WHAT’S ON...Maybe

With another lockdown in place, there is understandably a high demand for any form of festive cheer as we all try to end the year with a little bit of fun and escapism.

The Christmas season has understandably been decimated due to the virus, and tickets for the few Christmas events still going ahead have been snapped up in double quick time, with the likes of Fenwicks and The Alnwick Garden events programmes selling out as soon as they go on sale. With a limited capacity for hosting events and important social distancing measures and restrictions in place, things are a little more difficult to book this year.

As venues do their best to provide some form of festive entertainment this year, families looking for a Christmas event to enjoy with the children can still find Christmas shows and events. Booking early is a must this year, and we apologise if these events have already sold out, it’s very hard to keep up with events this year!

On these pages we have six Christmas experiences and events in Newcastle and Gateshead that, at time of going to print, you can still book tickets for, including two fabulous light trails, a Christmas film must-see and (hopefully) some hot tickets to enjoy a bite to eat with Santa himself.

Please note All details are correct at time of going to print. With recent lockdown restrictions, and the possibility of further changes, please check individual event websites for up to date information

IGNITE AT GIBSIDE NATIONAL TRUST, GATESHEAD

11 - 30 December

Ignite at Gibside National Trust is new for 2020. The eighteenthcentury Georgian splendour of the gardens at the Gibside form the perfect setting for this new, afterdark experience. Enjoy a magical winter evening following a sparkling illuminated trail lit by lanterns, flickering flames and majestic sculptures as it winds through the eighteenth–century gardens in Gateshead. Families with children of all ages will be enchanted by the joy of illuminations. This is the perfect outdoor event for friends wishing to meet up safely within the rule of six too.

For tickets visit www. igniteatgibside.seetickets.com/ content/ticket-options

CHRISTMAS LIGHT TRAIL AT THE ALNWICK GARDEN

8 - 31 December (excluding 25 December)

The Alnwick Garden are gearing up for a glitzy Christmas! When tickets went on sale for their meet Father Christmas events they were snapped up almost instantaneously. but there are still other ways to

experience a magical Christmas at the popular outdoor attraction! 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.

For tickets visit www.alnwickgarden. com/christmas-2020-at-thealnwick-garden

SOCIALLY DISTANCED PANTO AT THEATRE ROYAL NEWCASTLE

Saturday 19 December 2020 - Sunday 10 January 2021

After a really tough year for Theatre Royal Newcastle, including the postponement of their scheduled fabulous Christmas panto, they have managed to bring a glimmer

of festive sparkle to end 2020. The Newcastle city centre theatre have announced that they will be hosting a limited capacity, socially distanced pantomime this Christmas. Join local favourites Danny, Clive and Chris alongside Geordie superstar Joe McElderry for a whole heap of festive laughs and panto fun based on the classic tale Robin Hood.

Show times include 12noon, 1pm, 3.30pm, 5pm and 7pm depending on the date. Tickets are expected to be snapped up extremely quickly.

www.theatreroyal.co.uk/whats-on/ robin-hood

A CHRISTMAS CARLOL AT TYNE THEATRE AND OPERA HOUSE

Saturday 5 December

Here's one for the adults! Join local comedian Carl Hutchinson for a night of comedy at Tyne Theatre and Opera House this December. Carl (who recently found himself on BBC One hosting The One Show - fancy) will introduce three fantastic comedy acts doing their best material, with some of his own old and new hilarious stories too. Book your tickets in groups of 2 or 4 (this must be within your household or support bubble)

For tickets visit www.eventim.co.uk/event/13296186

Grab a bite with Santa before he takes to the skies

FATHER CHRISTMAS ON HIS HOLIDAYS IN NEWCASTLE

Breakfast, dinner or tea - Father Christmas loves to dine out, and he would love you to join him! A number of hotels have booked the big fella to come for a meal and invite you to join too.

Grab a bite with Santa before he takes to the skies at The Vermont or The County Hotel in Newcastle. He's a popular guy, especially so close to the big day – both breakfast and supper club events at the much-loved department store Fenwick Newcastle sold out almost instantly, but there are still other options to dine out with Santa. Many of the hotels require you to call up and book your table, so we cannot guarantee which events with Father Christmas are still available.

Sunday Lunch with Santa and The Grinch in the Grotto at The County Hotel, Newcastle. www.countyhotel.co.uk/christmas

Breakfast in Santa's Workshop at The Vermont Hotel, Newcastle. www.vermont-hotel.com/meetingsand-events/breakfast-in-santasworkshop

Afternoon Tea and Breakfast with Santa at The Caledonian Hotel, Jesmond. www.peelhotels.co.uk/caledonianhotel/weddings/festive-season. shtml

IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE AT SOUTH CAUSEY INN

Saturday, 5th December

Indulge in a festive Afternoon Tea at South Causey Inn while you watch perhaps the most iconic Christmas film of all time, It's a Wonderful Life. Surrounded by twinkly Christmas lights and winter wonderland vibes, settle in for an afternoon tea of Turkey Sandwiches, delicious festive Pastries and Christmas Cakes while you find out what happens to George Bailey. Arrive: 5 pm. Afternoon Tea served: 5.30 pm. Movie starts: 6 pm

For details please visit www.southcausey.co.uk/its-awonderful-life/