Best Christmas Events North East 2025 – Meet Santa and More

Last Updated on October 14, 2025 by Suzy McCullough

There are some magical events happening this festive period in the North East in 2025 and some are yet to be confirmed. I’ve put them into one big post so you can search for the best Christmas events near you in the North East – in County Durham, Northumberland and Tyne and Wear where you can meet Santa and more. Don’t forget to book in advance this winter so your festive cheer isn’t left feeling disappointed.

Please double-check the event descriptions on the attraction’s website as the below information could change. It is essential that you read their own information carefully, some venues require you to prebook. There’s nothing like attending an event before Christmas Day and enjoying the festive atmosphere. Plus many places have some amazing Christmas decorations, previous years have been a testament to that.

Best Christmas Events North East 2020 – Meet Santa and More

Table of Contents

Best Christmas Events in County Durham 2025

Adventure Valley – Winter Wonderland – County Durham – Tickets on Sale

Your Magical Journey begins at entry, where children receive a Winter Wonderland Passport. Within, you will have a section for your Santa meeting and a section for Elf-led activities. This passport is stamped for completion of your Santa meeting and Elf-led activities once, so keep it nice and safe. Once you have received your Passport, you are free to explore all the Activities included in this years’ Winter Wonderland. Adventure Valley

Address: Union Hall Farm, The Bungalows Finchale Abbey, Durham DH1 5SG

When? Selected dates from 29th November – 24th December

Auckland Castle – A Glow – County Durham – Tickets on Sale

Auckland Palace’s dazzling light trail will illuminate the skies of Bishop Auckland this Christmas. AGLOW promises to be one of the most spectacular Christmas light trails in the North East. With incredible illuminations and some of the largest light installations in the country, AGLOW is a must-see experience for all the family. A Glow

Address: Market Pl, Bishop Auckland DL14 7NR

When? Selected dates from 21st November – 31st December

Beamish – Christmas Daytimes – County Durham – Tickets on sale

Step back in time and enjoy the wonder of Christmas from across our time periods. From the Georgian period through to the 1950s, delight in traditional decorations, tasty yuletide treats, festive music and lots of fun activities to help you count down to Christmas. Beamish …plus other seasonal events

Address: Regional Resource Centre, Beamish DH9 0RG

When? 22nd November – 24th December

Beamish Hall – Forest of Lights – County Durham – Tickets on sale

Gather the family and join us as we open the doors to our wonderful world of magical illuminations and fantastic lighting displays this festive period. At night, when the moon takes its place in the sky our magical forest comes to life. Forest of Light is a captivating illuminated experience set within our Enchanted Ancient Woodland.

We have created a world filled with illuminations, music, interactive props and projections to dazzle and amaze with specially commissioned pieces for Forest of Light, which means that this is a unique experience not to be found anywhere else. Forest of Lights

Address: Coppy Lane, Beamish, Stanley DH9 0YB

When? Various dates throughout November, December and January

Hall Hill Farm – Santa Visits – County Durham – Event to be confirmed

Info from last year – Meet Santa and Dasher our talking reindeer! Christmas tickets will be released at noon on Tuesday 10th September. Hall Hill Farm

Address: Hall Hill Farm, Lanchester, Durham DH7 0TA

When? TBC

Raby Castle – Enchanted Christmas Trail – County Durham – Tickets on Sale

Step into a world of festive wonder this Christmas with the Enchanted Christmas Trail at The Plotters’ Forest, located within the stunning surroundings of Raby Castle, Park & Gardens. Twinkling lights, joyful music, and magical touches throughout the woodland make this a must-visit family experience, perfect for families. Raby Castle …plus other seasonal events

Address: Staindrop, Darlington DL2 3AH

When? Selected dates from 15th November – 4th January

Best Christmas Events North East – Meet Santa and More

Tweddle Farm – Santa’s Grotto – County Durham – Tickets on Sale

Tweddle Farm’s Christmas Countdown is a December to remember! Our well-known Santa’s Grotto gets bigger and better every year. Meet Santa and his friends in our unforgettable Winter Wonderland. Plus an after-dark event. Tweddle Farm

Address: Filipoke Lane, Blackhall Colliery, Hartlepool TS27 4BT

When? Selected dates from 29th November – 24th December

Ushaw House – Christmas Ushaw – County Durham – Tickets on Sale soon

Rumour has it: Families will soon be crafting with evergreens. A red-suited guest is preparing his list. Carolers are tuning up for nights filled with song. A snowman’s tale will come to life and tea will taste a little more magical this season.. Keep watch — the first flurry of Christmas arrives soon. Ushaw House

