-greet with Santa, where every child will receive a gift.

You can visit the Elf Express every weekend from Saturday 30 November to Monday 23 December. There are various time slots each day – check the website to book yours!

MORE INFO

Winter Makers Market – BALTIC

When: Saturday November 30th, 10am – 5pm

Where: BALTIC

Price: £2

BALTIC has joined forces with Endless Love Creative to bring you a fun and festive Winter Makers Market.

Stroll around more than 60 stalls showcasing a range of independent designs, one-of-a-kind pieces and handcrafted treasures. Expect prints, stationary, ceramics, botanics and much more!

This is a wonderful opportunity to pick up something for Christmas or get some gift inspiration.

CHECK IT OUT

Two women browse a stall selling handmade ceramics. In the background, more people walk around the other stalls at the Winter Makers Market.
A digital drawing of a candle against a green leaf. Above it in black are the words: Baltic Winter Warmer, Saturday 30th November.

Winter Warmer Saturday – BALTIC

When: Saturday November 30th, 10am – 6pm

Where: BALTIC

Price: by donation

Embrace winter with a jam-packed day of festive fun at BALTIC!

Take part in a range of activities, including:

– Free gingerbread making in Front Room
– Shopping at the Winter Makers Market
– Winter raffle
– Tree storytelling
– Craft workshops, like this Monster Head Plant Pot session

Or simply browse the current exhibitions and gift shop!

CHECK IT OUT

Gingerbread Decorating – BALTIC

When: Saturday 30th November, 10:00am – Tuesday 24rd December, 6:00pm

Where: BALTIC

Price: free

Gather your friends and family for a relaxed few hours of gingerbread making in BALTIC’s Front Room.

Decorate your gingerbread and enjoy it with a hot drink or packed lunch, or accompany it with something a bit more decadent like hot chocolate from Baltic Kitchen.

This is a lovely free opportunity to unwind, chat or read while enjoy a sweet treat.

CHECK IT OUT

A white plate covered in different gingerbread shapes, including gingerbread people, reindeer faces and snowflakes. They are iced with neat white lines and dots.

Baltic Shop Creates: Monster Head Plant Pot – BALTIC

When: Saturday 30th November, 10:00am – 5:00pm

Where: BALTIC

Price: £40

During this 3-hour workshop, you’ll be taught a variety of techniques for building a monster pot from scratch.

After establishing your base, you’ll learn how to embellish your design, add texture and apply colour.

Your unique pot will be taken away to be fired, ready for collection at a later date.

This session is suitable for beginners, and refreshments will be provided to keep you fuelled throughout.

There will be two workshops throughout the day: 10am-1pm, and 2pm-5pm.

CHECK IT OUT

A ceramic grey plant pot shaped like a monster head. The clay has been textured with hair and beady black eyes peer out on either side of a long bulbous nose. Inside, a multi-armed cactus grows. This is one of the pots you can make at the BALTIC's Monster Head Plant Pot Workshop.
A variety of Christmas themed glass decorations lie flat on a white surface. They include a red star, two Christmas trees, a red swirl and other smaller squares with festive embellishments. These are decorations created in the fused glass workshop at Shipley Art Gallery.

Fused Glass Christmas Decorations with Kimoci Glass – Shipley Art Gallery

When: Saturday 30th November, 10:30am – 1:00pm

Where: Shipley Art Gallery

Price: £45 + booking fee

Craft a gorgeous fused-glass Christmas decoration at this fun workshop led by Kimoci Glass.

Your tutor will show you how to use coloured Bullseye sheet glass, frits, powders and metal inclusions to make your design unique.

Pieces will be taken away to be fired, ready to be collected from the venue at a later date.

CHECK IT OUT

Festive Digital Coaster Printing Workshop – Life Science Centre

When: Saturday 30th November, 11:00am – Sunday 1st December, 4:00pm

Where: Life Science Centre

Price: £25

Local artist and maker Lindsey Stevenson will show you how to design and print your own pattern to make a beautiful coaster – a wonderful gift idea for Christmas!

The session will take place in the festively decorated Making Studios overlooking the Centre’s massive glowing Earth. Workshops last one hour and there are three slots on each day: 11:00am, 1:00pm and 3:00pm.

The ticket price includes admission to the rest of the Life Science Centre, so you can enjoy the other festive activities and exhibitions happening there too!

CHECK IT OUT

A person holds up a coaster depicting a tree and flying birds.
Glittery gold bauble tied to a Christmas tree branch with a red bow. Warm lights twinkle in the background.

Christmas Craft Market – Shipley Art Gallery

When: Saturday 30th November, 11:00am – 3:00pm

Where: Shipley Art Gallery

Price: free

Get into the festive spirit with a trip to Shipley Art Gallery’s Christmas Craft Market.

Browse an array of stalls selling handmade homewares, decorations, gifts, jewellery, ceramics and much more.

After supporting the local artists and makers, grab a hot drink from the pop-up café or take part in a crafting activity.

CHECK IT OUT

Christmas Wreath Making – Washington Wetland Centre

When: Sunday 1st December, 10:00am – 12:30pm

Where: Washington Wetland Centre

Price: £40

It doesn’t get more festive than wreath making!

You’ll be led by local crafter Deborah Haynes, who will show you how to create your own Christmas wreath using moss, dried fruit, pinecones and ribbon.

To add to the holiday cheer, there will also be a range of refreshments, including mulled wine and sweet treats!

CHECK IT OUT

A person ties a green ribbon to a Christmas wreath. Candle flames glow in the foreground.
Crafty Bazaar 1st December Wylam Brewery

The Crafty Bazaar

When: Sunday 1st December, 12:00pm – 5:00pm

Where: Wylam Brewery

Price: £2.50

Head to Wylam Brewery for a festive Christmas craft fair, featuring a variety of local produce and goodies from makers, designers, and small business owners! Discover a wide range of homeware, food, clothing, skincare, artwork, handmade gifts and much more!

The bar will be open during the event for a cheeky tipple as you shop, and you’ll be able to grab some scran from food vans – VooDoo Pizza and The Big Banh Mi will be there to keep you fed. This event is also dog friendly so bring your furry friend along for some fun!

CHECK IT OUT

Nula Power

Comments

Have your say