Away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre, quaint towns and villages nearby are filled with twinkling lights, the smell of mulled wine and festive cheer - offering the perfect excuse for a day trip.
With this in mind, we have put together a list of beautiful places to visit in the lead up to Christmas - and they’re all just a short drive or train trip.
Take a look at 10 magical towns and villages to explore this winter below.
1. York
A hugely popular festive day out for most of us in the North East, York's Christmas market is open now and can be the focus for a great day out alongside some top food and drink options. Photo: James Hardisty
2. Yarm
Yarm is a pretty Georgian market town beside the River Tees, near Middlesbrough. It is a picturesque area which has a series of Christmas events lined up, while also looking stunning in wintry weather. | National World Photo: Gary Longbottom
3. Beamish
Considering the popoularity of the museum, Beamish Town seems very underrated. The area has a lovely pub with stunning food while Beamish Hall and museum host some fantastic festive themed events at this time of year. | Google
4. Berwick
Further north, Berwick's Christmas market takes place in December and is an easy train trip from the key towns in the North East. | Destination Tweed Photo: Destination Tweed