We’ve rounded up 10 of the best.
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1. Winter Wonderland, Rainton Arena, Houghton
From a trio of live reindeer and a grotto complete with igloo to an Alpine village and the largest ice rink in the city, Sunderland’s biggest celebration of Christmas this year has opened to the public. The Winter Wonderland at Rainton Arena is the biggest event to be staged at the venue in Houghton so far and is the brainchild of new owner Jay Johal. The car park of the arena has been taken over for the duration of the wonderland, which runs from today, November 29, until December 23, and features live reindeer, a large grotto, Christmas retail area, stalls selling churros, waffles and more, an Alpine village and tipi bar, fairground rides, a local crafts marquee and a large open air ice rink. Entry is free, but there is a cost for the grotto and ice rink. | JPIMedia Photo: JPI Media
2. Jack Whitehall, Utilita Arena, December 6 & 7
Following two complete sell out arena tours, Jack Whitehall Gets Around in 2014 and Jack Whitehall: At Large in 2017, which premiered on Netflix, Jack Whitehall: Stood Up is heading to Newcastle's Utilita Arena for two nights on December 6 & 7. Jack said: “I couldn’t be more thrilled to be going back out on the road. There’s no feeling like standing up on stage in front of an arena full of strangers, and still being able to hear your dad heckle you.” Most recently seen in Lasse Hallstrom's The Nutcracker And The Four Realms opposite Keira Knightley, Helen Mirren, and Morgan Freeman, Jack is also set to star in Disney's upcoming Jungle Cruise opposite Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt, which is currently in production and will be released in 2020. | Other 3rd Party Photo: Submitted
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3. Beauty and the Beast, Theatre Royal, Newcastle, until January 19
For the first time ever pantomime Beauty and the Beast is at Newcastle Theatre Royal in an enchanting production for all the family, starring legendary Theatre Royal panto stars Danny Adams, Clive Webb and Chris Hayward. Join them on a magical adventure to help the beautiful Belle on her quest to unleash the Beauty within the Beast. As with all Theatre Royal pantomimes, you can expect special effects and a few surprises along the way. | JPIMedia Photo: Submitted
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4. Reindeer Dash, The Bridges, Sunderland, December 8
The popular Reindeer Dash returns to the Bridges on Sunday, December 8. The unique 1K indoor family fun run raises valuable funds for a local charity. Children's entry (12 and under) to the event costs £3.50 which includes reindeer nose and antlers, plus a reindeer medal and free entry to The Bridges Santa Grotto. And for all you adults young at heart... you can join the fun too. Enter the run for £5.50 and receive your own reindeer nose and antlers, whilst knowing your donation will help raise as much money as possible for charity. Registration starts from 9am on the day. Buy your tickets in advance by searching for the event on Event Brite. | JPIMedia Resell Photo: JPI Media