- Christmas
- 5th Nov 2025
- 0
- 0 minute
Don’t miss Yule celebrations at Ad Gefrin this Christmas
- Advertisement Feature
Move over, Santa – this year, the spirit of Yule comes alive in a G.O.A.T. line-up of events at Ad Gefrin.
From Friday 28th November – Wednesday 31st December, England’s northernmost whisky distillery and Anglo-Saxon Museum is unwrapping an ancient festive tradition with a modern Northumbrian twist.
Think a 6-metre straw goat, mouth-watering winter feasts and music to warm even the frostiest of hearts.
Plus, expect wreath-making workshops, a Yule cocktail-making class and Anglo-Saxon-style Christmas parties.
A GLOWING PROCESSION AND A GIANT STRAW GOAT
Friday 28th November from 4pm
Festivities begin with a candlelit parade through Wooler, leading the way to Ad Gefrin. Expect local schoolchildren, choirs, pipers and plenty of twinkling lights accompanying the grand reveal of the iconic straw goat — lovingly made by Orbital FX, local craftsman Albert Fairnington and community volunteers.
And did you know Ad Gefrin’s own name means “by the hill of goats”? That’s why its logo proudly features a goat head — so this towering straw beast is a nod to the distillery’s Anglo-Saxon roots.
With the Glendale Gateway Trust helping community groups make their own miniature straw goats, Wooler is set to look like the G.O.A.T. (Greatest of All Time) of Christmas towns.
FEAST, FESTIVITIES AND FUN
Saturday 29th to Sunday 30th November
The Yule spirit turns deliciously indulgent with a free Winter Artisan Market and Food Festival at Ad Gefrin. The region’s best chefs, bakers, brewers and makers will gather for a weekend bursting with Northumbrian flavour.
TV Chef and Hairy Biker, Si King, will be serving up festive masterclasses in cooking, baking and mixology. Expect local legends like Hummingbird Drinks, Turnbull’s, Northumberland Coffee House, Davenport Chocolates, The Proof of the Pudding, Doddington Cheese (by Grate Newcastle) and the Northumberland Cider Co. to tempt your taste buds.
And yes, of course, there’ll be whisky — Ad Gefrin’s Tácnbora mulled whisky and Flýte whisky cream hot chocolate will keep you toasty while hearty lentil stew and venison sausages add to the seasonal spread.
Old Year’s Night Dining Experience
Monday 31st December
See out 2025 in real Northumbrian style at Ad Gefrin’s Old Year’s Night Dining Experience — a celebration of ancient feasting traditions with modern indulgence. Start the evening with a complimentary Thirlings Gin cocktail before tucking into a delicious five-course menu, all set to the sound of live Northumbrian folk music from local favourites, The Full Stottie.
As midnight draws near, raise a glass of Ad Gefrin’s own Tácnbora Whisky and toast to new beginnings. With delicious food, lively music and plenty of festive cheer, it’s the perfect way to welcome 2026 – and round off the year in unforgettable style.
STORIES, SONGS AND SAXON SOUL
Saturday 29th to Sunday 30th November
Yule at Ad Gefrin isn’t just about filling your belly — it’s about feeding your soul. The Yule Gaderung weaves together music, storytelling and ancient crafts, making it a one-of-a-kind cultural celebration.
Enjoy basket-weaving with Biteabout Arts, blacksmithing with Blostma and Brokkr and magical storytelling sessions by Chris Adriaanse inside Ad Gefrin’s Great Hall — which, by the way, will be free to enter all weekend.
And if that doesn’t jingle your bells, the music will. Si King’s King Cush Band headlines Saturday night with funky festive tunes, while Kathryn Tickell OBE, the celebrated Northumbrian piper and BBC Folk Award winner, leads Sunday’s musical finale with accordionist Amy Thatcher and singer Heather Cartwright.
The weekend ends on a heartwarming note: candlelit carols and a “wes hal” (good health) farewell around the glowing straw goat at 4pm on Sunday.
WORKSHOPS TO DECK THE HALLS (AND YOUR HOME)
Before the big weekend, Ad Gefrin is ho-ho-hosting a series of creative, cosy and downright festive workshops — perfect if you like your Christmas filled with some crafts and a splash of whisky cream liqueur.
Yule Decoration Workshop
Friday 21st November
Craft willow stars, bells and trees with tea, mince pies and a shot of Flýte.
Yule Wreath Workshop
Tuesday 25th November
Create your own evergreen wreaths and enjoy festive tipples.
Evening Yule Wreath Making
Wednesday 26th November
An evening of getting creative and sipping on Christmas cocktails.
Yule Embroidery Workshop
Friday 28th November
Stitch history with Wendy and Stuart Findlay from Acle Early Medieval Reenactment Society.
Song Streams Workshop
Thursday 4th December
Join Margaret Watchorn for traditional winter songs and sing your heart out.
Yule Christmas Parties
Thursday 11th & Friday 12th December
Feast Anglo-Saxon style at Ad Gefrin’s bistro, Bēodern, with cocktails, dancing and a three-course meal.
HLN X AD GEFRIN GIFT GUIDE
Rachael Ellis
Head of Content
After gaining a first in her BA Media and Journalism degree at Northumbria University, Rachael worked at Newcastle’s leading regional newspaper with her stories being picked up in national and global newspapers. She spent two very successful years giving a voice to those communities across the North East who otherwise…
Subscribe
Subscribe now to receive our twice-weekly emails and exclusive offers for High Life North readers.