It’s the most wonderful time of the year and this weekend is a perfect opportunity to get well and truly in the Christmas spirit before the big guy in the red suit comes to town! We’ve rounded up a list of some special goings on in the North East area this weekend, from Christmas fairs to Pop-up ice rinks, there’s no excuses not to get festive in your local community.

1. Orange Pip Christmas Eve Special – 24^th December – Bakers Street, Middlesbrough

Each month flocks of people head to the Orange Pip Markets from all over the North East. The event, which usually takes place on the last Saturday of every month is changing up for one day only – a Sunday special for Christmas Eve. We can expect it to be bigger and more festive too! From 12-6pm, Victorian carol singers, Christmas hits sing-along, mulled wine, hot chocolate, original gifts, a festive movie, a visit from the Snow Queen and tons more will be at your fingertips. Make sure not to miss this special one!

2. Annual Ursid meteor shower – 22^nd – 23^rd December – Everywhere

Named one of the most stunning events in the stargazer’s calendar, the Ursid meteor shower is set to occur on the evening of Friday and into the early hours of Saturday and supposedly brighter than most shooting stars. The observing conditions this year will be ideal; the new moon is just three days previous, so it will set before midnight. According to Space.com the shower was first recorded in England in 1900 and the Ursid’s occur as the comet passes Earth and leaves behind “a trail of comet crumbs” or space debris. For any budding photographers or illustrators, make sure to head to a place with minimal light pollution that’s comfortable to sit and all you’ll need is a bit of patience and your equipment.

3. Christmas Carols in The Courtyard – 21^st December

One of the most loved traditions of Christmas time is getting together with loved ones to sing Christmas carols. On the evening of the 21^st from 6.30-7pm, Middleton Lodge Estate in Richmond North Yorkshire are holding a carol service with Croft Choir surrounding the roaring fire pits. Sing your way through the old classics on a winter night and don’t miss the mulled wine from The Coach House too!

4. Primrose Bell Alternative Market, Christmas Special – 23^rd December – Redcar

On Saturday why not head down to Redcar’s very first Alternative Market, a Christmas Special! From 11.30am – 6pm you will find lots of festive stalls from local independent creatives and business, as well as live music, food, drink and family activities. Perfect for any last minute quirky gifts or decorations and a fun Christmas filled day out too.

5. Bobzilla Christmas Pop Up – 22^nd December –  Off the Ground Coffee shop, Grange Road, Middlesbrough

Boro-born Bobzilla is heading back to his hometown to host a pop-up shop where he’ll be unveiling his new @disasterkast products as well as selling his illustrations, paintings and prints. Bob is setting up shop in Off the Ground Coffee on Grange Road in Middlesbrough, so pop down to support, grab some seriously cool one-off art pieces and grab a coffee!

6. THOR’S tipi bar York – 15^th November – 1^st January 2018 – York

We all know how beautiful York can be during Christmas time and Parliament Street (right in the centre) will be the temporary home to Thor’s Tipi Bar. A Viking inspired pop-up tipi bar where you can get snuggled round the log fires, sip some mulled wine or maybe a hot chocolate or a craft ale. A lovely festive pit-stop in York during the hectic last minute Christmas dash!

7. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Christmas Panto – 8^th – 31^st December – Middlesbrough Theatre

Middlesbrough Theatre are presenting Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs all over Christmas. For a pre-Christmas treat, grab some tickets for this weekend and take the family to one of the best pantomimes in the area. Starring in the show are Emmerdale’s Deena Payne and Adele Silva, as well as much-loved, local comedy magician John Archer. Enjoy the fun, costumes and special effects this weekend to make the most of the festive spirit.

8. Wynyard on Ice – 16^th November – 31^st December – Wynyard Hall

This season Wynyard is hosting an ice rink in their picturesque outdoor historical parkland. Strap on your blades (which can be hired from the rink) and enjoy this super festive event, and if you’re not a confident skater, hire a support penguin to help you around. Afterwards enjoy the food and drink stalls on site too and make sure to keep warm as it’s going on be chilly on the ice. Wynyard have advised to book a 45-minute session online here before arrival to avoid any disappointment on arrival!