Stuck for something to do this Christmas? Really? Then here’s our guide to the top five festive events happening around the North this month…

5) The North’s Most Visually Stunning Carol Service

If you’re north of the border this Christmas, head for the magnificent surroundings of the Edinburgh Castle’s early-16th-century Great Hall. Scotland’s most-visited tourist attraction is once again hosting a selection of Christmas favourites in what was once the chief place of state assembly in the castle, and one of only two medieval halls in Scotland with its original roof.

Where: Edinburgh Castle
When: 12 December 2010, 1.00 p.m., 2.00 p.m. and 3.00 p.m
How much: Adult £12.00, Child £6.50
Web: http://www.historic-scotland.gov.uk
Phone: +44 (0)131 668 8885

4) The North’s Fastest Selling Pantomime.

Newcastle’s Theatre Royal actually boasts the fastest selling pantomime in the UK, and it’s back by huge public demand. Once again, it’s set to be the only pantomime you’ll want to see this Christmas, and it stars Clive Webb as Friar Tuck and Danny Adams as Robin Hood, Coronation Street’s Tupele Dorgu as The Sorceress and the North East’s own Chris Hayward as Nurse Rita. This year you’ll experience brand new 3D technology, so book your seats and prepare to be amazed.

Where: Theatre Royal, Newcastle
When: Tue 30 Nov – Sat 15 Jan
How much: £10.00 – £27.00
Contact: http://www.theatreroyal.co.uk/

3) The North’s Newest Victorian Christmas Village.

Venture away from Chester’s shopping streets this year and you’ll be able to step right back in time with Chester’s brand new Victorian market. But if you can get past that oxymoron, you’ll discover over 40 timber clad stalls selling the finest Cheshire and British produce including cheeses, hand-crafted goods, toys, gifts and more. On hand with the entertainment will be carol singers and street entertainers, there’s a big wheel and an open air ice rink, and there’ll be plenty of food and drink stalls to keep you topped up as you shop.

Where: Castle Square, Chester
When: 11th November – 3rd January, 10am-11pm
Contact: http://www.chestermagic.co.uk/

2) The North’s Biggest Christmas Markets

Once again, Manchester hosts a huge range of European Markets with traditional wooden chalets and twinkling stalls selling enticing gifts including decorative pottery and ceramics, handcrafted toys and decorations, jewellery and Christmas trees, plants and bulbs from Holland. For the more culinary-minded among you, you can fill up on continental sausages, roasted almonds, crêpes, then wash it all down with authentic Bavarian beer and Glühwein.

Where: Albert Square, St Ann’s Square, Exchange Street, New Cathedral Street, Brazennose Street
When: 15 November – 20 December
Contact: http://www.manchestermarkets.com

1) The North’s Most Enchanting Christmas Experience

A permanent fixture on a lot of Christmas calendars, Kielder Winter Wonderland once again brings a huge range of surprises and attractions for everyone the family to enjoy. Spending a day there means you’ll get to help the Elves prepare for the big day, you’ll discover Santa’s secret hideaway, you’ll spot Mrs Christmas and her friends in the forest, and you’ll get to make a brilliant souvenir to take home. And if you’ve still got any energy left after that, there’s skating, snow tubing and a Christmas Carousel to finish you off. Brilliant!

Where: Kielder Forest
When: Weekends in December leading up to Christmas.
How much: A day pass for Kielder Winter Wonderland, including all the activities costs £28.50 per person.
Contact: http://www.nwl.co.uk/winterwonderland.aspx or 0845 155 1553

By Barry Bell on November 29, 2010