Christmas doesn’t just have to be about the kids. Tis the season for grown-ups too and there are lots of festive things to do across Darlington, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Redcar & Cleveland and Stockton-on-Tees.
If you are looking to treat your little ones this season, make sure you check out our blog on festive family fun here: Enjoy a family Christmas in the Tees Valley. Otherwise check out our suggestions for festive things to do with friends in the Tees Valley below.
Wreath making
Every Christmas setting needs a wreath. Either hanging on your door framed by a collection of twinkling lights for the outside world to see, in your home above a crackling fire or as an impressive Christmas table centrepiece.
So why not make your own this Christmas? Keep it to admire for yourself or give it to a loved one as a gift. There are several upcoming wreath making workshops in Darlington, Redcar & Cleveland, Stockton-on-Tees and Middlesbrough that will show you step-by-step how to make your perfect Christmas wreath.
Wreath making at Kirkleatham Walled Garden
Get yourself down to Kirkleatham Walled Garden for one of their Seasonal Christmas Workshops with Thyme to Bloom.
Make your wreath at the beautiful Glasshouse in the grounds of the Walled Garden by candlelight. No experience is necessary as you will be guided step-by-step to make your own seasonal door wreath. All materials are provided for you as well as any tools you need to make your masterpiece.
You can also treat yourself to a festive lunch while you’re there by upgrading your ticket. Or just enjoy tea, coffee and a festive sweet treat while you work.
Check out the event here: Wreath Making at Kirkleatham Walled Garden.
Ruffled Wreath Making; a Festive Experience
Would you really expect “just a workshop” from Ruffled Flowers after last Christmas? This year you’ll do it in style!
Taking place on a variety of dates throughout November and December, when you attend this event in Guisborough you’ll create the most luxurious festive wreath using beautiful and fragrant foliage. To ensure you can make a creation as individual as you and your home, you will be able to select your own decorative ingredients from their collection of specially selected dried, fresh and festive goodies.
Your Ruffled Wreath is sure to be the most show stopping on the street and your time with Ruffled is guaranteed to be a very special one to remember.
Price includes all materials for a luxury wreath, festive food catered by Tiny Kitchen, fizz flowing, hot refreshments and plenty of treats.
Book your ticket here: Ruffled Wreath Making; a Festive Experience Tickets, Multiple Dates | Eventbrite
Festive Wreath Making at Walworth Castle Hotel
Enjoy a festive wreath making workshop at the luxurious Walworth Castle Hotel in Darlington. Under the expertise of Flowers by Nattrass, included is everything you’ll need to create your festive masterpiece. A soup and sandwich supper will also be provided.
Check out the workshop here: Festive Wreath Making Workshop | Walworth Castle
Looking for other wreath making workshops in the Tees Valley, here is even more to choose from.
The Riverside Stadium in Middlesbrough is running a wreath workshop on 28th November: Festive Wreath Making | Facebook
You can order your own home wreath making kit from Sweet William Floral Design & Gifts: Sweet William Floral Design & Gifts – Home | Facebook
Or the take part in the Green Florists Norton workshop on 3rd December: Facebook
Festive afternoon tea
Christmas is the perfect time to indulge your sweet tooth. So why not ditch the advent chocolate for one day and really go all out at one of the fancy, festive afternoon tea experiences happening this year. Get your loved ones together for cakes, mulled wine and freshly baked scones, it is Christmas after all.
Rockliffe Hall
Rockliffe Hall is a wonderful destination for a festive tea. Soak up the decadent festive décor and ambience of the Old Hall as you while away an afternoon in the Orangery restaurant.
Get in the festive spirit as you savour finger sandwiches and seasonal savouries, followed by homemade yuletide cakes and freshly baked cranberry and orange scones, served with Cornish clotted cream and fruit preserves.
Their afternoon tea is served with your choice of coffee or loose-leaf tea, specially selected for Rockliffe Hall.
Book here: Festive Afternoon Tea | Rockliffe Hall
Gisborough Hall
At Gisborough Hall festive tea is being served by the roaring log fires in the Drawing Room and Inner Hall from 27th November to 23rd December.
Enjoy a wide selection of finger sandwiches, a cafetière of coffee or a pot of tea to drink. As well as sweet treats like the decadent white chocolate and cranberry éclair and the dark chocolate and pistachio cremeux.
All this and more are on offer at Gisborough Hall this year.
Book here: https://www.gisborough-hall.com/christmas-new-year-2021/festive-dining-2/
Wynyard Hall
Festive Afternoon Tea is returning to Wynyard Hall once again on selected dates throughout December.
Indulge in the finest Festive Afternoon Tea, complete with an assortment of scrumptious treats carefully hand-crafted by their renowned chefs.
