Festive family fun in Middlesbrough

Lights On

Join the crowds at Centre Square for the big moment that kicks off festive celebrations, the Christmas Lights Switch On, on Sunday 20 November. Gather around the giant Christmas tree at the centre of the square and watch it burst into light along with other illuminations across town. Keep an eye out for the special light banner on the side of MIMA.

This year’s theme is ‘Fire and Ice’, brought to life through dazzling live acrobatic performances, live music – including a Frozen singalong – and a fairground for all the family to enjoy. Plus you can eat, drink and be merry with a choice of Christmas food stalls.

Things kick off at 4pm as night falls, before the big moment lights up the town at 5.30pm.

Meet the Snowmen

Grab your snow boots and wrap up warm as the Walking with The Snowman trails have returned to Middlesbrough town centre.

Discover 12 individually designed Snowman sculptures created by talented artists, each inspired by a verse from the Twelve Days of Christmas carol. Follow the trail map on a magical Christmas adventure all the way from MIMA to Hill Street Shopping Centre and discover a new sculpture around every corner (unofficial extra points for singing the song as you go).

As an extra challenge, snap a selfie with all 12 Snowmen to win a book bundle in partnership with Middlesbrough Reads. Tag We Are Middlesbrough on social media or email your selfies to weare@middlesbrough.gov.uk by Friday 16 December.

Little ones can also take part in the Little Snowman design competition and create their own design on another snowman who is paying a visit to town this Christmas. Download the design sheet and enter before Monday 5 December.

Get your skates on

From Sunday 20 November until early January, Middlesbrough On Ice returns for the real winter wonderland experience. Don your ice skates and glide (or slip and slide) around the real ice rink in Centre Square – you’re guaranteed a jolly good time.

Open 11am – 9pm. Book your tickets here.

Tickets: Child under 5 – £5.50, Child under 15 – £8.50, Adult – £11.50, Family – £29.95. Booking fee applies.

The skies light up at Nightfall

Between Thursday 1 and Sunday 4 December, an illuminated adventure comes to Stewart Park. Produced by Teesside-based Stellar Projects and featuring a light trail of beautiful artworks, music, performance, storytelling and magical moments, Nightfall: Brighten Our Northern Sky brings the colourful magic and mystery of the Northern Lights to Middlesbrough.

Tickets are going fast, so book now! Child 3+ – £8.50, Adult 16+ – £12.50

Fee, fi, fo, fum!

Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without a traditional panto, and this year Middlesbrough Theatre presents family favourite Jack and the Beanstalk, the fantastical tale of magic beans, terrifying giants and one big, big beanstalk.

Friday 2 – Saturday 31 December. Tickets are £20.50 to £22 plus booking fee.

Santa on Parade

On Sunday 11 December, get ready to line the streets of the town centre as Santa, his elves and reindeer bring back the Magical Middlesbrough Parade at 1pm. This year the theme is mythical creatures, with a special icy twist.

The Magical Christmas Market will also take place from 10am to 4pm featuring food, drinks and gifts.

Pip pip, hooray!

The weekend before Christmas, on Saturday 17 December, a very festive edition of the Orange Pip Market returns to Middlesbrough Town Hall, featuring live music, street theatre, Victorian carol singers, delicious food, pop-up shops, movies and loads more. It’s the best family day out this side of the North Pole.

Free event, 12 – 7pm