Top Picks for Families to BOOK NOW for the Festive Period 2026

AD-This featured blog article includes top picks for family events and activities across The Tees Valley, County Durham and North Yorkshire. With ideas for all ages and budgets during The Festive Season 2026 (mid November-early January). All useful information has been provided to make planning that bit easier for you!

All information is correct at the time of publishing. Please check directly with the organisers for any further info including any updates and availability. Booking/more info links are provided on each listing.

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Friday 13th November–

Ad Christmas Create and Paint at The Hullabaloo-BOOK HERE

Simply select your items (all paint and firing is included in the price), come along for your time slot and make some memories with your little ones! Then the Create & Paint team will take your items back to the shop labelled up, and they’ll be available to collect at The Hullabaloo in time to hang on your tree or display in your home.

• The Hullabaloo, Darlington

• Aimed at ages 0-7 years (younger may need assistance from an adult)

• Various slots from 10:15am-4:15pm

• £6-£14 per item

• More info and booking here

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Saturday 14th November until Saturday 2nd January–

Ad Wizard Walk of York Family Tours in York City Centre-BOOK HERE

The Wizard Walk of York-Experience the MAGIC on York’s only tour created especially for families! Spellbinding magic, comedy and five-star fun. WINNER of Best Tour, Experience of the Year and more. Early booking recommended! Perfect to combine with the Christmas Markets and other festive fun happening in York City Centre to help break it up a bit for kids! Why not make a weekend of it?

• York City Centre, starts at the bottom of The Shambles (must be pre-booked)

• Ideal for children aged 5-10 years but all are welcome

• Running every Saturday until 19/12 then daily until 2/01 (except 24/12-26/12 and 01/01)

• £12.72 per person | Under 3's go free

• More info and booking here

• Check out my Instagram Reel from our previous experience on this tour here

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Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th November–

Ad Elf Studio Takeover Interactive Photoshoot by Blench Photography-BOOK HERE

The elves have officially broken loose, taken over the studio, and complete festive chaos has erupted! If your children adore the mischief of Elf on the Shelf, this fully interactive and immersive, live-action photoshoot is guaranteed to light up their Christmas season.

• Blench Photography Studio, Darlington

• All Ages welcome (max 2 children per session)

• 20 minute private session

• £50 includes 3 high resolution digital images

• SPECIAL OFFER-Use Code 'ELFSALE' at checkout to book this for only £34.99!

• More info and booking here

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Thursday 26th November - Sunday 6th December–

Ad The Yule Tree by Hurly Burly at The Hullabaloo_BOOK HERE

HurlyBurly and Theatre Hullabaloo invite you and your little one on a multisensory journey through a year in the life of a tree: feeling the wind on your cheeks, marching through fallen leaves and smelling new blossoms. As the days get shorter the Christmas preparations begin. What secrets does The Yule Tree have in store?

• The Hullabaloo, Darlington

• Aimed at under 3's and their grown ups. Older siblings also welcome.

• Performances daily except 30/11

• £10 per person

• Special Offer-Purchase tickets to any of The Hullabaloo Autumn 26 shows at the same time and receive 5% off for 2 shows, 10% off for 3 shows or 15% off for 4 or more shows.

• More info and booking here

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Saturday 28th November–

Ad Beauty and the Beast Family Show in Yarm by NTC-BOOK HERE

Experience a magical retelling of Beauty and the Beast, adapted by Louis Roberts. This is a refreshing, funny new twist on a classic tale that blends romance, adventure, and humour. Performed in NTC's physical, fast-paced style and with vibrant costumes, delightful music and plenty of colourful characters, this family-friendly show is perfect for children (and adults!) of all ages.

• Friarage Theatre, Yarm

• All Ages

• £12 per person

• More info and booking here

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Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th November–

Ad Classic Christmas Photoshoot by Blench Photography-BOOK HERE

Our most popular festive tradition is back and bigger than ever! Step into our brand-new 2026 studio set, specially designed to bring warm, magical, and timeless family portraits to life. Whether you want to capture your children’s excitement or update the family mantlepiece, these sessions are styled to create stunning festive keepsakes to treasure forever.

• Blench Photography Studio, Darlington

• All Ages welcome (max 2 children per session)

• 20 minute private session

• £50 includes 3 high resolution digital images

• SPECIAL OFFER-Use Code 'CLASSICSALE' at checkout to book this for only £34.99!

• More info and booking here

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Saturday 5th December–

Ad Christmas Santa Photo Sessions by Blench Photography-BOOK HERE

The main man himself is taking time out of his busy North Pole schedule to visit our studio for a truly magical Christmas experience! Our Santa Photo Sessions offer your children a calm, private, and unhurried chat with Santa Claus in a beautifully styled festive setting. Watch their eyes light up as they share their Christmas wishes, chat about the North Pole, and experience genuine festive wonder.

• Blench Photography Studio, Darlington

• All Ages welcome (max 2 children per session)

• 20 minute private session

• £85 includes 5 high resolution digital images

• SPECIAL OFFER-Use Code 'SANTASALE' at checkout to book this for only £39.99!

