Hurry, Hurry! Lots of places are selling out fast for their Christmas events so it’s time to get booked. There are quite a few magical events happening this Christmas 2020 in the North East. I’ve put them into one big post so here you will find the best Christmas events in the North East – County Durham and Tyne and Wear where you can meet Santa and more – Not all events include Santa. Don’t forget to book in advance where possible.
This post has been updated on the 27th December 2020
Things to do Christmas 2020 North East – County Durham and Tyne and Wear
If you are an attraction and would like a bigger feature or regular/one off promotion on Facebook please get in touch [email protected] I have a large days out based following.
Please keep up-to-date with government guidance before booking or visiting. I am unsure of the following attractions policies on cancellations of events, please consider this before booking and check with them in advance. It may also be an idea to check with the attraction that everything is as advertised the day before you visit.

Alnwick Garden – Christmas Light Trail – Northumberland – Event going ahead
See the Garden come to life like you have never seen it before with fantastic sound and light at this after dark spectacular! Fun for all the family and filling your hearts with festive spirit. Another addition to this year’s event is that we have extended the Light Trail into the Alnwick Market Square. There will be an immersive projection on the Town Hall until 24th December and other installations in the town. Many of the independent retailers will be trading ‘til late on the nights of the Light Trail so please pop along, enjoy the lights and support them. The window decorations are fantastic and will certainly add to the Christmas feel.
Alnwick Garden
Address: Denwick Lane, Alnwick NE66 1YU
When? Selected dates in December
How much? Prices vary
Event cancelled – Bamburgh Castle – Father Christmas Experience – Tyne & Wear – you will be offered a refund or a Zoom call with Santa
The magic of Christmas is coming to Bamburgh Castle this year. Each child will sit with Father Christmas for a personalised magical experience and will receive a special gift which is exclusive to Bamburgh Castle.
*Entry to the special workshop is only valid with a ticket and up to 2 accompanying adults ONLY this is to ensure social distancing is adhered to as we need to keep everyone safe.
Bamburgh Castle
Address: Bamburgh NE69 7DF
When? 21st November until 23rd December.
How much? £14.95 per child (includes max. 2 adults). You must also purchase and prebook entry tickets at £11.16 an adult, £5.46 for a child age 5-18. Under 5’s are free. Parking is £3. All tickets must be prebooked.

Christmas Events North East 2020
Belsay Hall Castle and Gardens – Christmas Adventure Quest – Tyne & Wear – Event OK to go ahead
Join our festively fun adventure quest which will allow you and your family to explore and discover fun facts and untold stories in the places where history happened! Hunt for clues and QR codes which reveal quirky tales or treat yourself to a hot chocolate or mulled wine in beautiful surroundings. It’s a great way for the whole family to get out and about in Christmas week.
English Heritage
Address: B6309, Newcastle upon Tyne NE20 0DX
When? 26th December 2020 until 3rd January 2021
How much? FREE for members of English Heritage. Adult ticket £11, child age 5-17 £6.60. Other pricing options are available. Everyone must prebook a ticket.
Hall Hill Farm – Santa Weekends – County Durham – Still going ahead
Event still going ahead with a few changes.
Hall Hill Farm
Address: Hall Hill Farm, Lanchester, Durham DH7 0TA
When? Selected dates from 5th to 23rd December
How much? TBC – tickets available online in December.
Raby Castle – Enchanted Festive Forest – County Durham – I believe the outdoor trail is still going ahead
Follow the path through the Christmas trees in the Riding School which will be transformed once again into an Enchanted Festive Forest full of magical scenes to discover.
Find all the items hidden in on our festive themed trail to collect a small prize at the end of the trail.
Raby Castle
Please note Father Christmas at Raby Castle is sold out.
Address: Staindrop, Darlington DL2 3AH
When? 28th November until Chritmas Eve
How much? Children age 1-12 £5. Adults free when accompanying a paying child. Tickets must be prebooked online.

Tweddle Farm – Santas Grotto – County Durham – SOLD OUT – still going ahead but outside
Walworth Castle – Santa Breakfast or Supper – County Durham – No official update but I would have thought this will be cancelled
Breakfast with Santa – Make Christmas magical with the whole family here at Walworth Castle Hotel by enjoying a delicious breakfast with Santa Claus himself. Each child… 12th, 19th & 22nd December.
Supper with Santa – Make Christmas magical with the whole family here at Walworth Castle Hotel by enjoying a delicious tea time feast with Santa Claus himself…. 19th, 20th & 22nd December
Walworth Castle Hotel
Address: Walworth Rd, Darlington DL2 2LY
When? See above
How much? Just under £20 per adult and around £12 a child.
Whitehouse Farm Centre – Santa’s Enchanted Elf Journey – Tyne & Wear – SOLD OUT – Still going ahead with a few changes
– Visit Mrs Claus’s Bakery where the children can decorate festive biscuits,
Whitehouse farm centre
– Snuggle Santa’s favourite bunnies, guinea pigs and more in our Petting Barn,
– Enrol in Elf School with the Hilarious Head Elf, with certificates for all who graduate,
– Take a stroll through our beautiful Winter Wonderland, the perfect backdrop for your festive family photos
– Visit our Bird of Prey Area and make your Christmas Wish, hang it on our Magic Wishing Tree and one of our Majestic Birds of Prey will fly your wish to the North Pole for you.
– Take a ride on our Festive Tractor & Trailer to the Enchanted Forest and search for hidden Believe Bells
– What Enchanted Elf Journey would be complete without a visit to Father Christmas himself, each paying child will receive a special voucher from Santa to choose a quality gift in the Elves Toyshop.
Address: Whitehouse Farm Centre, Morpeth NE61 6AW
When? Selected dates from 28th November until 24th December
How much? Children age 2-16 £26.95 each, children under 2 £16.95, adults £11.75. Members can book discounted tickets. Other pricing options are available. All tickets must be prebooked.

If you are looking for Halloween events across the North East please check out – Best Halloween Events North East 2020 | Things to do Half-Term