12 raring2go.co.uk 13 Raring2go! PLACES2GO Raring2go! WHATS ON Winter Wonderland at Adventure Valley Adventure Valley, Durham, 28 Nov - 24 Dec Step into a world of Christmas magic at Adventure Valley’s Winter Wonderland, the North East’s much-loved festive family experience. From the moment you arrive, children will receive their very own Winter Wonderland Passport, ready to guide them through a day packed with festive fun. Meet Santa in a special one-to-one personalised visit, take part in Elf-led activities and explore a whole host of Christmas attractions. Enjoy a festive ride on the Winter Valley Express and Pony Christmas ride, create your own pick’n’mix at Claus’s Candy, make magical reindeer food and join the fun at the Elf Academy. Little ones can decorate gingerbread biscuits with Mrs Claus, get creative in the Christmas crafts area, bounce on the giant winter inflatable and take on Trixie the naughty elf in the Snowball Arena. New for 2026! Children can also Build Your Own Reindeer, creating a magical festive friend to take home. Every participating child can finish their Christmas adventure with a visit to the Elf Toy Shop, where they can choose their very own gift. With a range of activities for all ages, Winter Wonderland is a fully accessible Christmas experience, making it a magical day out for the whole family. Winter Wonderland is a sell-out event, so keep an eye out for the annual ticket release in July and be ready to book your festive adventure. adventurevalley.co.uk Winter Wonderland at Newham Grange 5 – 24 Dec,10am - 4pm (on selected dates), Newham Grange Farm Take a magical stroll around the Winter Wonderland where there are lots of festive characters to meet. Make something merry and bright at the craft station and win tasty treats by completing the twinkling Christmas trail! More Christmas magic includes Santa’s Grotto visits, Elf Academy and breakfast and story time with Santa and Mrs Claus. newhamgrangefarm.co.uk Family Festivities at Durham Cathedral Durham Cathedral, selected dates. Build excitement for the festive season at Durham Cathedral. Join the Children’s Lantern Procession which arrives at the cathedral for the St Nicholas’ Service where we hear stories and sing carols, Sunday 6 December at 3.30pm. See the huge tree lit and the North-East inspired nativity scene in the Blessing of the Crib and Lighting of the Tree service, Sunday 13 December at 3.30pm. Grab a free family activity leaflet filled with puzzles, colouring and the Christmas story, from mid-November. Suitable for all ages. For details and booking see the cathedral’s website. durhamcathedral.co.uk/christmas Magical Middlesbrough Middlesbrough Town centre, 22 Nov Come and celebrate the 2026 Christmas festivities in Middlesbrough town centre! The festive season gets under way with Middlesbrough’s Christmas Lights Switch-On on Sunday 22 November. There’ll be live entertainment, performances from local groups, food stalls and fairground rides, before the town’s Christmas lights are switched on and the evening rounds off with a fireworks display. Lantern Parade, Middlesbrough Town centre, 13 Dec New for 2026 is the Magical Middlesbrough Lantern Parade on Sunday 13 December. From the team that brought you Nightfall and Happy Rooms, the parade will start at Teesside University and make its way through the town centre, featuring handmade lanterns, illuminated artwork, live music and performers, before finishing in Centre Square with a grand finale. Both events are free to attend. middlesbrough.gov.uk For more events checkout the ‘What’s On’ and Places2go sections of the Raring2go! website raring2go.co.uk Ideas from Santa’s Diary and Festive Family Fun! Christmas in Middlesbrough 18 Nov - A Festive Night at the Movies, Centre Square, 5pm - 7pm Wrap up warm, bring a blanket or deck chair and cosy up to watch a truly classic festive film outdoors on the big screen in Centre Square. There’s also some fairground rides for little ones and of course, plenty of festive cheer! Dressing up in your best Christmas costume is welcomed – and don’t forget those gloves and scarves. The event is FREE and all ages are welcome. Please note it is encouraged to bring your own portable chairs as limited seating is provided; cover from the weather is not provided. Check out wearemiddlesbrough.com to see which film will be shown on the big screen. 19 Nov - Christmas Lights Switch On with BBC Tees, Centre Square, 12pm - 7.00pm (lights turned on at 5.30pm) Join the stars from Middlesbrough Theatre's pantomime including Amelia Lily and Philip Green plus some very special guests as they switch on Middlesbrough’s Christmas lights. The FREE event will feature a huge ‘Big Sing’ with choirs and community groups from across Middlesbrough who will lead the crowd in a mammoth sing-along to some of the best loved Christmas tunes. Channel your inner Slade or Mariah and join BBC Tees presenter Gary Philipson for a fun-filled evening that will get everyone in the festive spirit. Plus don’t miss the street theatre, festive food and gift stalls and the Classical Christmas Café in Middlesbrough Town Hall. 19 Nov - 2 Jan - Walking with The Snowman Trail, Middlesbrough Town Centre Everyone’s favourite giant snowmen are returning to venues across the town centre over the festive period. 2 - 3 Dec - Christmas Extravaganza at the Dorman Museum, 10am - 4pm Help Santa’s elves get ready for Christmas at the big Christmas Extravaganza! Activities include a visit to Elf Town, a festive VR ride, a gingerbread trail, arts and crafts and the chance to spot Santa as he walks the museum galleries. £5 per child. wearemiddlesbrough.com 2 - 24 Dec, Weekends 10am - 4pm, plus late night Wed 20 Dec, 4 - 8pm, Newham Grange Farm Enjoy loads of festive fun at Newham Grange Farm this Christmas. Featuring a family-friendly trail, Christmas characters and carol singing with the elves, drop-in crafts, a mini pantomime and free reindeer food to take home for the big day. Optional extras include visiting Santa in his stables, breakfast and story time with Mrs Claus, decorating cookies with Mother Ginger and Build a Teddy workshop. newhamgrangefarm.co.uk 16 Dec - Orange Pip Market Festive Edition, Middlesbrough Town Hall, 11am - 6pm Enjoy a Merry Pipmas with pop-up shops, foodie delights and festive fizz! 29 Dec - Kidz Sound – Christmas Concert at Middlesbrough Town Hall, 2pm A fantastic live show featuring four hours of music from the biggest names in pop, performed by the best tribute artists. Dance, sing and party to Pink, Little Mix, Taylor Swift and Ariana Grande! Also includes additional entertainment, refreshments, a photo booth, sweet stalls and lots more family fun! Tickets: £22 (adults), £17 (child under 16) including booking fee. middlesbroughtownhall.co.uk Christmas at NT Ormesby Hall The scene is set for one and all for a panto themed Christmas at Ormesby Hall. The rooms will be decorated with sparkling lights and pantomime inspired decorations, such as Cinderella, Snow Queen and Aladdin. Normal admission applies. nationaltrust.org.uk Christmas Guide Celebrate Christmas with all the family Registered Charity Number: 1205971 Coming up this festive season Bring the whole family to enjoy the much-loved festive lm The Snowman accompanied by a professional orchestra, Saturday 5 December Sing your heart out at Carols for All, Sunday 6 December Join the Lantern Parade to the cathedral and hear festive storytelling at Saint Nicholas' Service, Sunday 6 December Plan your visit www.durhamcathedral.co.uk
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