December is an exciting time in the build-up to Christmas and there are lots of entertaining activities and fun family places to visit before the big day itself. The city has everything from pantos, festive theatre, music and comedy, family activities, and unique party events to enjoy, so let’s see what you can fill your diary with in December in Newcastle…
Cinderella @ Theatre Royal
You’re invited to the most spectacular ball of them all as Theatre Royal’s highly regarded and much-loved Christmas pantomime returns to the city. This year Cinderella brings the glitz and glamour with sets and costumes from the London Palladium and a host of panto stars including Danny Adams, Joe McElderry, Clive Webb, and Oonagh Cox in the title role. If you’ve seen a panto here before then this promises to be the best one yet. If you haven’t already, book your tickets and enjoy some panto magic!
Tuesday 29th November – Sunday 15th January 2023, tickets from £12.50
Winter Skies @ Life Science Centre
Step into Life’s stunning planetarium for a presenter-led show that reveals what Newcastle’s winter night skies really look like without pollution and weather spoiling the view. Enjoy a unique night out stargazing, trying a bit of crafting, or just sipping a Christmas cocktail (or mocktail) in the amazing science centre. Explore festive dark skies with the striking constellation Orion taking centre stage without leaving your very comfy seat. You could also get crafty in the Making Studios and create your own festive greetings card to take home as an optional activity. The event will last for around 90 minutes including time for drinks and festive bites and there's always the option of doing a lap or two around Life's open-air ice-skating rink too (priced separately).
Thursday 1st December, tickets £25.00
Great Market Caper @ Grainger Market
This special edition of Newcastle’s Great Market Caper will run from 6.30pm to midnight, with the promise of a rip-roaring extravaganza of festive Capering for everyone to mark one of the final events of the year. They will have the exceptional range of quality food and bars you’ve come to expect from the likes of Acropolis, Dumpling & Bun, La Casa Delicatessen, Snackwallah, Soju & Gogi, and more, along with some seriously good music, comedy, and lots of dancing. Plus, the organisers are adding some extra treats and mixing things up with a Caper Pub Quiz featuring a special guest host, an expanded Vintage Night Market, DJs, Pianoake, La Gamba tapas bar, and the curiously named Mariah Fairy! Dance the night away to 80’s classics, 90’s anthems, disco floor fillers, or a bit of synth and indie – there’s something for everyone. Fancy dress is an option, with a prize for the best-dressed dancer.
Saturday 3rd December, tickets £10.00
Wintry Tales @ Live Theatre
Prepare to be dazzled and delighted by this new kids Christmas show combining the words of playwright Rory Mullarkey with the wild minds of children! Expect lonely polar bears, snowy supermarkets, revolutionary elves, and snowball-firing robots to all come together in this magical hour of winter storytelling fun. This highly inventive production is a heart-warming, hilarious family treat, especially for children, all under the direction of Becky Morris.
Sunday 4th – Friday 23rd December, ticket prices vary
Disney On Ice @ Utilita Arena
This glorious ice spectacular features all your favourite Disney friends, highlighting the magic and adventure of Disney’s tales through world-class figure skating. In Dream Big every story begins with a dream and this year Disney on Ice offers a live experience families will never forget as they’re transported to exciting worlds with heroes of every kind. Featuring Moana and the greatest living demigod, Mickey, Minnie, Elsa, Coco, Belle, Rapunzel, Genie, Jasmine, Aurora, Cinderella, and many more, it's a Disney fan's idea of heaven. Discover the strength, bravery and kindness that continues to inspire generations of fans.
Wednesday 7th – Sunday 11th December, tickets from £28.50
100% Soul Xmas Special @ Wylam Brewery
A Classic Soul Revue, featuring Motown and soul hits of the 60s and 70s is a blistering way to celebrate the festive season. World Headquarters bring you this top-drawer live show with very special guests the Voices of Virtue Gospel Choir with full band and horn section performing alongside World Headquarters’ DJ Tommy Caulker. This is going to be an evening to remember - full of the 100%, high-octane, classic soul anthems everyone knows and loves.
Thursday 8th & Friday 9th December, tickets £20
Lee Kyle & Sammy Dobson Xmas Show for Kids @ The Stand
Lee and Sammy are back with another alternative family Christmas show. This time they invite you to spend an hour in their company as they lovingly rip off It's A Wonderful Life – even though they've not seen it for ages! Expect riotous laughs, witty songs, sharp stand-up, and maybe a bit of audience participation - no heckles though! It's best for ages 6+ and under 18's must be accompanied by an adult.
Saturday 10th, Sunday 11th, Saturday 17th, Sunday 18th, Wednesday 28th, Thursday 29th December, tickets from £5.00
Christmas with Aled Jones & Russell Watson @ O2 City Hall
It really wouldn’t be Christmas without hearing the great classical voices of Aled Jones and Russell Watson, two of the nation’s most treasured artists. They reunite this year for a brand-new album and UK tour which takes in this show at O2 City Hall and will feature all of their universally beloved Christmas songs, including traditional carols and plenty of festive favourites to get everyone in the right mood for Santa.
Saturday 10th December, tickets from £37.80
The Suggestibles Impro Pantso @ Northern Stage
No script. No score. No kids. This sounds like a recipe for hilarious and epic misadventure from Newcastle’s infamous improv comedy troupe! The audience gets involved suggesting all manner of weird and wonderful things as the talented team spin your ideas on The Sorcerer’s Apprentice stage. Watch as good battles evil, all performed on the spot and off the cuff, never seen before and most likely never to be seen again! Warning: it's an 18+ show due to strong language and adult themes.
Thursday 15th - Friday 16th December, tickets from £22.00
Great North Winterland @ Great North Museum: Hancock
Where would Santa be without his reindeer? Just before their big Christmas night, three beautiful reindeer will fly down from the North Pole (or County Durham) for a relaxed day at the museum to meet visitors. You can learn all about reindeer and how they adapt to life in the North East of England. There will be a vending machine to buy reindeer food if you’d like to give these gentle giants a tasty treat - so bring your £1 coins! There will be a Christmas story projection, festive music to get you in the mood, and even some Glaciologists and Antarctic scientists to talk to and learn about exploration in the frozen South Pole. They'll also have a number of festive crafts and activities to do, but remember to wrap up warm as it will be cold in the reindeer enclosure.
Saturday 17th December, tickets free entry, donations welcome
So, in between the shopping and general Christmas mayhem, don’t forget to make some time to enjoy the wonderful array of events and attractions and spend some time with friends and family in Newcastle this December, there's something for everyone across the city!
