Finding fun activities to do on Christmas weekend can be a struggle if you haven't booked events weeks in advance. Luckily, we've rounded up 10 things to do over Christmas weekend to keep you entertained and enjoying the festive period.
1. A Viking Christmas
When: Until Tuesday, 28 December, all day
Where: Alnwick Playhouse
Combining live music, real magic, action, and laughter, the event is produced by Queen Hall Arts and tells mythical tales from Nordic lands of evil wizards and the Great Warriors of Northumberland. Suitable for all the family and tickets start at £15 for children and £16.50 for a single full price ticket.
2. Saints and Angels at Bamburgh Castle
When: Until Monday, January 3, 10am
Where: Bamburgh
Set to be one of the biggest events this festive period, the stately interior of Bamburgh Castle will be transformed into a celestial extravaganza, where people can admire angels flying overhead. Saints and Angels will form part of the castle's Christmas Kingdom enchanting both adults and children. There's also Father Christmas' real life reindeer to see and learn more about. Pre-booked tickets are advisable but not essential for entry, which start at £14.10 for a general admission ticket which provides entry into The Christmas Kingdom.
3. Festive feels at Wallington
When: TBC
Where: Wallington Hall, Morpeth
The festive spirit is alive and well at Wallington Hall, where the impressive courtyard Christmas tree is lit with twinkling lights. Mrs Christmas waits in the House with piles of books to read to eager children, and live music welcomes you into the central hall. Get crafty with the family in the Servant's Parlour before Santa Claus himself makes an appearance.
4. Christmas at the White Swan
When: Friday, 24 December to Monday, 27 December
Where: The White Swan in Alnwick
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas at The White Swan, where the halls are fully decked and trees are sparkling. Stunning food and a range of drinks await your arrival at your new accommodation. Their exquisite decorations include wreaths adorning the fireplace and beautifully decorated trees filling the hotel. Arrive on Christmas Eve and spend the weekend relaxing before your departure on Boxing Day.
5. Liberty Belle's Bash
When: Sunday, 26 December, 4.30pm
Where: The Fox pub, Hexham
Liberty Bell, a four-piece, female fronted band, covers a wide selection of rock and pop hits from the 70s until now. They rework classics and create new edgy riffs and vocals with a hint of blues. Liberty Bell encourages guests to join them for a Christmassy sing along. Tickets are £5 and all proceeds go to Tynedale Hospice.
6. Christmas at Doxford
When: Friday, 24 until 26 December
Where: Doxford Hall, Northumberland
This exquisite hall is fully decorated for Christmas festivities this year, with twinkling trees and roaring fires. Equally rugged and romantic, Doxford Hall offers bracing walks and wildlife watching in 10 acres of countryside, before sitting down to feast at the fire. Tuck in to a delicious two-course a la carte meal along with a glass of bubbly or two.
7. Boxing Day pub lunch
When: Sunday, 26 December
Where: The Dyvels Inn, Corbridge
Over 100 reviews on TripAdvisor give the pub a four-star rating. Duncan W, from Bath, said: "Food was excellent value and we all had an excellent dinner" for Boxing Day lunch. The quaint surroundings in the pretty town of Corbridge make visiting this pub a must over the Christmas period.
8. The Drift Cafe
When: Monday, 27 December
Where: Cresswell, Morpeth
Famous for their homemade cakes and fabulous food which includes, among other things, soups, wraps, and corned beef pie, the Drift Cafe also stocks second-hand books, paintings, prints and other treasures. The cafe garden offers a quiet spot to watch the world go by. Cresswell Pond is an information point for bird-watching.
9. Visit Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Country Park, Local Nature Reserve
When: Sunday, 26 December
Where: Woodhorn Road, Ashington
Popular with joggers, dog walkers, and wildlife watchers, this local nature reserve offers woodland trails and a picturesque 16-hectare lake to explore, windsurf, or canoe on. There's a variety of birds, mammals, and plants to admire. Woodhorn Museum is nearby for additional exploration.
10. Boxing Day shopping
When: Sunday, 26 December
Where: Blagdon Farm Shop, the Milkhope Centre
Blagdon Farm Shop is both a national and international award winning farm shop, with the largest range of Northumbrian, local produce, along with the best food from Britain and beyond. They offer handmade pies, fresh beef, quiches, and fresh fruit and vegetables to get stuck into.
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