Everything you need for the holidays in Sunderland is in our guide. Discover all the best festive events and activities. For both Sunderland locals and visitors, our guide is the ultimate resource for holiday activities.
This season, take a stroll through the charming Winter Wonderland 2024, where festive lights and seasonal treats create a magical atmosphere. With enchanting decorations and family-friendly attractions, Santa's Grotto 2024 offers a memorable experience for children as they meet the jolly man himself. And the Naughty Elf Trail is something you definitely don't want to miss, providing fun interactions as you hunt for mischievous elves around the city. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Sunderland
- Winter Wonderland 2024 (Houghton Le Spring)
- Santa's Grotto 2024 (Houghton Le Spring)
- The Naughty Elf Trail (Houghton Le Spring)
- Enchanted Christmas Trails at Raby Castle (Staindrop)
- Christmas Pantomimes at Rainton Arena (Houghton Le Spring)
- Ice Rink at Rainton Arena (Houghton Le Spring)
- Santa's Enchanted Elf Journey at Whitehouse Farm (Morpeth)
- Tipi Bar and Grinch Ranch (Houghton Le Spring)
- Christmas at South Causey Inn (Beamish)
- Christmas Craft and Makers Fair
See these and even more events listed below!
Sunderland Holiday Light Displays
Christmas at North East National Trust (various locations)
What to Expect:
Historic houses decorated with festive lights and decorations.
Description:
Celebrate Christmas at various National Trust locations with historic houses decked out in decorations from across history, festive markets selling seasonal treats and gifts, and winter illuminations that transform gardens into kaleidoscopes of color and light.
Where: Various | More Info: Christmas at North East National Trust (various locations)
Sunderland Holiday Markets and Shopping
Christmas Craft and Makers Fair
What to Expect:
Unique handmade gifts and local crafts.
Description:
The Christmas Craft and Makers Fair at Arts Centre Washington features a variety of stalls selling handmade products by local and regional artists, including crafty workshops for all ages and pop performances.
Where: Sunderland | More Info: Christmas Craft and Makers Fair
Sunderland Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Winter Wonderland 2024
What to Expect:
Interactive festive activities and themed attractions.
Description:
Winter Wonderland 2024 at Rainton Arena offers a variety of attractions, activities, and entertainment, including ice skating, Santa's Grotto, and festive food and drinks. The event transforms the arena into a vibrant fairground with thousands of sparkling lights, providing something for everyone.
Where: Houghton Le Spring | More Info: Winter Wonderland 2024
Santa's Grotto 2024
What to Expect:
Personalized meet-and-greets with Father Christmas.
Description:
Meet Father Christmas for a special holiday experience at Rainton Winter Wonderland. All children, including those under 2 years old, require a ticket to see Santa. Babies under 12 months accompanying another paying child do not need a ticket unless they want a full Santa experience gift.
Where: Houghton Le Spring | More Info: Santa's Grotto 2024
The Naughty Elf Trail
What to Expect:
Interactive storytelling and crafts in themed rooms.
Description:
The Naughty Elf Trail is an interactive, indoor adventure where families explore themed rooms filled with storytelling, crafts, and audience participation. Each room offers a unique experience, guiding children through the journey of naughty elves as they prepare for Santa's journey.
Where: Houghton Le Spring | More Info: The Naughty Elf Trail
Christmas Pantomimes at Rainton Arena
What to Expect:
Traditional holiday storytelling with interactive elements.
Description:
Christmas pantomimes at Rainton Arena feature classic tales with colorful costumes and lively performances.
Where: Houghton Le Spring | More Info: Christmas Pantomimes at Rainton Arena
Tipi Bar and Grinch Ranch
What to Expect:
Themed bars and food stalls with festive offerings.
Description:
Tipi Bar offers a variety of festive drinks, while Grinch Ranch provides themed treats and meet-and-greets with Mr. Grinch.
Where: Houghton Le Spring | More Info: Tipi Bar and Grinch Ranch
Washington Youth Theatre (Ages 8-12)
What to Expect:
Interactive theatre sessions for young performers.
Description:
Develop theatre skills like presentation, improvisation, and cooperation while having imaginative fun with other young performers. Join weekly sessions led by experienced actor and tutor Matt Hobbins to build life-long skills and confidence.
