- Play Hard
- 2nd Dec 2025
- 0
- 0 minute
9 fun things to do this weekend
Beauty and the Beast at Northern Stage
When: Thursday 4th December – Saturday 3rd January, various times
Where: Northern Stage
Price: From £12.00
A stolen rose spells bad news for heroine Beauty and her unfortunate dad in this enchantingly wicked retelling of Beauty and the Beast, by two mischievous fairies. Northern Stage’s adaptation puts a magical and hilarious twist on a much-loved story for new audiences and fans of the original tale.
Christmas Wreath Making at Brocksbushes Farm Shop
When: Friday 5th December, 10.00am – 12.00pm (other workshops available, check website for details)
Where: Brocksbushes Farm Shop
Price: £65.00
Join Kate from Northumbrian Flowers for this magical Christmas wreath making workshop at Brocksbushes Farm Shop. You’ll learn how to make a traditional wreath using a moss backed ring, fresh Northumberland foliage, pretty bows, dried fruits and pine cones. To get you fully into the festive spirit, you’ll be fuelled with mulled wine, hot chocolate, homemade sweet treats and mince pies throughout the workshop.
Storytime with Santa at Gosforth Civic Theatre
When: Friday 5th December – Monday 22nd December, various times
Where: Gosforth Civic Theatre
Price: £15 per child
Gather round and meet Santa. Gosforth Civic Theatre’s studio will be transformed into a magical winter wonderland where children and their grown-ups will be welcomed to share in a tale told by St. Nick himself and talk about what Christmas means to you. There are sessions for schools, families, and young people with complex needs. No naughty list, just lovely times to enjoy together.
Christmas Crafts and Core at On the Beck
When: Friday 5th December, 6.00pm – 9.00pm
Where: On the Beck, Brampton
Price: £50.00 (use code HLN20 for 20% off)
A cosy evening of Pilates, festive treats and Christmas crafts. Enjoy a 45-minute Pilates flow class, followed by festive treats (dietary requirements can be catered to) and Christmas crafts including card making, bauble decorating and candle painting. All you need to take along is a mat, everything else will be provided.
Nerina Pallot in Concert at The Bowes Museum
When: Friday 5th December and Saturday 6th December, 6.30pm
Where: The Bowes Museum
Price: From £35.00
Nerina Pallot is one of the UK’s most quietly extraordinary singer-songwriters. A spellbinding live performer and multi-instrumentalist, Pallot’s shows are never the same twice. Whether she’s behind a piano or switching between guitars, she plays with both precision and freedom, weaving stories and humour through songs that shift seamlessly from heartbreak to hilarity. Her last major London show at the iconic Palladium sold out, a testament to the emotional force of her live performances.
Blackfriars Christmas Market
When: Saturday 6th December – Sunday 7th December, 10.00am – 4.00pm
Where: Blackfriars
Price: No ticket required
Kick-off the Christmas season in style at Blackfriars’ Christmas Market. It’s the perfect way to get into the festive spirit in the heart of Newcastle. Wander through the beautifully decorated Cloister Garden and Banquet hall, full with local vendors offering unique gifts. Stay warm with a glass of mulled wine or hot chocolate, indulge in Blackfriars festive street food and soak up the magical atmosphere in one of the most festive settings in Newcastle.
Forage Christmas Market at Rigg & Furrow
When: Saturday 6th December – Sunday 7th December, 12.00pm – 6.00pm
Where: Rigg & Furrow Farm, Acklington
Price: £1 entry, with proceeds supporting Amble Food Bank
The Forage Christmas Market returns to Rigg & Furrow Farm, Acklington, bringing over 50 local makers, designers and food vendors to its cosy barn setting. Expect artisan gifts, festive treats and creative finds, plus craft beer from the Rigg & Furrow taproom and street food from local favourites. Dog-friendly.
A magical, candlelit Nutcracker experience in Tyne Valley
When: Saturday 6th December, 3:00–4:00pm / 4:30–5:30pm and Sunday 7th December, 2:00–3:00pm / 3:30–4:30pm / 5:00–6:00pm
Where: 1 West View, Clara Vale
Price: From £10.00
In this cosy rural setting, cellist Katie Tertell and pianist Annie Ball will present an intimate, candle-lit Nutcracker Experience. A one-hour journey through Tchaikovsky’s beloved score including The Sugar Plum Fairy, Waltz of the Flowers, Russian Dance and more. With only 15 seats per session, each performance promises a magical, close-up encounter with this iconic music. Guests will enjoy a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie, with hot chocolate available for younger audience members.
Caribou at The Glasshouse
When: Tuesday 9th December, 7.30pm
Where: The Glasshouse
Price: £35.30
If you’re after an alternative fun outing this December, look no further. For over two decades, Caribou, led by Dan Snaith, has been a defining force in electronic music. From dancefloor anthems like Can’t Do Without You and Odessa to the emotive depth of new tracks from Honey, Caribou’s live shows are a masterclass in connection. Renowned for euphoric sets at Glastonbury, Coachella and Primavera Sound, Caribou live is an experience for the books.
Subscribe
Subscribe now to receive our twice-weekly emails and exclusive offers for High Life North readers.