Christmas Is

#HappeningInSunderland

22 November – 1 January

Opening times vary

The Fire Station

21 November – 24 December

Opening times vary

The Bridges Shopping Centre

22 December

10 AM – 4 PM

Sunniside Gardens

14 December

10:30 AM – 14:30 PM

Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens

6 December

1:30 PM

Sunderland Minster

7 December

10 AM – 2 PM

Sunderland Minster

5, 12, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 & 23 December

Until 7 PM

The Bridges Shopping Centre

23 December

10 AM – 5 PM

The Athenauem, 27 Fawcett Street

7 December

11 AM – 4 PM

Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens

3 December – 4 January

Opening times vary

Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens

8 December

2 PM – 3 PM

Sunderland Minster

10 December

7 PM

Sunderland Minster

21 & 28 December

2 PM – 3:30 PM or 4:30 PM – 6 PM

The Terrace

19 December

7 PM – Late

Sheepfolds Stables

7, 14, 21 December

10 AM – 3 PM

The Athenaeum, 27 Fawcett Street

20 & 21 December

7 PM – 11 PM

The Point

7, 14, 21 & 28 December

1 PM – 4 PM

My Delhi

8 & 22 December

9 AM – 5:30 PM

The Bridges Shopping Centre

22 December

7 PM – 10 PM

Port of Call

20 December

7 PM

Sunderland Minster

6, 13, 14 & 20 December

Various times

Stadium of Light

18 December

12 PM – 3 PM

Stadium of Light

19 December

7 PM – Late

Chaplins

23 December

10 AM – 11 AM

The Athenaeum, 27 Fawcett Street

8 December

All Day

Cooper Rose (£2)

5, 12, 19, 26 December

8 PM – Late

Cooper Rose

7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22, 23, 24 December

10 AM – 4 PM Saturdays, 11 AM – 3.30 PM Sundays, 10 AM – 6 PM 23 Dec,  9 AM – 4 PM 24 Dec

The Bridges Shopping Centre

8, 15, & 22 December

8:30 AM

The Bridges Shopping Centre

6 December

5:30 PM – 7 PM or 7:30 PM – 9 PM

The Art Room

7 December

12 PM – 1 PM or 1 PM – 2 PM or 2 PM – 3 PM

The Art Room

With exclusive venue hire, DJ-led karaoke, free shooters for singers, UV bracelets, glow sticks, and photos displayed on-screen, it’s the perfect spot for a lively celebration. Enjoy pizza packages with free chips to keep everyone fueled for a night of festivities. For booking details, contact Glitter Ball at 0191 5655755 or [email protected]

The Botanist’s festive menu offers a fresh twist for office Christmas parties, featuring two or three-course meals with seasonal flavors and signature dishes like the Turkey Hanging Kebab, Baked Camembert, and vegan Festive Pie. With indulgent desserts, limited-edition Christmas cocktails, and live music every weekend, it’s the perfect setting for a memorable celebration. There is also a finger food package available, and drinks packages starting from just £7 per head! Available from 20 November to 24 December. Book now

With private booth hire, an upstairs function room, and customizable drinks packages, Ttonic offers the ultimate party experience. From Prosecco and premium spirits like Grey Goose or Hendrick’s to fun shots like Baby Guinness and Skittle Bombs, the options are designed to keep the celebrations going. Packages start at just £69, making it perfect for festive get-togethers or corporate parties. For bookings, contact Ttonic at 0191 565 5755 or email [email protected] to secure your spot!

Port of Call offers a range of festive options to suit your needs. From cosy dining booths and unique tipi experiences for up to 150 guests to modern function rooms accommodating up to 300, there’s a space for every celebration. Enjoy festive dining, arrival drinks, or even pre-purchased drinks tokens to make your event extra special. Whether you’re planning a team celebration, a client gathering, or a memorable night out, Port of Call are ready to deliver a festive atmosphere. For bookings, call 0191 514 5408

Manor Bar is the perfect venue for your festive celebrations, accommodating parties of up to 130 guests. Choose from drinks tokens or tailored packages to ensure an unforgettable night. For smaller gatherings, book one of their cozy booths and enjoy the vibrant holiday atmosphere. Open every day except Christmas Day, Manor Bar is ready to host your Christmas events. Secure your spot now by visiting themanorbar.com and make this festive season one to remember!

Sloanes Sports Bar offers a fantastic experience for work teams or friends, with pool tables and brand-new dart lanes available for group events. Whether it’s a tournament or casual fun, these can be booked as part of a package, and a buffet can also be provided to complete the occasion. Throughout December, Sloanes continues to offer its great value drinks deals on buckets, making it an affordable and enjoyable choice for festive gatherings.  Call 0191 510 3000 or email[email protected] to book.

The Entertainer toy store in the Bridges Shopping Centre has all sorts of offers this festive season! Buy one get one half price on Playmobil until  31 December, 25% off selected Paw Patrol Jungle until  11 December, 25% off selected Kookyloos  4 December, 20% off Ravensburger Puzzles  8 January, 25% off Patti School until 6 January and 25% off Unicorns Academy until 30 December.

Green Terrace restaurant & bar Rumour Has It have a selection of delicious Festive cocktails, what’s more, you can enjoy 2 for just £14!

For just £9.99 in-store customers can choose any 5 cupcakes, or 1 Vanilla Fruit Crown Cheesecake or 3 slices (from the £3.99 range). Pop into the High Street West store to bag a bargain treat today! Ends 23 December.

Darke Cycles was established in September 1982 in Fulwell, Sunderland during the BMX boom. Now based at 1 John Street in Sunderland City Centre, they have a wide variety of bicycles, scooters, accessories and services.

Showcasing a mind blowing range of film, TV and gaming merch, Be More Geek in the Bridges Shopping Centre has everything for the geek in your life.

Housed in the beautiful Victorian building in the heart of the city, Mackies Corner, you can find Sweet Petite there every Thursday to Sunday, serving up the tastiest treats and afternoon tea. The festive flavours are endless, from cookie pies to millionaires shortbreads, cheescakes to quiches and lots more.

For a silent night this Christmas, why not treat yourself to a new bed? Head to Blandford Street and Visit Durham Bed Centre so you can be sound-asleep for Santa…

Don’t forget your four-legged friends and cute critters this Christmas! Head to Fawcett Street to top up on treats at Emersons Pet Centre.

Family owned business with over 40 years of floristry experience, Flowers by Jennifer arrange top-quality Dutch flowers for all occasions, as well as stocking beautiful gifts and decorations. Head down to Blandford Street for your festive florals.

Offering a wide range of window treatment options, from classic styles to modern designs, to suit every taste and budget, Homefair Blinds in the Bridges Shopping Centre can brighten up your home ready for the big day!  Luxury product ranges that now include Plantation Shutters, Curtains and Awnings as well as all of the other types of window coveringspart of why Homefair are the luxury window covering retailer in the North East.

Wrap up warm with Reynolds Outdoors! Originally started over 150 years ago, Reynolds is a traditional family run specialist retail business on Derwent Street.

Prepare to dazzle with a new outfit or teo from The Fashion Bible in the Bridges Shopping Centre!

The Point, Park Lane

4, 5 & 7 December

Many years ago, the King and Queen of a far-off Kingdom were blessed with a baby girl with magical, golden hair. They named her Rapunzel. Their happiness was short-lived as, one day, the jealous, evil witch Mother Gothel kidnapped the child and locked her in a tower, selfishly squandering all her powers for herself. With the help of local hairdresser Dame Fanny Follicle, her silly son Pascal and the dashing Prince Ryder, will Rapunzel ever escape her tower?

Live Lounge, Park Lane

December
Friday 6 – 8:30 PM: Fossil
Saturday 7 (Super Saturday)
5:15 PM: The Cosmics
8:45 PM: The Revelry
Friday 13 – 8:30 PM: Adrenaline
Saturday 14 – 8:30 PM: Fizzy Fish
Friday 20 – 8:30 PM: Mugshot
Saturday 21 (Super Saturday)
5:15 PM: Small Wonder
8:45 PM: Flatback 4
Friday 27 – 8:30 PM: Copperhead NE
Saturday 28 – 8:30 PM: Monkey Punch

Sunderland Empire Theatre, High Street West

Various dates & times.

Fee-Fi-Fo-Fum, enjoy a GIANT helping of festive fun this Christmas, with the magical Jack and the Beanstalk Pantomime! Starring Matthew Wolfenden, Miss Rory, Tom Whalley, Richard Meek, Emma Crossley, Gary Davis and Millie Readshaw.

The Fire Station, High Street West

15 December, 6:30 PM

This magical evening features beloved Christmas classics and show-stopping musical numbers straight from the heart of the West End, performed by tomorrow’s stars. Join us for a night of holiday cheer, incredible voices, and dazzling performances that will leave you singing all the way home! Perfect for families, theatre lovers, and anyone ready to celebrate the season in style. Don’t forget your Christmas Jumper!

The Fire Station, High Street West

16 December, 7:30 PM

Featuring new arrangements of festive favourites penned by pianist Paul Edis and performed by the ‘velvet-voiced’ Jo Harrop alongside a 9-piece band, A Jazzy Christmas returns to The Fire Station for December 2024! You can expect to hear classic Christmas hits reimagined as swinging big band numbers, sambas and much more besides. You don’t have to be a jazz fan to like this show, but if you are, you’ll be blown away by the standard of musicianship from some of the leading lights on the UK jazz scene.

The Fire Station, High Street West

17 December, 7:30 PM

Following the runaway success of their Sunday Lunch YouTube series, and their critically acclaimed Tour of ’23, Toyah Willcox and Robert Fripp are bursting out of their kitchen again, for the Christmas Party 2024 and hitting the road for an evening of classic rock in the company of two rock legends and their band.

The Fire Station, High Street West

23 December, 7 PM

Whether you’re a seasoned ceilidh dancer or it’s your first time, get yourself in the Christmas spirit with a traditional Northumbrian dance party – no experience necessary. The quintet features virtuosic traditional accordion and violin players Amy Thatcher and Catherine Geldard backed by Kieran Szifris on octave mandolin, Ivor Novello-nominated electronic composer and bassist David de la Haye and YouTube sensation D’n’B producer Joseph Truswell.

The Fire Station, High Street West

22 December, 10:30 AM, 1:30 PM & 4:30 PM

In keeping with the book, the film of The Snowman is wordless and free of dialogue, except for the now iconic, “Walking in the Air” which features as part of a timeless musical score. We’re delighted to welcome brass virtuosos The EverReady Band back to The Fire Station this Christmas to perform the classic score alongside a screening of the film.

The Fire Station, High Street West

24 December, 5 PM

Step Into Christmas for the most magical show of the year. Including ‘All I Want for Christmas Is You’, ‘Last Christmas’, ‘Jingle Bell Rock’, ‘Stay Another Day’, ‘Let It Snow’, ‘White Christmas’, ‘Do They Know It’s Christmas’, ‘A Winter’s Tale’, ‘Merry Xmas Everybody’, and many, many more!

The Point

26 December, 10 PM

LUUK VAN DIJK – SORLEY – PROCURO – CEEJ – NATH BROWN – JOEY DUNN – BRIGZ – STOOPS & BENJI