Festive Afternoon Tea will be served in the Library and Wellington Restaurant, beautifully decorated throughout the festive season.
There will be sandwiches in classic Christmas flavours, mince pies and festive cakes on offer and if you don’t fancy a cup of tea with your food you can instead treat yourself to a glass of prosecco.
Book here: Festive Afternoon Tea – Wynyard Hall
Christmas shows
If you’re looking for a night of entertainment this year that’s not a panto (although let’s be honest, we all love a panto. Oh yes we do!). There are plenty of seasonal shows in the Tees Valley just for the grown-ups. Leave the kids at home and take in a performance just for you, your friends and or your significant other.
Beat The Gong Christmas Special
Strictly for over 18s The ARC’s Beat the Gong show is the most brutal comedy night on Teesside.
Taking place on 3rd December you may forget it’s Christmas at all. Traditionally a time for peace, love, and goodwill to all – leave that sentiment at the door as you let the comedians know how you really feel.
Let the comedy chaos commence as twelve hot, hilarious, new acts try to beat the dreaded gong and win over the ARC audience!
This jaw-dropping spectacle is crammed with brilliantly off-the-cuff, unpredictable stand-up & audience-led savagery. All will be just-about-held-together by Gong Master & Catch 22 maestro Matt Reed and special guest Christian Reilly.
Book now: Beat The Gong Christmas Special.
Big Mouth Comedy Club Christmas Specials
While less brutal than The ARC’s Beat The Gong show. Big Mouth Comedy Club’s Christmas Specials aren’t any less gut bustlingly funny.
Taking place on 4th & 18th December at the Saltburn Community Theatre and Middlesbrough Town Hall, you will be treated to a line-up of talented comics such as MC Josh Jones, Mark Nelson, Christian Reilly and Anja Atkinson.
It’s also an 18 plus show so adults only for this hilarious Christmas night out.
Book here for Saltburn: Big Mouth Comedy Club Saltburn Christmas Special.
Book her for Middlesbrough: Big Mouth Comedy Club Middlesbrough Christmas Special No. 1.
Christmas with Cattle & Cane at The Stockton Globe
Homegrown sibling duo Cattle & Cane are making their long-awaited Stockton Globe debut for one of their legendary Christmas shows on 18 December. For a Christmas night out in Stockton with a difference, this is a show not to be missed. Book now at: Christmas with Cattle & Cane | Official Box Office | Stockton Globe
Christmas markets
Do your Christmas shopping in style this year by attending one of the many Christmas markets in the Tees Valley. Find handmade gifts and enjoy homemade food on a festive day out.
Stockton Sparkles Christmas Market
Join the celebrations on Stockton High Street for the return of Stockton Sparkles!
Visit the Sparkles Christmas market from Thursday 2 December to Sunday 5 December.
Wander around the wonderful Christmas log cabins for a range of handmade crafts, gifts, and delicious treats – perfect for picking up Christmas gifts and treats!
Find out more here: Stockton Sparkles Christmas Market.
Middlesbrough Christmas Market
The Middlesbrough Christmas Market is taking place from 29th November all the way up to Christmas Eve.
Featuring crafts, food and all the sweet treats, the stalls will be open from 10am daily and will stay open longer on Thursdays for late night shopping.
Find out more here: Middlesbrough Christmas Market.
Guisborough Twilight Christmas Market
Guisborough Town Council and the Friends of Chaloner Street Market will host a Twilight Christmas Market on 7th December, including an outdoor Santa’s grotto and an array of street entertainment with fun for all the family.
Find out more here: Guisborough Twilight Christmas Market.
Orange Pip Market Christmas Special
Orange Pip Market is back for Christmas with another fabulous day of festive fun at Middlesbrough Centre Square. Enjoy tasty treats from all your favourite foodies, pick up some last minute gorgeous gifts from local artists and makers and enjoy some fantastic music from everyone’s favourite karaoke kings: Rockaoke!
Find out more here: Orange Pip Market Christmas Edition.
Wynyard Hall Christmas Fair
The Christmas Fair at Wynyard Hall is back! The magical Wynyard Hall will once again be transformed into a hub of local and regional bakers, crafters, designers and more, selling unique and hand crafted gifts that you won’t find on the high street.
Tickets are selling quick so book yours now at: Christmas Fair – Wynyard Hall
For more festive markets keep an eye on our page here: Festive Markets – Enjoy Tees Valley
For more festive things to do this Christmas in Darlington, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Redcar & Cleveland and Stockton-on-Tees check out our Christmas Page.
The Tees Valley is always Insta ready. Follow us at @enjoyteesvalley and tag #EnjoyTeesValley in your own Tees Valley snaps.