- Play Hard
- 18th Dec 2024
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9 things to do over Christmas and New Year
Elf Academy – Washington Wetland Centre
When: Saturday 21st December, 10:00am – Sunday 22nd December, 2:30pm
Where: Washington Wetland Centre
Price: £12
Take part in a special elf workshop at Washington Wetland Centre and earn a very important Elf-tificate!
Aimed at children 4 years and older, these sessions will cover everything they need to know, including ‘elf’ & safety guidelines, the spirit of kindness, gift wrapping for beginners and essential craft skills.
Under the guidance of bigger elves, little ones will create their own wooden crafts, concoct magic reindeer food, wrap a gifted book for charity and more.
The experience will finish with the much-anticipated graduation ceremony and a warming drink.
Elf fancy dress is strongly encouraged!
Festive Glass Painting Workshop – Life Science Centre
When: Saturday 21st December, 11:00am – Sunday 22nd December, 4:00pm
Where: Life Science Centre
Price: from £10.50
Get creative during this beginner-friendly glass-painting workshop.
Local artist Gail Bell will show you how to paint your own acrylic festive decoration – a dazzling addition to your home this 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!
The Snowman in Concert – The Glasshouse
When: Sunday 22nd December, 4:00pm – Tuesday 24th December, 5:00pm
Where: The Glasshouse
Price: from £23
Perhaps the most iconic Christmas film of all time, The Snowman will be brought to life by Royal Northern Sinfonia, conductor Ellie Slorach and presenter Eleanor Mooney.
Watch the movie on the big screen while listening to the magical soundtrack played live by the talented orchestra.
As a bonus, there will be a fun musical story thrown in there too – ‘In the Swamp by the Light of the Moon‘ – composed specially for The Glasshouse.
This heartwarming evening is guaranteed to get you in the festive mood.
Decorate a Christmas Cookie – Washington Wetland Centre
When: Monday 23rd December, 2:00pm – 3:00pm
Where: Washington Wetland Centre
Price: £2.50 per cookie
Pop into the Waterside Cafe at Washington Wetland Centre for a delicious family activity this Christmas!
Choose your favourite cookie shape and decorate it with a range of festive icing and sprinkles.
Once you’ve had fun creating your masterpiece, there’s only one thing left to do… eat it!
Storytelling Fish Craft Workshop – Seven Stories
When: Friday 27rd December, 10:30am – Sunday 5th January 12:45pm
Where: Seven Stories
Price: £7.50
Experience the irridiscent magic of the ocean in this family-friendly workshop at Seven Stories.
Use shimmering materials to create and decorate a unique storytelling fish, then hear a captivating story straight from the ocean depths.
Dazzling Dragons Craft Workshop – Seven Stories
When: Friday 27rd December, 1:30pm – Sunday 5th January 3:45pm
Where: Seven Stories
Price: £7.50
Create a spectacular gliding dragon in this fun craft session at Seven Stories, suitable for the whole family.
Build your fierce or friendly dragon using a range of colourful and shiny materials, then settle down for a fantastical dragon-themed storytime.
Great for children AND parents!
Winter Warmers – Stephenson Steam Railway
When: Saturday 28th December, 11:30am – Sunday 29th December 3:00pm
Where: Stephenson Steam Railway
Price: by donation
Wrap up warm and board a majestic heritage train at Stephenson Steam Railway.
Chug along a four-mile stretch of historic urban line and relax as you watch the scenery go by.
This is a lovely way to pass a day between Christmas Day and New Year!
The Nutcracker and I – The Glasshouse
When: Sunday 29th December 11:30am – 12:20pm
Where: The Glasshouse
Price: from £18
Be mesmerised by pianist Alexandra Dariescu and ballerina Imogen-Lily Ash as they perform Peter Tchaikovsky’s music for The Nutcracker ballet.
The incredible show has been redesigned into a ground-breaking multimedia performance for solo piano, intertwining live dance and digital animation.
This is The Nutcracker like you’ve never seen before!
New Year’s Day Guided Walk – Washington Wetland Centre
When: Wednesday 1st January 11:00am – 12:00pm
Where: Washington Wetland Centre
Price: included with general admission
Kickstart the year with a guided walk around Washington Wetland Centre.
Wrap up warm and look out for woodland birds around Hawthorn Wood hide.
Your expert guide will be there to answer any questions you have and provide hints and tips for identifying birds.
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