Address: Woodland Rd, Durham DH7 9RH

When? TBC

Best Christmas Events Northumberland 2025

Alnwick Garden – Winter Light Trail – Northumberland – Tickets on Sale

Two attractions, one great price. BOOK NOW at last year’s prices. The North East’s favourite Winter Lights are back again this year. Not only can you see the light trail in The Alnwick Garden, an immersive experience of light and sound with installations, you can also see the lights around Lilidorei. See The Garden and Lilidorei like never before and experience the perfect winter tradition this Christmas. s Alnwick Garden

Address: Denwick Lane, Alnwick NE66 1YU

When? 20th November – 4th January

Bamburgh Castle – Christmas through time – Northumberland – Tickets on Sale

Legend has it that Bamburgh Castle hides a tropical Christmas paradise filled with glistening gold, colourful jewels and magical adventures – plus a special visitor from colder lands. Wander in wonder on an enchanted trail through childhood stories brought to life by the award-winning team at Charlotte Lloyd-Webber Event Design. A dazzling indoor experience that promises festive joy for all. Bamburgh Castle

Address: Bamburgh NE69 7DF

When? November 8th to January 4th

Belsay Hall Castle and Gardens – Father Christmas – Northumberland – Tickets on Sale

Father Christmas is taking time out of his busy festive schedule to tell some of his favourite seasonal stories around the Christmas tree. After the group storytelling session, you and your children will meet the man himself, with the chance to take photographs and make memories to treasure. Father Christmas will also give every child a traditional present to unwrap. Belsay Hall Plus you can enjoy enchanting storytelling and music, indulge in delicious cream teas, and explore the hall dressed for Christmas. It’s the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit. This can be booked without a visit to Father Christmas.

Address: B6309, Newcastle upon Tyne NE20 0DX

When? Weekends from 29 Nov – 21 Dec, and Mon 22 & Tue 23 Dec

Kielder Winter Wonderland – Northumberland – Tickets on sale

Kielder Winter Wonderland is a full-day experience packed full of festive activities to keep you and your little ones entertained all day. Your full day will include everything from helping Mrs Christmas get ready for Christmas to helping in the elves’ workshop to walking through the forest to find Father Christmas, plus lots more! With the forest home to Father Christmas and his festive friends, you never know who you could bump into! Kielder

Address: Kielder Forest Park, Kielder Waterside (Leaplish Waterside Park NE48 1BT

When? Selected dates from 15th November to 23rd December

Wallington Hall – Father Christmas Experience – Northumberland – See Below

Listen to a festive story with Mrs Christmas and make a decoration for your Christmas tree. Gather in the cosy Reading Room to meet the main man, Father Christmas, and don’t forget your camera to capture this special moment with a photo or two. At the end of your experience, receive a gift to take home. Wallington Plus other seasonal events

Address: B6342, Cambo, Morpeth NE61 4AR

When? The Father Christmas Experience is now sold out. For other events, please see their website.

Whitehouse Farm Centre – Santa’s Enchanted Elf Journey – Northumberland – Tickets on Sale

The Whitehouse farm elves are excited to present to you this year’s Santa’s Enchanted Elf Journey, with even more magic for 2025. We have completed a 6-figure investment into our Enchanted Forest. 2025 will truly be an experience like no other. This VIP Christmas experience will create magical memories to treasure with your loved ones. We have a jam-packed programme of festive fun, all included in the cost of your experience. Whitehouse Farm

Address: Whitehouse Farm Centre, Morpeth NE61 6AW

When? Various dates between 22nd November and the 24th of December

Christmas Events Tyne & Wear 2025

Gibside – Christmas at Gibside – Tyne and Wear – Tickets on Sale

Father Christmas and his elf friend, Happy Holly Berry, are putting the ho ho ho into the festive season, getting ready for Christmas with their woodland friends; polishing the mistletoe, putting sparkle into the cobwebs, and frosting the moss. Gather close and listen to Father Christmas share a heart-warming tale filled with merry cheer and North Pole magic. As part of the magical experience, Father Christmas welcomes children to share in the storytelling fun, and before he returns to his workshop in the North Pole, he presents each child with a small keepsake gift. Gibside Plus other family festivities

Address: Rowlands Gill NE16 6BG

When? Selected dates from 22nd November until 4th January

Leazes Park – Northern Lights – Tyne & Wear – Tickets On Sale

The 1-mile-long walk around Leazes Park takes you through around 15 illumination zones, each with its own unique personality and pit stops along the way. To top it all off, we have our Christmas Village full of cracking local food, delicious drinks and plenty of festive cheer. Northern Lights

Address: Leazes Park, Newcastle

When? Selected dates from 27th November – 31st December