Experience the Magic of Christmas in Tees Valley: 2024 Event Highlights
Blog | Published on: 30th October 2024
Blog | Published on: 30th October 2024
Tees Valley comes alive with festive cheer each Christmas, offering a range of exciting events across Stockton-on-Tees, Middlesbrough, Hartlepool, Darlington, and Redcar & Cleveland.
Whether you’re looking for family-friendly activities, magical light displays, or bustling Christmas markets, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Stockton-on-Tees is known for its vibrant Christmas celebrations, and this year promises to be no different. The Stockton Sparkles Festival is the highlight.
The town centre transforms into a winter wonderland, complete with twinkling lights, festive stalls, and street performers. Don’t miss the Christmas Light Switch-On from 5pm on November 28 which kicks off the season with live entertainment, hot drinks, and a visit from Santa!
For those seeking unique gifts, the Christmas Market will be bustling with local crafts, food stalls, and holiday treats alongside the Christmas Victoria Fair running from Friday 6 to Sunday 8 December
And for a stunning array of festive lights, you won’t want to miss the Lantern Parade on Sunday 8 December.
Middlesbrough’s Centre Square becomes a hub of festive fun in December. The Winter Wonderland event offers something for all ages, featuring an ice rink, traditional fairground rides, and festive food stalls. It’s a perfect way to embrace the Christmas spirit with family and friends. The ice rink will run from Friday, December 8.
You can head down for a FREE family movie night featuring Elf on the big outdoor screen in Centre Square, 18 November at 5pm— but don’t forget to dress warmly!
Middlesbrough’s Christmas Lights Switch-On is another key event, drawing large crowds each year. This year’s festivities run from 4pm to 7pm on November 28 and will include live music from the Wildcats of Kilkenny and Amelia Lily alongside the all-important tasty street food treats and fairground rides
For a full rundown of Christmas events in Middlesbrough go here.
Credit: Jamie Haslam ROAM Photography
Hartlepool offers a charming coastal backdrop for your Christmas celebrations. This year’s Christmas Lights Switch-On will take place on Friday 29 November in Church Square and will feature a fantastic array of festive entertainment.
Families can also enjoy the Pantomime at Hartlepool Town Hall Theatre, a holiday tradition full of laughter and fun. This year’s show of Aladdin and the Hartlepool Monkey promises to be an exciting adventure for children and adults alike.
And don’t miss out on the chance to see Santa at Middleton Grange Shopping Centre. The centre’s Grotto is open from 30th November, including daily from 14 December until 24 December.
Credit: Jamie Haslam ROAM Photography
Darlington pulls out all the stops during the holiday season, with its Christmas Light Switch-On and Market Square Festivities marking the start of the celebrations. Join in the fun at the switch-on from 4pm on Sunday 17 November where they’ll be plenty of fun and music on the main stage.
For families, Darlington Hippodrome hosts its annual pantomime – a cherished tradition that brings fairy tales to life on stage. This year’s production of Sleeping Beauty is set to dazzle audiences with spectacular sets, lively performances, and plenty of festive fun.
Credit: Jamie Haslam ROAM Photography
Redcar and Cleveland offer a mix of coastal charm and festive joy. Redcar’s Christmas Market brings the town centre to life, with local artisans, festive food stalls, and live entertainment throughout the day.
The magical season of Christmas kicks off in spectacular style in Redcar Town Centre on Sunday 24 November for the pantomime-themed Lights Switch On and Illumination Parade. Expect stunning visual displays, music, lights and all-around joy!
There will be performers and entertainers in the High Street from noon, a musical main stage programme hosted by BBC Tees’ Scott Makin from 3pm and Illumination Parade from 4.15pm.
On December 7 you can also experience the stunning Saltburn Ice Trail as renowned ice sculptors Sand in Your Eye create nine amazing ice sculptures around the theme of pantomime.
No matter where you are in the Tees Valley this Christmas, there are festive events to suit every taste.
From twinkling light displays and bustling markets to heart-warming carols and family pantomimes, the Tees Valley promises a season full of magic and wonder. Make sure to mark these events on your calendar for a truly unforgettable Christmas!
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