the North East festive family guide

Christmas events for kids 2026 in North East England

Meet Santa, explore light trails, browse festive markets and enjoy family shows across North East England. From historic streets to countryside days out, find the best Christmas plans for the whole family — with dates, ages and prices in one place.

  • 20 events across North East England
  • Updated 30 September 2026

Find the right Christmas event

Age

Event type

Showing all 20 events

20 Christmas events in the North East

20 family Christmas events across 5 venues in North East England. The first is on Monday 16 November, and Christmas Day falls on Friday 25 December, with 4 of them on Christmas Eve.

16 Nov – 3 Jan

A Lilidorei Christmas

Trains & rides · Days out & festivals

  • Lilidorei at The Alnwick Garden, Alnwick
  • Ages 2–12
  • Indoor & outdoor

20 Nov – 3 Jan

Winter Lights at The Alnwick Garden and Lilidorei

Light trails & displays

  • Lilidorei at The Alnwick Garden, Alnwick
  • Ages 2–15
  • Outdoor

21 Nov – 24 Dec

Christmas Daytimes

Santa's grotto

  • Beamish - The Living Museum of the North, Stanley
  • Age not given
  • Indoor & outdoor

21 Nov – 24 Dec

Meet Father Christmas at Lilidorei

Santa's grotto

  • Lilidorei at The Alnwick Garden, Alnwick
  • Ages 0–10
  • Indoor & outdoor

3–18 Dec

Christmas Evening

Santa's grotto

  • Beamish - The Living Museum of the North, Stanley
  • Age not given
  • Indoor & outdoor

5–6 Dec

Christmas Cracker Festive Shopping Extravaganza

Markets & fairs

  • Paxton House, Berwick-upon-Tweed
  • Age not given
  • Indoor & outdoor

5 Dec · 2pm

Grand Cinema: Elf (PG)

  • Beamish - The Living Museum of the North, Stanley
  • Age not given
  • Indoor

11–13 Dec

Father Christmas Meet & Greet

Santa's grotto

  • Paxton House, Berwick-upon-Tweed
  • Ages 0–12
  • Indoor

19–23 Dec

Quiet Santa Sessions

Santa's grotto

  • Beamish - The Living Museum of the North, Stanley
  • Age not given
  • Indoor
Booking quickly across North East EnglandMany Christmas events sell out early — book soon to avoid disappointment.

More festive family days out

Planning Christmas in the North East

Where can we meet Santa in the North East?

7 Santa's grottos are listed in the North East.

More in: Santa's grottos in the North East

What Christmas events are there for toddlers in the North East?

4 events in the North East suit toddlers aged 1 to 4.

Where can we see Christmas lights in the North East?

One Christmas light trail or display is on in the North East.

Are there Christmas markets for families in the North East?

One Christmas market or fair is listed in the North East.

What Christmas events are there for babies in the North East?

2 events in the North East welcome babies under one.

Are there Santa trains and Christmas rides in the North East?

One Santa train or Christmas ride is on in the North East.

View all questions

What's on for kids on Christmas Eve in the North East?

Christmas Eve falls on Thursday 24 December this year, and 4 events in the North East are on that day.

Are there indoor Christmas events for kids in the North East?

17 events in the North East are indoors — handy if the weather turns.

Kiddy Compass