Your diary might be getting full with all the festivities going on in the North East from Christmas markets to twinkling light trails – but have you thought about visiting a National Trust event near you this year?

As the excitement builds and children count the number of sleeps before the big day, you can treat the family to some festive fun.

Soak up the atmosphere and seasonal spirit with live music, crafts and stories – and the chance to meet Father Christmas, Mrs Christmas and giant reindeer – alongside the beauty of the National Trust’s historic houses and beautiful gardens adorned with the finest decorations.

You can find out more information on the National Trust activities taking place in the North East this Christmas here.

National Trust Christmas events in Cragside, Northumberland

  • Merry Maze: Next to Tumbleton Lake, Saturday 2 December – Monday 1 January, 11am–3pm. Free.
  • Find the Mischievous Mice: Around the visitor centre, Saturday 2 December – Monday 1 January, 11am–3pm. Free.
  • Festive decoration making: The Stables at the visitor centre, weekends of 2 and 3 December, 16 and 17 December, and from 23 December to 1 January, 11am–3pm. Free.
  • Wish upon a star: The Stables at the visitor centre, Saturday 2 December – Monday 1 January, 11am–3pm. Free.

National Trust Christmas events at Gibside, Tyne and Wear

  • Christmas music in the Chapel: Sunday 3 December, 12pm–1pm, Axum Folk Ensemble; Sunday 10 December, 1pm–3pm, and Saturday 30 December, 11am–2pm, William and Julie, acoustic folk duo; Saturday 17 December, 1pm–2:30pm, Red Kites Jazz. Free – just pop in.
  • Woodland Fairy Trail: Every day, Saturday 25 November – Monday 8 January. Free.
  • Children’s paper wreath-making: 9, 14 and 23 December, 11.30am–12.30pm and 1.30pm–2.30pm. Free.

National Trust Christmas events at Seaton Delaval Hall, Northumberland

  • Wreath-making workshops: 1, 2 and 3 December at 10.30am–12.30pm and 1–3pm. Booking essential – tickets £45: Book here.
  • Robin Winter Trail: 2 December – 7 January, free with admission.
  • Festive music with Aurora Strings: the Old Kitchen, Sundays 3, 10 and 17 December, 12–2pm. Free and no need to book.
  • Christmas Choirs: Seaton Sluice Singers, Saturday 2 December, 1–1.30pm; Storiella with Bert Louisson, Saturday 9 December, 12–2pm; Whitley Women’s Community Choir, Saturday 16 December, 1–1.30pm. Free and no need to book.

The Northern Echo:

National Trust Christmas events at Wallington, Northumberland

  • Festive Afternoon Tea in the Central Hall: 6, 12, 13, 19 and 20 December 3–5pm, £45 per person or £52 per person with a small bottle of prosecco. Adults only. Booking essential.
  • Live Christmas Music in the Central Hall: 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17 and 23 December, 12–3.30pm. Free, no need to book.
  • Mrs Christmas storytelling: 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17 and 23 December, 11.30am–3pm. Free, no need to book.
  • Terrazzo workshop: Make a trinket tray, 3 December, 11.30am–3pm, £45 per person, not suitable for under-14s. Booking essential.
  • Terrazzo workshop: Festive decorations, 12 December, 10.30am–2pm, £45 per person, not suitable for children under 14. Booking essential.

A Brief History of Christmas Markets

For all bookings, visit the Wallington National Trust website here.

National Trust Christmas events at Souter Lighthouse and the Leas

Make a clay bauble: Saturday 2 December, 10am to 2pm. £3.50 per child. Booking essential.

Build a wooden slice Christmas tree: Saturday 9 December, 10am to 2pm. £4 per child. Booking essential.

Visit the Souter Lighthouse and the Leas National Trust website to book for both of the events.