Four festive family activities in Newcastle to book before tickets disappear

Although Halloween was only a few days ago, we are already preparing for the festive season. The Christmas period is around the corner, and the time has now come for all of the festive activities to return to the city. Tickets usually sell out fast for these family events, so we advise booking as soon as possible.

Skating at Life

The ice rink at the Centre For Life in Times Square, Newcastle will be returning on November 12. The rink will be there until after Christmas and New Year, leaving on January 15. Child tickets are £10 for ages nine and under, and £12 for ages 10 to 17. Adult tickets are £13.50. You can purchase a family group ticket, which is for four people (only two adults allowed) for £40. Carers can go free with proof of care status. The ice rink will be open from 9.30am to 8.30pm, depending on availability. Early bird booking is now available.

Winter Wonderland

Newcastle will be hosting its very own Winter Wonderland at Newcastle Racecourse. The event will be held between the dates of November 17 and December 24. Tickets are priced at only £5, so are expected to sell out quickly. On weekdays, the opening hours are between 4pm and 9pm and 12pm till 9pm on weekends and school holidays. At the Winter Wonderland, families can expect to find rides and attractions, street food and more!

Santa’s Grotto at the Metrocentre

Santa’s Grotto will return to the Metrocentre on November 17 until Christmas Day! It will be repeating the successful format of last year’s Santa’s Grotto with the inclusion of a festive forest. Children will get to meet Santa Claus and the elves and have their photo taken, and will receive a wrapped gift. Tickets are £5 for children and £3.50 for adults.

Winter Light Trail

A little further afield in Alnwick Garden, a Winter Light Trail will be held from November 28 till January 1. Tickets are priced at £13.20, but children under four years old can go for free. The event will have a magical sound and light display around the grounds of the garden.

There are also free events to attend, including Newcastle’s Christmas Light Switch On and Christmas Market. More information on those events are below.

Christmas Light Switch On

The highly anticipated Newcastle Christmas Light Switch On will be on November 15 at 7.30pm. Tickets are free, however we do recommend getting there early for a good space. Details of what to expect on the evening are yet to be released, however last year’s event included live music, street theatre, competitions, and more! It was hosted by Metro Radio’s Steve and Karen and many expect the duo to return again this year.

Newcastle Christmas Market

Another free event, Newcastle’s Christmas Market returns on November 19 until the day before Christmas Eve, December 23. There will be the usual festive and unique stalls to purchase Christmas presents, alongside the traditional additions to a Christmas market, Mulled Wine and Bratwurst. Confirmed stalls include; Matthew’s Cheese, Firebrick Brewery, Crafty BU Glass, The Eco Stall and many more.

To find more festive events in and around Newcastle, please visit here.