Walking in a Winter Sunderland

FAMILIES across Sunderland are set to receive an extra special Christmas gift this year, as the city rolls out a spectacular events programme bursting with magic and merriness.  

A jam-packed programme of theatre, leisure and music will see Sunderland transformed into a Wintery Wonderland for the festive season as the city prepares to celebrate once again.

From the Empire Theatre's annual pantomime to a pop-up ice rink and renditions of Hansel and Gretel, families young and old are invited to join in the many magical events taking place across the city in the run up to Christmas.

Below, we take a look at 11 events you can all look forward to this Christmas...

Christmas Ice Rink

Keel Square will once again be lit-up with a twinkling canopy of light this year, shining a spotlight on Sunderland's popular ice-rink which will return from Saturday, November 27 - this year under cover to ensure the weather won't get in the way of your festive fun. You can book a slot in advance at www.sunderlandicerink.co.uk.

Santa's Grotto at The Bridges

Santa's Grotto is once again returning to the Bridges shopping centre to help get the city's little ones in the Christmas spirit.  Opening its doors on 18 Nov, the grotto will be open seven days a week, from 11am until 4pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 11am - 6pm on Thursdays, 10am - 4pm on Saturdays and 11am-4pm on Sundays, with children of all ages invited to pop along with their parents and pay the big man visit.

New Year Firework Display

A dazzling display of fireworks will light up the Sunderland skyline as the city prepares to welcome in 2022, in a new family-friendly event this New Year's Eve.

Riverside Sunderland will play host to a spectacular aerial display, with live on-stage entertainment, on-street activity and a food and drink offer as part of a family-focused celebration to see in the new year. 

And with a family-friendly 6pm start, the event will see Metro Radio broadcast live from the city centre, providing a boost to businesses by attracting more people into the heart of the city for the final evening of 2021. 

Winter Funderland

Taking place from 12 November to 2 January, Winter Funderland will see the former Crowtree site transformed into a Winter wonderland.

Open seven days a week, the pop-up festive village will include a funfair, tepee, live music, street food vendors, bars and a Christmas market and will be a much-visit for families and people of all ages.

Hansel and Gretel

This Christmas take a pinch of magic, a dollop of great music, a dash of thrill and a large portion of laughter, stirred up to create this classic story of Hansel and Gretel by Lyngo Theatre, packed with adventure and fun, as sweet as a gingerbread house!

Taking place at Washington Arts Centre, the show will run from 9 November until 11 December, however limited tickets are available. For more information or to book visit https://sunderlandculture.org.uk/events/hansel-and-gretel/

Reindeer Dash

Festive fundraisers can hoof it around Sunderland's Bridges shopping centre for some festive fun and support a good cause at the same time.  Children as young as five can take part in the event, as long as they are accompanied on the course by a paying adult.

Anyone wanting to participate must register by 16th December via organiser's Sunderland BID's website at www.sunderlandbid.co.uk. The website also has sponsorship forms which can be downloaded, as well as information on how to set up a Justgiving page for the event.

Christmas Pantomime

TV legend Sue Pollard is set to cast a spell over Wearside this year. The entertainer will be playing the Wicked Queen in Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs when panto runs at Sunderland Empire from 10 December 2021 until 2 January 2022.

Tickets are available now and can be purchased at: https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/snow-white/sunderland-empire/

Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens

A family favourite for generations... discover the fascinating story of Sunderland, its people, its industries, acclaimed art exhibitions and tropical Winter Gardens - all under one roof.

With a packed year-round programme of fun, family-friendly events for all ages and backgrounds, a trip to Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens is an ideal place to entertain the children during the holidays.

National Glass Centre

Make your Christmas a glass act at the National Glass Centre. Situated on the banks of the River Wear, the cultural attraction will play host to a number of Christmas events over the festive season, from glass blowing workshops where you can create your own bauble to seminars on the city's industrial heritage.

Find out more at: https://sunderlandculture.org.uk/our-venues/national-glass-centre/

A Musical Christmas

The Fire Station is Sunderland's brand new, state of the art, performance venue, opening December 2021 with a red-hot programme of music, theatre, dance and comedy.

Get your festive dancing shoes on as Voices of Virtue take to the stage on Sunday, December 19 with Northern Soul heroes Smoove and Turrell, for a memorable evening of gospel-powered funk and soul.

For more information on the Fire Station and it's Winter schedule, visit: https://sunderlandculture.org.uk/our-venues/the-fire-station/

Hadrian's Tepee

Taking centre stage at STACK Seaburn, Hadrian's Tepee returns to the city this year at one of the seaside's most popular venues. Inside you'll find a warm log fire, cosy snug seating areas that welcome families, groups and dog owners alike. The bar will also has a large well-stocked bar of hot and cold drink favourites, including mulled wine and hot cider.