A festive weekend in the Tees Valley

Now the Christmas festivities are well underway, we thought we would share some of our favourite events happening in the Tees Valley across the festive period.

There are plenty of things to do for all ages, whether you fancy meeting Santa with the children or having a fun-filled weekend shopping at Christmas markets – because if Christmas isn’t an excuse to spoil yourself and the ones you love, then what is?!

Christmas shopping
If you haven’t started your Christmas shopping yet, then now is the time.

Head to the magical festive markets and pick up unique gifts from local makers and enjoy festive food and drink, all whilst supporting small businesses from across the region.

Some of our favourite local Christmas markets are:
• Middlesbrough – from November 29th until Christmas Eve
• Stockton Sparkles – from December 2nd until 5th
• Kirkleatham Museum pop-up – from December 4th until 19th
• Orange Pip Market Christmas special – December 18th

Middlesbrough Festivities
Warm up those vocal chords, as The Big Sing is back this Christmas! Put on your hat and scarf, grab a song sheet, and join in the fun with all of your favourite festive tunes on December 4th and 11th between 10am and 3pm in Middlesbrough. You can also enjoy live performances from local choirs and community performers.

Both Big Sing events are free to attend and are located in the town centre at the Corporation Road and Linthorpe Road crossroads.

Newham Grange Farm
Newham Grange Farm has plenty happening during the Christmas run up.

Santa’s elves have transformed the farm into Christmas Town – expect trails, games, stories and arts and crafts for everyone to enjoy.

Head down Candy Cane Lane to visit Santa in his magical grotto from December 4th – 24th, where each child will receive a small gift and a certificate to confirm they are on Santa’s nice list.

Tickets are priced at £7.50 + 50p booking fee, while under 2s go free.

Shows
Love a Christmas Pantomime? Oh yes you do!

If you love a bit of Cinderella, head to Darlington Hippodrome between December 10th and 31st to see Steps singer, television personality and West End star Faye Tozer as the leading princess and Middlesbrough-raised stand-up comedian Patrick Monahan as Buttons, while actor and musician Pete Peverley and TV Actor Phil Corbitt will play The Ugly Sisters.

Or are genies more your thing? Watch Aladdin at Coatham Memorial Hall in Redcar between December 24th and 30th, as Tom Rolfe Productions return for their biggest Christmas production yet!

Expect dazzling scenery, colourful costumes, hilarious comedy, and amazing special effects.

Prefer a traditional Christmas show? See a Christmas Carol live at Middlesbrough Theatre.

Shop local
Shop small this Christmas and you'll make a big difference to local businesses.

This year is still presenting challenges for small businesses in the Tees Valley and this Christmas period could not be more important.

Spread festive cheer by finding unique gifts for your loved ones and getting behind companies that really need it at the same time.

So buy local, support local, and spread some festive cheer this Christmas.

Will you be visiting any of these attractions? Or have any tips for other festive days out in the region? Let us know on our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages.