The Bridges unveils
The festive line-up

22 November 2025 - 24 December 2025

Opening Times

Varies

Entry Fee

Yes

Booking Required

No

Venue

The Bridges Shopping Centre


The Bridges Shopping Centre in Sunderland is delivering the magic of Christmas with an exciting line-up of family events, including the return of Santa’s Ice Castle Grotto and extended shopping hours!


From 22 November to 14 December, the Grotto will be open daily from 10.30am-4.30pm and 11am-3.30pm on a Sunday, late visits until 6.30pm every Thursday.


The 15-23 December, will feature longer hours, with Santa welcoming families until 6.30pm from Monday to Saturday. On Christmas Eve, the Grotto will open its doors at 9am -4pm.


The Magical VR Sleigh Ride is open Thursday to Sunday from 22 November to 14 December. From 10.30am-6.30pm and on Thursday, 10.30am-4.30pm on Friday and Saturday and 11am-3.30pm on Sunday.


Opening hours for the VR Sleigh Ride extend during the final week before Christmas, from 10.30am-6.30pm Monday to Saturday, 11am-3.30pm on Sunday 22 December and 9am-4pm on Christmas Eve.


Beyond the Grotto, the fun continues with magic mischief and mayhem at Waterstones Café where families can enjoy Breakfast with the Grinch. The breakfast events will take place Sunday 7, 14 and 21 December, 8.30am-10am. Tickets are £11 per child and £6 per adult.


The annual Reindeer Dash, hosted by and raising funds for the Red Sky Foundation.
Sunday 30 November, 8am-10am. Tickets for the reindeer dash are £7.50pp.


The centre with late-night shopping every Thursday until 7pm, and extended opening hours all week from 15-20 and 22-23 December. Shoppers can park in the Bridges car park for just £1 during late-night shopping hours between 5pm and7pm.

Full details of all activities, timings and prices are available on the website.

LATEST EVENTS

    • Christmas @
      Hilton Garden Inn

      20 November 2025

      Step into the most wonderful time of the year at Hilton Garden Inn Sunderland. Where the spirit of the season comes alive.

      Throughout December, The Hilton Garden Inn transforms into a festive hub of celebration, sparkle and joy. From dazzling party nights with live entertainment to magical family-friendly events, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

    • CHRISTMAS PARTY NIGHTS
      @ THE STACK

      21 November 2025

      Head to the STACK for a festive celebration like no other. Expect incredible live entertainment on the big stage to get you in the party spirit along with the Christmas characters and a special appearance from the Grinch himself. Enjoy great tasting street food and a huge selection of drinks to wash it all down with. The perfect ingredients for a Christmas get together with friends, family and work colleagues.

    • SUNNISIDE
      FOOD MARKET

      22 November 2025

      Pop-up community market supports new and emerging food and drinks businesses across the North East.

      From brewers, bakers, and deli-stores to world-class street food vendors, our north-east food and drink traders are delighted to bring themselves to your doorstep.

    • Fireside
      @ The Fire Station

      28 November 2025

      Step into a winter wonderland and visit our enchanting new heated pop-up space at The Fire Station.

      A FREE festive pop-up experience exclusive to Sunderland, FireSide has outdoor bars, street food, festive lighting and decorations, with cosy heated seating areas to enjoy live music, DJs and more.

    • Sharon Appleby speaking at Sunderland Bid Business breakfast

      Sunderland BID’s December
      Business Breakfast

      3 December 2025

      Sunderland BID’s December Business Breakfast (Sponsored by Gentoo) is fast approaching. This month, the event will highlight the White Ribbon Campaign, a cause of great importance in every workplace.

      Join us in supporting the White Ribbon Campaign, a worldwide movement working to end male violence against women and encourage positive change in attitudes and behaviours.

    • Sip and Paint @
      Blacks Corner Seaburn

      3 December 2025

      Why not head over to Blacks Corner, Tram Shelter, for a relaxed evening of festive creativity and good company at our Christmas Bauble or Candle, Sip & Painting Workshop. Whether you're looking for a fun Christmas night with friends or simply a chance to unwind and get creative, this is the perfect midweek escape.

      To book please Follow this link

    • The Panto
      @ The Point

      5 December 2025

      Roll up! Roll up! The Circus is in town! Dame Gertie Dollop runs the show with her son, Silly Billy but they have fallen on hard times particularly with the dastardly Ringmaster Heinkel, owner of the rival 'Circus of Horrors' up to his devious old tricks. Goldilocks dreams of running away with the circus but her father the debt-collecting Baron Wasteland won't allow it and demands the overdue pitch fees from Gertie and Billy.
      They need a miracle however after their honeypot full of money is taken taken in the middle of the night by three porridge hungry, talking bears. Could they be the new star attraction Dame Gertie has been searching for? And can Mystic Sharon with her crystal ball see a future for the Circus and save the day?

    • Christmas Party
      @ The Art Room

      6 December 2025

      Tickets are selling fast for this year's Family Arty Party, which will be held at Betsy Jenny's, just around the corner from The Art Room in Mackie's Corner! It's the perfect venue!

      Get your tickets now by clicking this link

    • Trio of Tribute Shows
      @ Independent

      6 December 2025

      With Christmas fast approaching, Independent is set to light up December with a trio of unmissable tribute shows celebrating three of the most iconic bands of all time, Pink Floyd, The Smiths, and ABBA.

    • Bridges Christmas Market

      Makers &
      Bakers Market

      6 December 2025

      A fantastic variety of handpicked artisan local gift shopping stalls located in the Bridges Shopping Centre in Sunderland. 
      Stalls include handmade gifts, art, delicious homebakes, gourmet sweet treats, photography, keepsakes, pet accessories, pamper products and so much more! 

      Entry is free.