Image credit
Newcastle NE1 Ltd
Image sourceFestive plans without an admission ticket to buy
Christmas cards to make, characters to spot and carols to sing: a festive outing needn’t start with an admission ticket.
These confirmed 2026 events are free to enter for the family. Choose an activity or a market wander, and keep optional extras in a separate budget.
All Christmas eventsYour festive shortlist
A little Christmas magic, free to enter
Get creative, join a singalong or enjoy a festive wander. Admission is free for these events; optional shopping, food and attractions cost extra.
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Events in this guide
Back to filtersShowing all 8 events.
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Making and browsing · Gateshead
Christmas Craft Market at Shipley
Next: Sat, 28 Nov 2026
Free admissionMake Christmas cards together for free, then browse handmade gifts at the gallery’s festive market.
Before you go
The card-making window finishes earlier than the market. Purchases and the pop-up café are optional paid extras.
2 listed dates · see all dates and times.
Official details for Christmas Craft Market at Shipley
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Character day · Darlington
Frozen Day at Hopetown
Sat, 28 Nov 2026
Free admissionSnowman crafts and Frozen singalongs make this a day for joining in. Look out for roaming Anna and Elsa characters.
Before you go
There is no booked character meet-and-greet. Check the performance times and keep other Hopetown attractions separate from the free event.
Official details for Frozen Day at Hopetown Image credit
Roaming character and crafts · Darlington
The Grinch Visits Hopetown
Sat, 5 Dec 2026
Free admissionSpot a mischievous roaming Grinch, try themed crafts and dress up for the Whoville costume competition.
Before you go
A roaming character is not a reserved appointment. Skating and other separately ticketed attractions are outside this free outing.
Official details for The Grinch Visits Hopetown
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After-Christmas making · Shildon
Christmas Holiday Family Learning at Locomotion
Next: Sun, 27 Dec 2026
Free admissionFill the days after Christmas with free family making and railway discoveries. Museum admission and parking are free too.
Before you go
The paid Father Christmas visits have finished by this programme. Check workshop details rather than expecting a Santa meeting.
4 listed dates · see all dates and times.
Official details for Christmas Holiday Family Learning at Locomotion
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Community singing · South Shields
South Tyneside Sings: Doorstep Carols
Wed, 16 Dec 2026
Free admissionSing familiar carols together in The Word’s Atrium. This free evening gathering includes festive refreshments and needs no booking.
Before you go
This is an evening gathering on a specific date. Contact The Word if your family needs assistance; no advance booking is required.
Official details for South Tyneside Sings: Doorstep Carols
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Durham Cathedral
Image sourceShort carol service · Durham
Carols for All
Next: Fri, 4 Dec 2026
Free admissionShare about half an hour of readings, prayers and Christmas carols inside Durham Cathedral. Everyone is welcome; no tickets needed.
Before you go
Choose one of the published services, not any day within the date range. Check road closures and travel arrangements around the cathedral.
2 listed dates · see all dates and times.
Official details for Carols for All
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Indoor gift fair · Alnwick
The Alnwick Garden Christmas Fair
Next: Sat, 21 Nov 2026
Free admissionBrowse seasonal gifts and handmade crafts in the Pavilion. The indoor fair is free to enter without a Garden admission ticket.
Before you go
Shopping and refreshments cost extra. Free fair entry does not include Winter Lights, Lilidorei or the Garden’s other attractions.
2 listed dates · see all dates and times.
Official details for The Alnwick Garden Christmas Fair Image credit
Newcastle NE1 Ltd
Image sourceCity-centre market · Newcastle
Newcastle Christmas Market 2026
19 Nov – 23 Dec 2026
Free admissionSoak up the festive atmosphere around the Monument and neighbouring streets. The market is free to browse; purchases are optional.
Before you go
Food, gifts and other purchases are separate. Plan for outdoor browsing and check current opening times before travelling.
Official details for Newcastle Christmas Market 20262026 selection reviewed 26 October 2026. Check official details for current prices and availability.
Free to enter and free to take part are different
Shipley’s card making and Locomotion’s family learning offer an activity without an extra admission charge. The Alnwick and Newcastle markets are free to browse, while gifts and refreshments are bought separately.
An activity described as included with normal admission is not a free family outing if you must buy entry first. A free child or carer ticket also does not make the full group’s admission free.
Pick a programme that fits your children
For making, start with Shipley or the post-Christmas Locomotion programme. For characters and songs, compare Hopetown’s two separate dates. For singing together, choose The Word’s community event or a Durham Cathedral service.
The Pavilion fair and Newcastle market focus on browsing. Set expectations before arriving if your child is hoping for crafts, a gift or a personal Santa visit.
Keep the rest of the day affordable
Allow for parking or public transport, food and optional extras even when event admission is free. A short outing can be enough; adding a paid ride or attraction is a separate decision.
Free does not always mean drop-in. Read the event’s booking instructions, check holiday opening and confirm any particular facilities or assistance with the organiser.
Before you head off
- Check the specific activity window as well as the venue opening hours.
- Keep shopping, refreshments, travel and optional attractions in a separate budget.
- Use the event listing for any booking requirement, even when entry is free.
- Confirm individual access needs with the organiser before travelling.
Keep exploring
All Christmas events in the North East
See the wider 2026 programme, including shows, workshops and festive attractions.
Santa experiences
Compare stories, personal meetings and bigger festive days.
Christmas light trails
Choose between city, garden and Deer Park evenings.
Free days out throughout the year
Find verified free-entry museums, parks and places beyond the Christmas programme.