Winter in NewcastleGateshead is packed full of seasonal events for the whole family to enjoy. From ice-skating to carol services and Christmas lights switch-ons, there's bound to be something to get you into the festive spirit.

Times Square Open Air Ice Rink
Sat 8 Nov - Sun 22 Feb (£)
Centre for Life, Times Square, Newcastle
0191 243 8223 www.life.org.uk

Get your skates on! The North East's most popular ice rink is back. Perfect for a family outing, Christmas celebration or skate with your friends, there's no better way to enjoy a winter day or night than with Skating@Life. Life is offering special deals for birthday parties and groups. Visit www.life.org.uk or call 0191 243 8223 to find out more.

CENTRAL STATION Q1 CENTRAL STATION

Bergen Tree Lighting Ceremony
Thurs 27 Nov, from 5.30pm (FREE)
Civic Centre, Newcastle
www.newcastle.gov.uk

Celebrate the festive spirit at the Civic Centre when the Lord Mayor hosts the annual lightingceremony of the Bergen Christmas Tree. A traditional carol service will take place at the Grand Entrance to the Civic Centre beforehand, including festive music from Norway.

HAYMARKET Q2 HAYMARKET

Newcastle Christmas Lights Switch-on
Thurs 20 Nov, from 4pm (FREE)
Grey Street, Newcastle
www.newcastle.gov.uk

See the city centre sparkle and illuminate the festive season when The Hairy Bikers switch on this year's Christmas lights at a ceremony on Grey Street. This fun-filled event promises plenty of family entertainment including Titan The Amazing Giant Robot, from the Theatre Royal pantomime.

MONUMENT Q1/Q2 THEATRE ROYAL

Christmas Hurdle Race Day
Sat 20 Dec (£)
Newcastle Racecourse, High Gosforth Park,
Newcastle 0191 236 2020
www.newcastle-racecourse.co.uk

A unique and fantastic way to celebrateChristmas with friends and family, or even with colleagues as an alternative to the traditional
night out. It's also an ideal opportunity to sample the racecourse's superb raceday hospitality. There's even the chance to pick up some last minute stocking fillers at the racecourse's Christmas market stalls. Children under 16 go free to all race meetings at Newcastle.

REGENT CENTRE / FOUR LANE ENDS + FREE SHUTTLE BUS TO GOSFORTH PARK

Santa Run
Sun 7 Dec 11am (£ for participants)
Exhibition Park, Newcastle
www.eveningchroniclesunshinefund.org.uk

Santa is looking for some help! Hundreds of Santas are being sought to take part in the third Newcastle Santa Run. The festive fun run is being held to raise much needed funds for the Evening Chronicle Sunshine Fund and Zoe's Place Baby Hospice. As well as the main run for adults (ages 14+) this year's event also includes a family run for people of all ages.

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