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- 4th Dec 2024
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5 wholesome festive mate date ideas in the North East
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Mate dates are the gift that really keeps on giving, especially during the festive period.
‘Tis the season for annual catch-ups – so why not add a sprinkle of magic to your plans this year?
The thought of being stuck in Christmas traffic or fighting for a parking space can be so off-putting, right? But don’t worry – we’ve got you covered with hassle-free bus journeys to your next festive friend meet-up. They’re affordable, quick and completely stress-free.
Here are some wholesome festive mate date ideas in the North East for some inspo this December.
The best part? The budget-friendly travel deals. Adults can explore the North East with a TNE Day Saver for just £6.80, while young people aged 21 and under can hop around for as little as £1.
Planning to stay in one area? No problem. Check out the Durham Day Rover for just £4, the Northumberland Day Rover for £5 and theTyne and Wear Day Rover for only £6.
And it doesn’t stop there, if the little ones are joining in the fun too – they can travel free from Saturday 21st December 2024 until Sunday 5th January 2025.
MARKET STROLLS AND SPA GOALS
Bus: X10 X-lines (Eldon Square, Platform E)
Bus stop: Shopping Centre
Walking distance: 2 minutes
Get into the festive spirit with a mate date that’s all about Christmas cheer and ultimate relaxation. Start at Dalton Park’s Festive Artisan Market on Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th December. Stroll through twinkling lights and festive stalls packed with handcrafted gifts, seasonal treats and discounted finds at the outlet.
Then, hop on the X6 Peterlee Purples bus using your day saver to Seaham Hall’s spa, Serenity, to soak away the stress. Choose the Twilight Spa Package (6-10pm) with access to their award-winning spa and a two-course dinner at Ozone. Or opt for the Festive Feel-Good Spa Day – eight hours of bliss, a 60-minute treatment and a two-course lunch. It’s the perfect pre-Christmas unwind.
The best part? No stressful drive home after your afternoon of relaxation as you can hop on your bus using your TNE Day Saver for just £6.80.
MARKETS, MAGIC AND WREATH MAKING
Bus: X21 X-lines (Newcastle Newgate Street)
Bus stop: Durham
Walking distance: 7 minutes
It’s all happening the first weekend of December in Durham. Avoid the stress of finding a parking space by getting the bus to Durham. Step into the seasonal spirit with your bestie by heading to the Durham Christmas Festival. From Friday 6th to Sunday 8th, the city’s alive with magical markets, seasonal treats and festive entertainment. How about catching the Children’s Lantern Parade on Saturday 7th or singing along to carols at Durham Cathedral?
Feeling magical? Step into The Magic Corner a custom-built magic show bar hosting an immersive Christmas-themed show where every seat is front-row. Or get crafty with a Christmas Wreath Workshop at Durham School on Sunday 8th December – perfect for kicking off your festivities in style.
THE ULTIMATE CHRISTMAS RETAIL THERAPY DAY
Bus: 62/63 (Newcastle Monument)
Bus stop: New Bridge Street-St Dominics
Walking distance: 6 minutes
Looking for the perfect feel-good Christmas mate date? Head to the Ouseburn Christmas Market on Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th December. It’s their fifth year and it’s packed with festive fun. Browse over 70 stalls featuring handmade treasures – art, ceramics, candles, clothes and quirky crafts. While you shop, enjoy speciality coffee from Zees, artisan cakes, hot food, live music and festive vibes.
After, pop into The Find, a cosy haven of unique, vintage gifts for everyone on your list. From home décor to beauty treats, it’s all curated with care. Shop local and make someone’s Christmas unforgettable.
With limited parking in Ouseburn getting the bus is the perfect option, meaning you can have more mulled wine too.
CHRISTMAS DATE OUT BY THE COAST
Bus: 306 (Haymarket, Platform L)
Bus stop: Albion Road-Brandling Terrace
Walking distance: 11 minutes
Looking for festive fun with your friends? Save your pennies on taxis, let your hair down and hop on the bus to North Shields. Don’t miss the Absolutely ABBA Christmas Disco at Salt Market Social on Thursday 19th December. Dance and sing to classics like Dancing Queen, Voulez-Vous and Mamma Mia, performed live by the North East’s favourite ABBA tribute band. But before you hit the disco, grab tapas at Allard’s on the Quay – two tapas and a drink for just £16.25 during happy hour.
Plus, head to North Shields Christmas Market on Saturday 7th – Sunday 8th December for free entertainment, over 75 stalls including street food vans, fairground rides and festive activities – even alpacas. Don’t miss the Linskill Community Choir’s performance on Sunday.
SEASON GREETINGS IN SUNDERLAND
Metro: Haymarket to Sunderland
Walking distance: 2 minutes
Get into the seasonal spirit this December in Sunderland. If you’re not confident driving around Sunderland city centre, hop on the Metro, sit back, and relax. Start with a cosy Christmas afternoon tea at Café Floriana for just £25. Indulge in scones, sandwiches and seasonal cakes like chocolate orange ganache tart washed down with tea, coffee or soft drinks. Fancy fizz? BYO, and they’ll provide glasses. Then hope on the 4 bus with your day saver to sip mulled wine or hot chocolate at Sheepfolds Stables.
On Monday 9th December, shop local at the Twilight Christmas Market at Sheepfolds with over 20 stalls to discover. Runners, for some festive fitness fun, join the Red Xmas Party Run on Saturday 14th December on a social ¾-mile run followed by drinks and pizza.
Rachael Ellis
Creative Solutions Manager
After gaining a first in her BA Media and Journalism degree at Northumbria University, Rachael worked at Newcastle’s leading regional newspaper with her stories being picked up in national and global newspapers. She spent two very successful years giving a voice to those communities across the North East who otherwise…
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