• More info and booking here

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Saturday 5th December- Thursday 31st December–

Ad Aladdin Christmas Pantomime at Middlesbrough Theatre-BOOK HERE

Follow Aladdin’s adventures as he becomes entangled in the battle of good versus evil, racing to rescue the Princess and foil Abanazar’s wicked plan. With help from his mother, Widow Twanky, the hapless Wishee Washee and the enchanting Fairy of the Ring, he’s in for the adventure of a lifetime. Packed with dazzling costumes, spellbinding special effects and plenty of audience participation, this magical production promises festive fun for the whole family! Starring Olivia Bromley (Dawn Taylor from Emmerdale) as The Fairy of the Ring, everyones panto favourite Philip Green as Wishee Washee and Paul Hawkyard as Abanazar.

• Middlesbrough Theatre

• All Ages

• Shows running daily except 6/12, 7/12, 14/12, 15/12, 21/12 and 25/12

• Signed performance 17th December | Relaxed Performance 22nd December

• £26 Adults | £25 Child Under 16 | £72 Family of 3 | £96 Family of 4 Including £1.60 booking fee | Under 3's go free when sat on parents lap

• More info and booking here

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Thursday 10th December-Thursday 24th December–

Ad Little Red Riding Hood by Lyngo Theatre at The Hullabaloo-BOOK HERE

Join Lyngo Theatre this Christmas for a magical retelling of the much loved story of a little girl who was warned not to stray from the path. In this story, a wardrobe can take you to magical spaces, to all sorts of tales and wonderful places, and this wardrobe is a portal to the wild wood where something is roaming the forest, animals are mysteriously going missing, and a little girl has just received a beautiful red cloak from her granny.

• The Hullabaloo, Darlington

• Aimed at ages 3-10 years

• Performances daily except 14/12 and 18/12

• Neurodivergent friendly on 13/12 at 10am and 21/12 at 1:30pm

• £12 per person | Under 12 months free with paying adult

• Special Offer-Purchase tickets to any of The Hullabaloo Autumn 26 shows at the same time and receive 5% off for 2 shows, 10% off for 3 shows or 15% off for 4 or more shows.

• More info and booking here

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Thursday 10th December-Wednesday 30th December–

Ad Pinocchio-A Brand New Pantomime Adventure at Paa Yarm-BOOK HERE

Join Pinocchio on his incredible journey from Geppetto’s workshop to the bright lights of the Big Top, meeting colourful characters, mischievous villains and a few surprise performers along the way. Expect gravity-defying acrobatics, show-stopping songs, hilarious slapstick, stunning costumes and all the larger-than-life magic you’d expect from a Tom Rolfe Productions extravaganza. 

• Princess Alexandra Auditorium, Yarm

• All Ages

• Daily except 14/12, 21/12, 25/12 and 26/12

• 22nd December at 11am is a relaxed and BSL signed performance

• £20 per adult | £16 per child | £18 concession

• More info and booking here

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Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th December–

Ad The Nice List-a family santamime by Tom Rolfe Productions at PAA Yarm-BOOK HERE

As Christmas Eve approaches, excitement fills Santa’s workshop… until disaster strikes—the all-important Nice List has gone missing! Join Santa, Mrs Claus, and their mischievous elf Jingles on a magical, laugh-out-loud journey to save Christmas before it’s too late! Packed with songs, silliness, and heart-warming festive cheer, this 50-minute family santamime is perfect for all ages and proves being nice really does matter! 

• Princess Alexandra Auditorium, Yarm

• All Ages but aimed at younger audience

• £14 per person

• More info and booking here

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Thursday 10th December-Wednesday 23rd December–

Ad Father Christmas Experience at Locomotion, Shildon-BOOK HERE

MAKE MAGICAL MEMORIES THIS CHRISTMAS Father Christmas is visiting Locomotion! Meet him in his cosy train carriage along with his jolly elf, and receive a special gift. Enjoy a hot chocolate, a fun reindeer food making activity and 10% shop discount all included in your ticket!

• Locomotion Museum, Shildon, County Durham

• For under 13's

• Running on selected dates: 12/12, 14,12 and 19/12 until 23/12

• £15 per child (select correct age at checkout as gifts are age appropriate) | Accompanying Adults go Free

• More info and booking here

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Sunday 20th December–

Ad Christmas Party Sessions with Little Movers in Bishop Auckland-BOOK HERE

Join Little Movers for a Christmas Party Special with lots of themed dancing, singing, movement, music, activities and crafts as well as time with Santa and each child will receive a small gift to take home!

• West Auckland Memorial Hall, Bishop Auckland

• Baby Movers-Birth to Crawling- session runs 10am-11:15am

• Little Movers-Walking to 7 years-session runs 11:30am-12:45pm

• £10.50-£12.50 per child.

• More info and booking here

  
  

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THANKS FOR READING :)

I hope this top picks guide helps you with some exciting plans this festive season!

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