5 unmissable festive family days out across the North East this Christmas

The time to log off from the home office, unplug and enjoy a few festive days off is nearly here.

This Christmas, the majority of the UK benefits from four days off back-to-back with Christmas Day and Boxing Day falling on the weekend, and the following Monday 27 and Tuesday 28 being Bank Holidays.

Many Geordies will be taking extra holiday days as well to spend time with friends and families after what was an underwhelming Covid-impacted Christmas in 2020.

With time off around the corner, it's the perfect chance for the people of Newcastle to get out and explore the region.

NewcastleWorld looks at some of the best days out for all the family across the North East.

A 'must see' event at Bamburgh Castle

Drive from Newcastle: 1 hour to 90 minutes

The Saints & Angels event taking place at Bamburgh Castle this Christmas is being billed as a 'must see' event.

Whether that's a pun after Dominic Cummings' eye-test debacle last year or not is anyone's guest, but the 'celestial extravaganza' does look a hoot.

The castle's grand rooms have been redecorated for Christmas with angels taking flight overhead.

Creator Charlotte Lloyd Webber said: “We are thrilled to be creating Saints and Angels at Bamburgh Castle and celebrating its regal magnificence in a way that will leave visitors mesmerised.

"It’s the perfect setting for a truly dramatic, sumptuous festive experience which has been a joy to design.

“We have looked to the architecture, setting and interiors of what is England’s finest coastal castle as our inspiration source, drawing on the jewel box palette of the Lindisfarne Gospels created on nearby Holy Island and the opulent colours of the castle’s Oriel window in the King’s Hall.”

On top of all that, you'll also be able to visit Santa's reindeer in the castle grounds.

The display is on until January 3 2022 and entry is gained through a normal admission ticket, costing £14.10.

Get lost under the lights at Alnwick Garden

Drive from Newcastle: 1 hour

The Alnwick Garden lights extravaganza has been a hit with families this Christmas.

Enjoy a day out in Alnwick and, as the sun drops, head over to the gardens.

Trees, bushes and walkways are lit up with Christmas lights.

There’s also food on offer and plenty of photo opportunities too.

It's not all about the lights either, with festive tunes and sounds also echoing around the gardens.

Tickets are free for those under four years old, and £12.10 for all others.

You reserve a specific time slot between 4:45 pm and 9 pm.

The lights are, however, closed on December 11, 17, 19, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Meet Disney characters at South Shields Winter Wonderland

Drive from Newcastle: 30 - 45 minutes

It really is the year for Winter Wonderlands, with events popping up at Newcastle Racecourse, Tynemouth Park and South Shields.

The South Shields event, which is taking place at the Ocean Beach Pleasure Park, has an added appeal for a family day out with some of Disney's much-loved characters stopping by.

Frozen's Elsa and Kristoff will be riding into town on Saturday, December 18 and then Anna and Olaf will make an appearance on Sunday, December 19.

Other characters visiting this month include Mickey and Minnie Mouse on Saturday, December 11 and Belle and Cinderella on Sunday, December 12.

Of course, it wouldn’t be Christmas without Santa’s elves, who will be at the event every day from December 20 to December 24 to help get things in shape for the big day.

Michael Sheeran, operator at Ocean Beach, is confident their special guests will be very popular.

He said:“The great thing about the Winter Wonderland is that we have a huge site to work with and there’s something for all ages to enjoy.

“We really wanted to add something a little extra special into our weekend visits and we have a really exciting line up of children’s characters heading to the park over the next few weeks.

“There’s lots to see and do across the entire park so it’s sure to be a fantastic, festive day out for the whole family.”

Have a go at the Elf Trail at Beamish

Drive from Newcastle: 30 minutes

Beamish Museum has really embraced the festive spirit this year.

The museum hasn't held back with the decorations and is running a Santa's Grotto, which must be pre-booked.

The most exciting aspect of Christmas at Beamish this year looks to be the Elf Trail.

A band of mischievous elves have run riot in the museum and are hiding in all the houses.

Visitors can ride around in traditional trams or buses, trying to spot them all.

There's also 'yuletide treats' at the old-fashioned bakery, food stalls and a festive exhibition looking at how miners used to spend their Christmases.

Christmas at Craigside

Drive from Newcastle: 50 minutes to 1 hour

For an eclectic day of family fun, head to the National Trust's Craigside this Christmas.

Firstly, take a tour of the house and discover a Victorian Christmas celebration with the rooms decorated and Christmas songs playing.

Then, when the little ones need to release some energy, take on Percy the Park Keeper's Winter Wander Trail.

The trail invites guests to "join in the fun with Percy and his animal friends and give nature a helping hand".

What's more, the trail costs just £2 to take part and there's no booking required, making it a perfect last-minute day out.