Where: Washington | More Info: Washington Youth Theatre (Ages 8-12)
Washington Youth Theatre (Ages 13-18)
What to Expect:
Interactive theatre skills development for young performers.
Description:
The Washington Youth Theatre (Ages 13-18) offers weekly sessions where young people can learn performance, improvisation, and theatre skills while boosting their confidence. Supported by tutor Matt Hobbins, participants create, perform, and collaborate in a dynamic environment.
Where: Washington | More Info: Washington Youth Theatre (Ages 13-18)
Othello by Elysium Theatre Company
What to Expect:
Dazzling new production of Shakespeare's tragic masterpiece.
Description:
Elysium Theatre Company presents a dazzling new production of Shakespeare's immortal tragedy, Othello. Cyprus is under threat of invasion by the Turks, and Duke Venice sends his best general, Othello the Moor, to defend the island. Othello is newly married to the young and beautiful Desdemona, but their love is threatened by Othello's malevolent officer Iago, who sews seeds of jealousy in his tortured mind.
Where: Washington | More Info: Othello by Elysium Theatre Company
The Hidden Garden by Theatre Company Blah Blah Blah
What to Expect:
Interactive storytelling combining urban living with nature.
Description:
The Hidden Garden is a heartwarming performance that celebrates the power of gardening in bringing communities together. It tells the story of an unlikely friendship between a curious child and a man who has created a vibrant garden in an urban setting. The show highlights themes of food poverty, recycling, and activism, inspiring audiences to help the environment and ensure everyone has enough to eat.
Where: Washington | More Info: The Hidden Garden by Theatre Company Blah Blah Blah
Island Movements by Black British Ballet
What to Expect:
Groundbreaking ballet performance with original black British music.
Description:
Island Movements is a short ballet that tells the story of Windrush, exploring the impact of this generation's experiences on their families, communities, and society. The performance begins with a young Caribbean soldier in WW2 Britain and follows him and his family through their life in the UK, including the current Windrush scandal. The story is driven by a pulsating mix of reggae, calypso, and contemporary black British music, featuring original music by Kinetika Bloco. The performance includes a chance to chat with the dancers and creators.
Where: Washington | More Info: Island Movements by Black British Ballet
Nightmares by The Book of Darkness & LittleMighty
What to Expect:
Spine-tingling ghost stories performed live on stage.
Description:
Nightmares by The Book of Darkness & LittleMighty is a gothic show featuring three spine-tingling ghost stories, including "Kit-Bag" by Algernon Blackwood, "John Charrington's Wedding" by E Nesbit, and "Judges House" by Bram Stoker. These classic tales are brought to life on stage, conjuring every horror imaginable in a uniquely terrifying experience.
Where: Washington | More Info: Nightmares by The Book of Darkness & LittleMighty
Tinsel by Wrongsemble
What to Expect:
Interactive puppetry and original live music.
Description:
Tinsel is a raucously entertaining show by Wrongsemble and Gala Durham, featuring original live music, playful puppetry, and feel-good storytelling. The show stars Tinsel, a charismatic character who convinces even the most skeptical tree ornaments and naughty elves that anyone can shine with a chance. The event is packed with original live music and playful puppetry.
Where: Washington | More Info: Tinsel by Wrongsemble
Sunderland Film Club presents... Much Ado About Dying
What to Expect:
Poignant exploration of life and mortality through a personal drama.
Description:
Join Sunderland Film Club for a screening of Simon Chambers' poignant film, "Much Ado About Dying," an achingly bittersweet study of what it means to live and die. The film follows Simon as he navigates his uncle's life, echoing themes from Shakespeare's "King Lear."
Where: Washington | More Info: Sunderland Film Club presents... Much Ado About Dying
Sunderland Film Club presents... Saint Maud
What to Expect:
Genre-bending revenge thriller with a sapphic bloodbath.
Description:
Join us for a screening of Rose Glass's electrifying neo-noir, Love Lies Bleeding, at Port Independent. This film follows reclusive gym manager Lou as she falls for ambitious bodybuilder Jackie, leading to a violent and surreal descent into Lou's criminal family. This screening is part of This Woman's Work, a new monthly program highlighting world cinema's greatest female filmmakers.
