South Tyneside Christmas 2021: Lights switch on, Christmas markets and Christmas Wonderland

Newcastle city centre held its annual Christmas light switch on last week as crowds gathered on Grey Street in festive spirit.

With the Fenwick Christmas Window now revealed, and the city's lights shining bright, those early Christmas events are flying by.

If you've not been able to attend those iconic events, there's no need for the winter blues.

There are still plenty of other Christmas lights switch on events taking place around the region, especially in South Tyneside.

Later this month, community heroes will be pushing the buttons to light up South Tyneside's streets with events in South Shields, Jarrow and Hebburn.

Dates are as follows:

South Shields - Wednesday, November 24.

Jarrow- Friday, November 26

Hebburn - Monday, November 29

Those events will mark the start of the action-packed South Tyneside Christmas calendar.

Next up will be the Christmas Wonderland Fair on Saturday, November 27 and Sunday, November 28 from 10 am to 4 pm at Jarrow Hall.

The spectacular Christmas Wonderland Parade will also return to Ocean Road in South Shields, with a vibrant new look reflecting optimism and happiness in a post-covid world.

That event will happen on Friday, December 10 and is suitable for all the family, culminating in a firework display.

If that's not enough to get you feeling festive, there will then also be Christmas Markets on Friday, December 17 and Saturday, December 18.

Councillor Joan Atkinson, Deputy Leader of South Tyneside Council with responsibility for Culture and Leisure, said: “Christmas is a magical time of year when families and friends celebrate and have fun.

"We’re delighted to bring back events in their traditional format for people to enjoy once again this year.

“We have also listened to residents and as a result more areas of the Borough will sparkle with new festive lighting displays this Christmas.

"We hope the investment in our light installations across towns and villages, in addition to our fabulous festive events and activities, will not only help to support our amazing businesses after a really tough time, but spread much-needed cheer throughout our communities this year.

“It will be a real celebration of optimism and hope. We would urge people to join us for the festivities and get those dates saved in their diaries.”