From festive days out and fabulous parties to magical experiences and delicious food, here’s what’s already on the Christmas calendar across the North East for 2026…
Autumn has arrived, the evenings are drawing in and thoughts are starting to turn to festive plans.
It might still be a little early to put up the tree. However, some of the North East’s favourite businesses are already unveiling what they have planned for Christmas 2026.
There are spectacular decorations for the home, festive food to order and magical days out to book. Meanwhile, hotels and historic estates are preparing for Christmas parties, markets and family experiences.
So, if you’re ready to start filling the festive diary, here’s what’s coming up across the region.
Kissmas by Pretty Picture Company
Anyone who has wandered through a beautifully dressed hotel lobby or festive venue may have wondered how they make Christmas look quite that good. Hannah Gray may have the answer.
For the past eight years, the founder of Pretty Picture Company and her team have brought spectacular festive styling to some of the North East’s best-known spaces. They have also worked with luxury hospitality venues and private homes further afield.
Think Newcastle Christmas Markets, Close House, Eldon Square and the Royal Station Hotel. Each has been transformed with the kind of elegant, immersive Christmas magic that makes you want to linger a little longer.
Now, that expertise is coming home with the launch of Kissmas.
The new luxury Christmas retail brand has been designed to help us recreate a professionally styled festive look in our own homes.
Its collections use the same design principles behind Pretty Picture Company’s commercial installations. As a result, coordinated pieces work beautifully together and take some of the stress and guesswork out of creating a polished Christmas scheme.
Christmas with Nicholsons Butchers
Christmas might still feel a little way off, but Nicholsons Butchers is already preparing to make festive food planning that bit easier.
The award-winning Whitley Bay butcher will officially open its Christmas ordering this October. Customers can get ahead with everything from the all-important centrepiece to festive extras and foodie gifts.
While this year’s full collection is still under wraps, previous Christmases offer a taste of what might be in store. Think show-stopping bronze turkeys, beef Wellingtons and gammon joints. Seasonal sides, hampers and gifts have also featured.
And for those who like to be first in line, there’s an added incentive to sign up ahead of launch.
Customers on the Nicholsons mailing list and members of its loyalty scheme will receive early access to the Christmas range. This will come before ordering officially opens to everyone else.
Some of the most sought-after festive favourites are traditionally available in limited numbers, so it pays to plan ahead.
Whether you’re already thinking about Christmas dinner or simply want one less thing to organise in December, put 12 October in your diary.
Christmas ordering opens 12 October.
Christmas at Raby
There are few places more suited to the drama and romance of Christmas than a castle. This year, Raby Castle is preparing to make the festive season even more magical.
Following the success of last year’s debut, Raby Castle at Christmas returns on an even grander scale for 2026.
Last year saw the castle open during the festive period for the first time in half a century. This Christmas, visitors will once again step inside rooms transformed for the season.
The experience follows the story of Christmas Day at Raby, but this year there is even more to discover.
Elsewhere, Raby’s Christmas calendar is packed with festive experiences.
The ever-popular Father Christmas experience returns inside the castle. Mr and Mrs Claus will also be waiting in the Yuletide Yurt. Meanwhile, The Enchanted Forest trail brings festive clues and sparkling lights to The Plotters’ Forest.
Visitors can also get creative with Christmas pudding, wreath-making, garland and tablescaping workshops. Add festive afternoon teas, the much-loved Christmas market and plenty of seasonal atmosphere, and there are lots of reasons to visit.
Christmas at Wynyard Hall
If you’re already counting down to twinkling lights, festive shopping and evenings filled with mulled wine, Wynyard Hall has given us the perfect excuse to start planning.
Tickets are now live for the estate’s much-loved Christmas Fayre and Carols in the Chapel. Both return for 2026 as part of a packed festive season.
From Friday 20 to Sunday 22 November, the Christmas Fayre will transform the estate into a winter wonderland.
Local artisans and independent makers will come together alongside seasonal food and drink and live entertainment. It’s an ideal opportunity to get ahead with Christmas shopping or pick up something special from local producers.
Then, throughout December, Wynyard Hall’s historic chapel will once again host its atmospheric Carols in the Chapel concerts.
Local choir Cantabile will perform traditional festive songs. Afterwards, guests can round off the evening with mince pies and mulled wine in the Statue Gallery.
Both events are always popular, so those hoping to add a little Wynyard Hall magic to their Christmas calendar would be wise to book early.
Christmas at Ramside Hall
Ramside Hall is already making a strong case for getting the festive group chat organised.
The Durham hotel, golf and spa destination has unveiled a packed programme of Christmas and New Year celebrations. There’s a broad mix of party nights, daytime events and family experiences to suit different festive plans.
For those who love a classic big night out, there are plenty of reasons to dust off the sequins.
Dance Anthems Disco, Get Down Uptown Party Band nights and Dance The Decades will bring dinner and plenty of nostalgia to party season. Meanwhile, the Ultimate DJ and Sax Party-Afterglow promises a high-energy affair complete with dancers.
Ramside has also created a selection of daytime parties. Guests can enjoy lunch and music, with themes ranging from 70s disco to Motown favourites.
Families are covered too. Santa Comes to Lunch and The Grinch and Friends will combine lunch with entertainment, activities and plenty of photo opportunities.
New for this year, The Pin joins the festive line-up. Its matchplay package combines bowling, time on the golf range and a festive sharing platter.
With Christmas plans already beginning to fill diaries across the North East, now might be the time to start thinking ahead. After all, December has a habit of arriving much faster than expected.
