10 More Free Ways to get the Festive Spirit in the North East

With just over a week to go there are still lots of ways to get into the Christmas Spirit this year for FREE. There's so many fabulous family festive activities in the North East at this time of year, and many of these are free. So if you are looking for festive ways to make the budget stretch here are our top ten FREE ways to get into the Festive Spirit between now and Christmas Day in North East England.

1. The Frost of Forgetfulness Winter Quest at Woodhorn - Saturday 17 to Friday 23 December

Set out on a FREE wintry quest for families at Woodhorn this Christmas! Approximately an hour long, The Frost of Forgetfulness Winter Quest is open Saturday 17 to Friday 23 December from 10am to last entry at 3pm.

Between 12noon and 3pm you can also get that festive feeling by creating your own Christmas bauble to take away and add to your tree. 

2. Craft a Christmas Card at Shipley Art Gallery - 17 December & 24 December

At the Shipley Art Gallery, you can craft a Christmas card at drop-in sessions between 10am – 5pm 

3. Get Crafty at South Shields Museum and Art Gallery - 17 December

Why not try Christmas wrapping and card printing at South Shields Museum and Art Gallery between 12.30pm – 3pm.

4. intu Metrocentre’s Winter Wonderland and Santa’s Grotto – every day until Christmas Eve

The intu Metrocentre’s free Santa Grotto offers a treat for all good North East girls and boys this festive season until December 24. Every child who visits Santa and his elves at the free Grotto, situated in the lower Qube, Yellow Mall, underneath the giant Christmas tree, receives a free gift.

5. Vineyard Berwick Family Carol Service - 17 December

A Family Christmas Carol Service takes place from 4-5pm on Saturday 17th December, followed by festive refreshments. Children can dress as a nativity character and take part in the walk on nativity!

6. Elf Direction at Sage Gateshead – weekends and the run to Christmas

Enjoy the Christmassy sounds of Sage Gateshead’s very own ‘Elf Band’ during these festive and very fun concourse performances, taking place on December 17-18, and 21-24 at 11am, 12pm, 1pm and 2pm.

7. Fenwick Windows – throughout the festive season

Take a stroll up Northumberland Street in Newcastle to view the annual amazing spectacle of Fenwicks Windows. Available to be enjoyed daily from 8am to 10pm until the New Year. Combine it with a visit to see Santa if you’ve been lucky enough to book a slot, if not make time to see the fabulous Christmas Department. One of my faves. 

8. Christmas in the Park - Wharton Park, Durham - Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 December

Enjoy brass bands in the amphitheatre, meet Christmas characters and watch a festive animal parade at Wharton Park near the train station in Durham between 11am and 3pm. (Please note the event is free but an additional ticket can be bought to see the reindeer and donkeys from the parade up close and get to pet and feed them.)

9. Grand Lantern Parade in Alnwick – Sunday December 18

Led by ‘Spark’, this promises to be a magical evening featuring live music, light and movement. The procession will make its way through The Alnwick Garden in Northumberland - starting at the main car park - and into Alnwick town centre creating a spectacular visual feast for visitors. The parade will start at 5.15pm on December 18 and will last until 6.30pm.

10. Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols at Durham Cathedral – 22nd and 24 December

Enjoy a traditional Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols which always starts in darkness with a solo chorister singing the first verse of Once in Royal David’s City. These services are a highlight of the Advent and Christmas season and are very popular services, so you are advised to arrive in good time. Starts 7pm on 22nd and 3pm on the 24th.

And if that's not enough you can always amble the streets of our many lovely market towns and city's taking in the Christmas lights, or get away from it all with a festive walk along the coast or across the countryside!

Merry Christmas!

Deb x