Christmas 2023: 10 Terrific Things To Do During Twixmas

Christmas by Candlelight @ Newcastle Cathedral 

Keep the festive spirit going with an evening of much-loved Christmas songs performed by some top-notch West End singers and musicians – classics like White Christmas, Santa Baby, Winter Wonderland and more. And all in the atmospheric surrounds of Newcastle Cathedral, made even more stunning by candlelight.

28^th December, from £35

Moosenwirt @ Grey Street 

This hugely popular pop-up Alpine bar will remain in place till January 1^st so Twixmas is a perfect chance to visit this warm and cosy feature in the heart of the city. Moosenwirt is a humongous yurt with a log wood bar, fire pits and some private igloo domes or elk tables for private gatherings. There’s live music every day, dogs and kids are welcome, and there’s a fine selection of beers, wines, festive specials and hot drinks

Till January 1^st, free

Boxing Day Special @ Colonel Porter’s 

Newcastle’s premier provider of quirky Victoriana and quality rum is bringing the spirit of Ibiza to the Quayside for a Boxing Day blow-out. This annual event is always a blast and this year the DJs include Ibiza legend Paul Reynolds, Ryan McDermott and Tony, Holly and Mark Hutchinson, bringing a fine selection of house bangers. It’s going to get busy so make sure you book your free tickets.

Boxing Day, free

Northern Lights @ Leazes Park 

One of the highlights of this year’s festive season has been the riot of light and colour in Leazes Park at Northern Lights. Forming a circular trail through one of the city’s finest parks, a series of illuminated audio-visual installations is set to dazzle you as you pass. All this plus a Christmas Village with some of the city’s most popular street food vans selling tasty eats so you can make a magical evening of it.

Till January 1^st, adults £19, kids 3-16 £13.50, babies free

Bongo’s Bingo: We Will Rock You @ Boiler Shop

The bingo-based mayhem of Bongo’s Bingo is almost a permanent fixture at the Boiler Shop these days – people clearly can’t get enough dabber action! – and of course there’s a Twixmas version. The We Will Rock You incarnation has a Freddie Mercury / classic rock theme so there’ll be eternal rock classics and Queen bangers to soundtrack the evening’s shenanigans. Expect silliness, games, prizes and some bingo!

28^th – 31^st December, from £13

Boxing Day Lunch @ The Vermont Hotel 

One of a run of special events at the Vermont this Christmas, the Boxing Day Lunch looks like a real treat, especially if Christmas Day put you off cooking (and washing up!) for good. Sit back in the luxury of The Maven restaurant and have all the hard work done for you as you tuck into a spectacular three-course lunch with friends or family - from starters like red lentil and chestnut soup or chicken liver parfait, through mains like pork belly, nut roast or seabass, and finishing with some splendid desserts like Christmas pudding and a cranberry and Amaretto brulee. And not a messy kitchen in sight!

Boxing Day, adults £29.95

Christmas Rocks @ O2 City Hall

This three-day festival of rocking tribute bands is in its 13^th year, so they’re clearly doing something very right! Spread across the days you’ll get to see some of the UK’s premier tribute bands, from AC/DC GB and INXS UK to Fu Fighters and We Are Champion! Not to be missed if you’re a fan of classic rock and all your favourite bands have split up!

27^th – 29^th December, 3-day tickets from £57.75

Winter Wonderland @ Utilita Arena 

Taking over the car park of the Utilita Arena, Winter Wonderland is a spectacular seasonal sensation - a mix of rides, entertainment and Santa that'll keep the whole family happy. There’s a Ferris Wheel and a ghost train among the fairground attractions, plus plenty of stalls selling street food and treats. The Alpine Bavarian Lounge will supply you with lots of beers, spiced cider and mulled wine, and you might even run into Santa or his elves.

Till January 7^th, £2.50 entry

The New Monkey Boxing Day Special @ Digital, Times Square

Makina is a purely north-eastern phenomenon, a form of bouncy, happy but hardcore techno with its roots in Spanish dance music. The centre of the scene – before it was forced to close in 2006 – was The New Monkey venue in Sunderland, and New Monkey became another name for the scene. There’s still a lot of fans for New Monkey around and that’s who Digital will be opening its doors for on Boxing Day, for an 8-hour session of classic makina bangers.

Boxing Day, £31.05

Lee Kyle’s Xmas Gungestravaganza @ The Stand

A chaotic blend of game show, Christmas party, comedy gig and TISWAS! Lee Kyle’s Gungestravaganza is a firm Stand favourite and it’s back again for a run of matinee shows. Watch a selection of comedians compete to avoid the gunge in a show that has a reputation for fantastic silliness.

27^th – 30^th December, from £6

Of course, you might decide to spend next week in a turkey and Baileys coma on the sofa but if you’ve still got a yearning for some fun, we’re sure some of our suggestions will hit the spot!