- Christmas
- 21st Nov 2025
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6 festive mate date ideas in Newcastle and beyond via Metro
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Mate dates are the unsung heroes of winter wellness.
They’re the low-pressure hangouts that fill our cups, bring the laughs, and let us escape the festive chaos for a few hours.
And because it’s the most wonderful time of the year, your mate dates deserve a festive twist too. But driving through Christmas traffic? No thanks…
This year, let Tyne and Wear Metro whisk you and your pals from one festive adventure to the next — quick, easy, cosy and very budget-friendly.
Ready to sleigh your mate dates? Here are our top festive things to do in Newcastle (and beyond) — all reachable by Metro, with some venues even offering free travel when you show your ticket.
HLN TOP TIP: Grab a Pop Pay As You Go card. It’s the cheapest way to travel on the Metro with capped daily spending — meaning you’ll never pay more than you need to.
SHOP, SING AND SAVOUR: THE ULTIMATE FESTIVE FRIEND DATE
Nearest Metro station: St Peter’s
Walking distance: 4 minutes
First stop is the charming Sheepfolds Stables Christmas Market (14th Dec). Entry is free, and it’s the perfect place to browse local makers, sip festive drinks and stock up on vegan, small-batch, foraged-ingredient wines.
Afterwards, hop on the Metro to Sunderland City Centre and indulge in Cafe Floriana’s festive afternoon tea (18th Nov – 30th Dec). Think pigs-in-blankets sausage rolls, Brie vol-au-vents, festive scones, unlimited tea and the option of mulled wine or prosecco on arrival.
Then put on your cosiest scarf and head to The Fire Station for one of two magical festive performances: Royal Northern Sinfonia: Christmas by Candlelight (30th Nov) and the feel-good spectacular of Step Into Christmas (9th Dec).
A CLASSIC GEORDIE CHRISTMAS MATE DATE
Nearest Metro station: Haymarket
Walking distance: 8 minutes
Swap the ordinary for the out-of-this-world at Enchanted City (11th – 14th Dec), transforming Northumbria University’s campus into a cosmic wonderland. Think illuminated astronomers, spinning satellite sculptures, interactive light art and glowing constellations — it’s immersive, magical and perfect for winter mate dates.
Next, festive bottomless fun at 3SIXTY. For £44.95pp you’ll get 90 minutes of bottomless cocktails, prosecco, wine or beer plus a festive charcuterie board, with DJs at weekends and harpists on Sundays.
Not done? You’re in Newcastle — keep the Christmas vibes going. Whether you want to see Fenwick’s iconic Christmas window.
Or if you’d rather not drink alcohol, get the Metro to Central Station and get your skates on at skating at Life Science Centre (don’t miss their fun themed nights). Then finish with a hot chocolate at the Lazy Bear tipi. And continue for laughs, why not catch the hilarious Aladdin (25th Nov – 18th Jan) at Newcastle Theatre Royal.
A SEASONAL SOUTH SHIELDS SOIRÉE
Nearest Metro station: South Shields
Walking distance: 5 minutes
Fuel up beforehand and catch up over a Sunday lunch at Mambos or their three-course for £15 special menu. Before joining the South Tyneside Winter Parade (5th Dec), ending with festive performances, live music and fun. Then head to Bents Park to watch a cosy film in the Cycle Cinema tent.
We’ve also discovered a Christmas Adult Daytime Disco at The Word (17th Dec) – home and in bed, by 9pm? Our sort of festive night out.
Fancy being entertained? Travel free on the Metro and Shields Ferry by showing your Customs House ticket. Whether to fancy seeing André Rieu’s 2025 Christmas Concert: Merry Christmas (6th & 10th Dec), It’s a Wonderful Life (12th & 18th Dec), and the hilarious Jason Cook’s stand-up show Just Us at Christmas (18th Dec), there’s a festive line-up for every type of friend at The Customs House.
A COSY COASTAL CHRISTMAS DATE
Nearest Metro station: Tynemouth
Walking distance: 6 minutes
Kick things off with a coastal classic: Tynemouth Market, open every Saturday and Sunday (9am–3:30pm). Nestled inside Tynemouth Metro Station, the market is home to over 150 stalls of vintage finds, handmade gifts and dreamy street food.
After browsing, take a refreshing walk along Longsands before cosying up at The Cove – where Christmas meets coastal chic. Expect refined small plates (think teriyaki beef, burrata with grilled peaches and lobster thermidor) and a Christmas cocktail list packed with winter berry brambles, frosted mistletoe margaritas and Bailey’s chocolate orange martinis.
Fancy getting crafty? Their wreath-making workshops come with mulled wine and nibbles. Check them out here.
Then hop back on the Metro and travel free to PLAYHOUSE Whitley Bay by showing your show tickets. End your Christmas coastal day with The Elvis Years (26th Nov) , a Christmas concert filled with rock ’n’ roll classics and festive favourites.
A CULTURED CHRISTMAS ACROSS THE TYNE
Nearest Metro station: Gateshead
Walking distance: 6 minutes
Start with a festive tasting session at Winter Warmer at Baltic (29th Nov). Get into the spirit of the winter season with exhibitions, tours, gift shopping, and hands-on gingerbread decorating. Then head upstairs to SIX Rooftop for Sunday lunch, Christmas tasting menu or afternoon tea.
After some pre-show dinner, it’s time to go to The Glasshouse International Centre for Music to see a show, whether it’s Rob Brydon and His Fabulous Band: A Festive Night of Songs & Laughter (4th Dec), Home Alone in Concert 2025 (6th – 7th Dec) or Christmas at The Musicals (19th Dec).
HLN TOP TIP: Show your Glasshouse ticket and enjoy free Metro travel for two hours before and after the show.
WHOLESOME URBAN FESTIVE FUN
Nearest Metro station: Manors
Walking distance: 7 minutes
For creative, cosy Christmas vibes, spend the day at The Biscuit Factory. Browse the gift shop, see winter exhibitions, book a festive afternoon tea at The Factory Kitchen or join a festive craft workshop.
Then wander down to Ouseburn for unique gifts at Flaura Rose, The Find and get matching forever friendship bracelets from Sopharia Jewellery pop-ups at Sora Studio and Lovely AF.
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…
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