- Christmas
- 28th Nov 2025
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Advent calendar of 24 festive experiences across the North East via bus
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From charming Christmas markets to ice-skating rinks, festive light displays to cosy winter walks, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in the lead-up to Christmas.
Travelling by bus makes it even better with the Mayor’s Fares. Up to three children aged 11 and under can travel for free by bus during school holidays when accompanied with an adult with a valid ticket, while anyone 21 or under can grab a single bus ticket for just £1, or a £3 unlimited day ticket to the North East. Adult tickets are available from £2.50 for a single, or £7.50 for a regional ticket.
Whether you fancy a glass of mulled wine, avoiding chaotic Christmas traffic or enjoying a relaxed journey through the region’s festive sights, travelling by bus is the perfect way to soak up the season.
Get into the festive spirit this Christmas with a special Advent calendar of 24 magical experiences across the North East, all easily explored by bus.
NORTHUMBERLAND
(1) CHRISTMAS MAGIC AT MATFEN HALL
Bus route: 74
Matfen Hall’s Christmas magic shines with indulgent festive afternoon tea, cosy fires and enchanting Santa visits, creating a luxurious five-star escape perfect for family memories. Why not upgrade to a glass of champagne? Perks of travelling via bus and it stops right outside.
(2) FORAGE CHRISTMAS MARKET
Bus route: X18
Forage brings festive sparkle (Saturday 6th – Sunday 7th December) to Rigg & Furrow with 50+ indie makers, irresistible street food and cosy craft beer corners – Northumberland’s dream new festive weekend for gift-hunters and food lovers. Sit back, relax and enjoy the scenic stress-free bus journey through the Northumberland countryside.
(3) CRAGSIDE AT CHRISTMAS
Bus route: X14
Cragside has been transformed into a playful Victorian wonderland, with technicolour décor, a mischievous Servants’ Ball, Britain’s tallest living Christmas tree and frosty trails perfect for festive family adventures. Did you know you get 25% off entry when you travel to Cragside by bus?
(4) BROCKSBUSHES FESTIVE FOOD MARKET
Bus route: 684
Brocksbushes’ free festive market (Sunday 14th December) showcases the North East’s finest producers, with local food, artisan gifts and cheerful community spirit – a perfect December day out for all ages. The best part? You’re shopping sustainably and travelling by bus sustainably too.
DURHAM
(5) CHRISTMAS AT RABY CASTLE
Bus route: X21 and then 85
Raby Castle opens for a new Christmas experience for the first time in 50 years (until Sunday 4th January). Explore eight festive rooms, stockings, elegant dining, candlelit nights and afternoon tea. Get 10% off an admission ticket when you show your bus ticket.
(6) FESTIVE SHOWS AT DURHAM GALA
Bus route: X21
Durham Gala lights up this season. From The Nutcracker (Wednesday 10th December) to Jack and the Beanstalk (Wednesday until 31st December), plus Christmas films and fun for all the family. Getting the bus saves the stress of driving through Durham city centre’s Christmas chaos.
(7) DURHAM CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL
Bus route: X21
Durham Christmas Festival returns (Friday 5th – Sunday 7th December). Just a short walk from the bus stop, enjoy festive shopping, craft markets on Palace Green, seasonal entertainment, delicious treats and the magical atmosphere of Durham City Centre putting you into the Christmas spirit.
(8) FOREST OF LIGHT AT BEAMISH HALL HOTEL
Bus route: X30
Until Sunday 4th January 2026, Beamish Hall’s Forest of Light dazzles with illuminations, music, interactive props and projections, creating a magical woodland experience like no other. Remember, up to three children aged 11 and under can travel for free by bus during school holidays.
SUNDERLAND
(9) WREATH MAKING WORKSHOP AT THESE THINGS HAPPEN SUNDERLAND
Bus route: 56
Create a Christmas wreath with Julie on Thursday 4th December – prosecco, music and festive vibes. £45 includes materials. Beginners welcome. Workshops fill fast – book early. By taking the bus means can enjoy your day without the stress of driving in a new city.
(10) THE NIGHT MARKET AT STACK SEABURN
Bus route: Metro (GRN) Seaburn then E2
STACK Seaburn’s festive night (Thursday 11th December) features makers, vintage stalls, street food, drinks, DJ vibes and seaside fun. Free for under 12’s, dogs welcome too. Getting the bus means you can actually have more than one festive drink.
SOUTH TYNESIDE
(11) SOUTH TYNESIDE WINTER PARADE
Bus route: 50
Grab the family and join the Winter Parade (Saturday 5th December). Starts 5:30pm on Ocean Road with lights, music, Santa and festive fun all along Sea Road. Love cosy Christmas films? Head to Bents Park from 4:30pm for cartoons, then stick around for a festive favourite after the parade. Remember, children aged 11 and under can travel for free by bus.
