Christmas comes to Redcar & Cleveland

Lighting up Redcar

The magical Christmas season kicks off in spectacular style in Redcar Town Centre on Sunday 27 November for an evening of stunning visual displays, performance, music, lights, and all-round joy until the big light switch on moment at 5.30pm.

The ‘Deck the Shores’ Illumination Parade begins at 4pm from the Civic Centre. Over 200 participants will come together with artwork created with professional artists, including lanterns, costumes and exciting visual spectacles that will light up the route to the Redcar Town Clock. Remember to wrap up warm and just follow the crowd!

The big button for the Christmas lights will be pressed by three community champions – nominated for their acts of kindness over the past year – along with the Mayor of Redcar & Cleveland.

An icy adventure in Saltburn

Renowned ice sculptors Sand In Your Eye return on Saturday 17 December, placing nine amazing ice sculptures across Saltburn, creating a wonderful one-day trail complete with live festive performances for families and folks to discover.

Grab an ice trail sheet and follow the guide to check off each sculpture as you find it – everyone who completes this festive frosty walk will be entered into a special competition.

You will even be able to watch the talented ice artists at work on a live ice carving, and there will also be a workshop where the elves can help you write your letter to Santa and post it straight to his workshop in a very special ice post box!

And if that isn’t enough, there will be an array of festive performances and pop-up street theatre throughout the day for the whole family to enjoy.

Saturday 17 December, 10am – 4pm

Christmas, Georgian style

A Georgian Christmas arrives at Kirkleatham Museum on Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 December, with a weekend full of festive events and activities to help you celebrate Christmas in historic style.

See a traditional Georgian Christmas table display created by Community Stepping Stones CIC, with the vintage theme continuing all throughout the museum, grounds, and trails – you can even create your own traditional Georgian inspired decorations with artist Jane Riley.

There will be a range of stalls selling a variety of goods in the pavilion and around the museum grounds and a selection of food and drink will be available in the newly opened Kirkleatham Café.

Keep an eye out for Father Christmas who will be visiting with his elves and reindeers throughout the weekend, and don’t miss Kirkleatham Owl Centre who will be introducing visitors to some of their feathery friends.

Saturday 3 & 4 December, 10am – 3pm

Small charges apply for some activities.

Festive fun in Marske

Marske Community Partnership present their annual festival bringing out the spirit of Christmas in everyone. The Pipers will be leading the festive parade at 6pm from Errington School, down Windy Hill Lane and along Redcar Road, finishing in the grounds of Marske Hall.

Santa will be in his Grotto in The White House on Redcar Road, 4 – 5.30pm and 6.30pm until approximately 8pm. There will be a funfair from 4pm in Marske Square. The Fisherman’s Choir, Marske Brass Band and Outwood Academy Bydales Choir will be entertaining the crowd with carols from 6:25pm.

Thursday 8 December, 3 – 8pm

Christmas crafts

Get into that festive feeling at Ormesby Hall. Children are invited to join the friendly elves for some Christmassy crafts and a whole lot of creative fun.

11am – 3pm every weekend from 26 November, plus Monday 19, Tuesday 20, Wednesday 21 and Thursday 22 December.

Eston Christmas market

On Thursday 1 December, 12 – 5pm, visit the open-air Christmas market in Eston Town Centre Precinct where all kinds of crafts, foods and Christmas goodies will be on sale. Free festive entertainment for all the family kicks off from 3pm, including stilt walkers, a mini waltzer ride, balloon-making and hook-a-duck.

Chirstmas isn’t Christmas without a Snow Ball

Join Kirkleatham Walled Garden for an enchanting evening of festive celebrations at the Snow Ball. Dine in wintry style within the beautiful Turner Pavilion and enjoy a three-course dinner before dancing the night away to live music.

Saturday 10 December, 7pm – 1am. £40 per person.

Santa’s parade in glorious Guisborough

Saturday 17 December, 4 – 8pm (Market from 10am)

Come along to the glorious Guisborough Christmas Festival and Santa’s Parade on Westgate, Guisborough – complete with musical performances and a whole host of festive creative activity.

Brave the sea on Boxing Day

The infamously nippy Boxing Day Dip is back for 2022, when the courageous face the freezing North Sea!

11am, Monday 26 December at the Moore Street Slipway, Redcar

Panto (oh yes it is)

Tom Rolfe Productions present Beauty & the Beast – A real beauty of a pantomime that’s bound to cast a spell on the entire family!

At Tuned In, Redcar, from 27 December – 2 January. Tickets £10.85 – £12.98