Where: Sunderland | More Info: Sunderland Film Club presents... Saint Maud
First Friday Folk at Arts Centre Washington
What to Expect:
Monthly live folk music sessions.
Description:
First Friday Folk at Arts Centre Washington features live folk music performances every first Friday of the month from 1pm to 4pm, offering a lively atmosphere for music enthusiasts.
Where: Washington | More Info: First Friday Folk at Arts Centre Washington
Christmas at South Causey Inn
What to Expect:
Extensive range of festive activities and dining options.
Description:
South Causey Inn offers a variety of Christmas events, including wreath workshops, live music nights, festive afternoon teas, and Santa visits. The inn provides a cozy atmosphere with heartwarming food and drinks, making it the perfect place to soak in the festive spirit.
Where: Beamish | More Info: Christmas at South Causey Inn
Sunderland Other Holiday Activities
Ice Rink at Rainton Arena
What to Expect:
Family-friendly ice skating sessions with safety guidelines.
Description:
Ice Skating at Rainton Arena offers a fun and energetic activity for all ages, with various sessions including afternoon, twilight, and nighttime skating under the stars. The event is part of the Winter Wonderland celebrations and includes ice skate hire and fun skate aids for young children. Safety rules are strictly enforced to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Where: Houghton Le Spring | More Info: Ice Rink at Rainton Arena
Ecofest Sunderland
What to Expect:
Interactive environmental activities and eco-trail.
Description:
Ecofest Sunderland is a family-friendly event featuring arts and crafts activities, planting opportunities, an eco-trail around the Museum and Winter Gardens, and information on local growing, cycling, walking, recycling, waste management, and energy efficiency.
Where: Sunderland | More Info: Ecofest Sunderland
Saturday Art Club
What to Expect:
Guided art sessions for young artists.
Description:
Saturday Art Club is a weekly session where children aged 8 and above can develop their artistic skills under the guidance of artist Vince Cooper. Participants learn various techniques such as scale, perspective, shading, and different mediums, as well as how to approach different artistic styles.
Where: Washington | More Info: Saturday Art Club
Enchanted Christmas Trails at Raby Castle
What to Expect:
Twinkling lights and festive decorations in a forest setting.
Description:
Step into a world of twinkling lights and festive decorations at Raby Castle's Plotters Forest Enchanted Christmas Trail. This captivating trail promises an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages, featuring 2 hours of play in the forest, a special treat for children, and access to the Deer Park.
Where: Staindrop | More Info: Enchanted Christmas Trails at Raby Castle
Santa's Enchanted Elf Journey at Whitehouse Farm
What to Expect:
Interactive Christmas activities with Santa and farm animals.
Description:
At Whitehouse Farm, Santa's Enchanted Elf Journey offers a unique Christmas experience where children can meet Santa, participate in interactive games, and enjoy various festive activities like feeding reindeer and decorating biscuits. The event includes a visit to the Enchanted Forest, a toy shop, and other fun activities like the Castle Catapult and animal interactions.
Where: Morpeth | More Info: Santa's Enchanted Elf Journey at Whitehouse Farm
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Seaham (5 miles)
- Washington (5 miles)
- Houghton-Le-Spring (6 miles)
- Jarrow (7 miles)
- South Shields (7 miles)
- North Shields (8 miles)
- Felling (8 miles)
- Chester-le-Street (8 miles)
- Wallsend (8 miles)
- Gateshead (10 miles)
- Whitley Bay (10 miles)
- Peterlee (10 miles)
- Newcastle upon Tyne (10 miles)
- Gosforth (11 miles)
- Durham (12 miles)
- Stanley (13 miles)
- Cramlington (15 miles)
- Newburn (15 miles)
- Blyth (16 miles)
- Hartlepool (17 miles)
- Consett (18 miles)
- Ashington (20 miles)
- Bishop Auckland (21 miles)
- Newton Aycliffe (21 miles)
- Billingham (22 miles)
- Stockton-on-Tees (23 miles)
- Middlesbrough (23 miles)
- Redcar (24 miles)
- Thornaby-on-Tees (26 miles)
- Darlington (27 miles)