NORTH TYNESIDE
(12) FESTIVE LUNCH AND LIVE MUSIC AT SPANISH CITY
Bus route: 307
Enjoy a seaside walk before a festive three-course lunch with live jazz, soul and swing. Thursdays and Fridays in December, so it’s easy to travel by bus, no parking stress.
(13) NORTH SHIELDS CHRISTMAS MARKET
Bus route: 306
Enjoy free entry to North Shields Christmas Market, with festive stalls, food, drink and entertainment attracting thousands on Saturday 6th – Sunday 7th December for seasonal fun all. Worried about permit parking in North Shields? The bus is the perfect easy option.
(14) ELF EXPRESS AT STEPHENSON RAILWAY
Bus route: 307
Across December experience a magical Elf Express journey with Santa and his Elves, festive performances, heritage train fun, photo moments, Christmas tunes, hot drinks, sweet treats and a special Santa gift. Don’t forget kids aged 11 and under can travel for free by bus.
(15) A COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS AT TYNEMOUTH PRIORY
Bus route: 306
Celebrate at Tynemouth Priory (Sunday 7th December) with live music, sax, local street food, kids’ activities, Santa letters and festive community spirit. All just a short 6-minute walk away from the bus stop. Plus, choirs, bagpipes and samba.
GATESHEAD
(16) ONCE UPON A CHRISTMAS TEA AT SIX ROOFTOP
Bus route: 28
Celebrate Christmas at SIX Rooftop with stunning views and festive dining. Enjoy a whimsical, festive movie-inspired tea of sweet and savoury treats, accompanied by scones, with a kids’ menu available too. (Saturday 20th– Monday 23rd December). By getting the bus, you don’t have to worry about getting lost driving around Gateshead’s one-way traffic routes.
(17) CHRISTMAS AT GIBSIDE
Bus route: 47
Celebrate Christmas at Gibside with treats, Santa’s post box, enchanted trails, reindeer stalls, live music, kids’ crafts and wreath workshops, all in a magical setting. Enjoy 25% off admission when you show a valid bus ticket.
(18) CHRISTMAS AT THE MUSICALS AT THE GLASSHOUSE
Bus route: 21
Expect sparkle, sequins, magic. Royal Northern Sinfonia plays West End & Broadway hits (Friday 19th December), the perfect Christmas night out. Get the bus to avoid the stress of finding a parking space.
(19) CHRISTMAS STOCKING WORKSHOP AT BALTIC SHOP CREATES
Bus route: 53
Join textile designer Amy Trainor for a festive sewing workshop (Saturday 13th December). Make a hessian Christmas stocking with pompom trim. Beginners welcome. Materials provided. Learn new skills step by step. Avoid the Saturday Christmas traffic through town by hopping on the bus.
NEWCASTLE
(20) BISCUIT FACTORY FESTIVITIES
Bus route: 12
The bus will drop you off just 4 mins away from The Biscuit Factory that offers festive winter magic: inspiring exhibitions, Christmas craft workshops, Gingerbread Street, handmade gifts, cosy creative activities and treats. Perfect for slowing down and celebrating the season. Discover these festivities
(21) NEWCASTLE CHRISTMAS MARKET
Bus route: 1
Check out Newcastle Christmas Market until Tuesday 23rd Dec. Enjoy festive lights, local music, artisan gifts, delicious food and don’t miss the iconic Fenwick window display. Getting the bus to save the stress of finding a parking space.
(22) ENCHANTED CITY
Bus route: 306
Experience Newcastle’s newest Christmas event, Thursday 11th – Sunday 14th December at Northumbria University. Light, art, performance and science combine for a magical winter night, perfect for all ages and curious minds. The best part? The bus stops right outside.
(23) ALADDIN AT NEWCASTLE THEATRE ROYAL
Bus route: 63
Experience Aladdin at Theatre Royal until Sunday 18th January. Danny, Clive, Joe McElderry and a magical cast bring pantomime to life with flying carpets, wicked witches, dazzling sets and festive fun. To save city centre Christmas traffic, get dropped off right outside by bus.
(24) ICE SKATING AT SCIENCE FOR LIFE CENTRE
Bus route: 12
So this year, leave the stress behind and let the bus take you on a smoother, cheaper and more festive journey. With great savings for all ages and countless seasonal delights waiting across the region, there’s no better time to discover the North East by bus. Embrace the magic, make new memories and enjoy every moment of the holidays – one easy, bus ride at a time.
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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