Celebrating Christmas in South Tyneside

South Tyneside is set to sparkle this festive season as the Borough gears up for the return of its Christmas programme of events.

The Council is getting ready for the 2023 Christmas season, which will include an exciting range of family-friendly events as well as a dazzling display of festive lighting, decorations, trees and motifs across the Borough's towns and villages.

Councillor Audrey Huntley, Deputy Leader of South Tyneside Council with responsibility for Culture, Leisure and the Visitor Economy, said: "The festive season is such a wonderful time of year for families and friends to get together, celebrate and have fun and we want to bring the magic of Christmas to South Tyneside.

"We have a fantastic line up of events taking place this year, with something for all ages to enjoy as well as some fabulous lighting displays to help spread festive cheer throughout our communities.

"We look forward to welcoming both residents and visitors to enjoy everything on offer this year and would encourage people to save those important event dates in their diaries."

The official countdown to Christmas begins with the Borough's spectacular lights switch on events in the Borough's three town centres, supported by switch on events in local communities.

The main lights switch on events are taking place at South Shields Market Square (Thursday 23 November, 5 to 6pm); Jarrow Town Hall (Friday 24 November, 4 to 5pm) and Hebburn Fountains Park (Monday 27 November, 4 to 5pm).

The spectacular Winter Parade will also return on Friday 8 December, starting at 5.30pm. The parade starts at the top of Ocean Road, South Shields, moving down to Harbour Drive.

Delivered in partnership with The Cultural Spring, it will feature local community groups, dazzling costumes, family-friendly entertainment, and the spectacular Spark! Drumming group. The event will conclude with a finale on Littlehaven Beach, featuring pyrotechnics and fire performers. The Winter Parade is being supported by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).

A new interactive audio trail will also run in North Marine Park from 6pm to 7.30pm on Friday 8 December, and from 10am to 2pm, on Saturday 6 December and Sunday 7 December. The Winter Tales audio trail is being delivered with The Cultural Spring and the Hive Storytellers.

Talented children from local schools will unite for the traditional Christmas Carol Concert, on Monday 4 December, at 6.30pm, at Temple Park Centre.

Bands and school choirs will also be returning to town centres to help spread some festive cheer as people go about their Christmas shopping.

Santa will also be taking special visits from children at his Grotto in Haven Point throughout December.

A range of festive entertainment and activities will also take place at libraries, including The Word, Hebburn Central, Jarrow Focus and Cleadon Park.

To make sure the Borough is ready for the lights switch on events next month, the Council and its street lighting partner Balfour Beatty are starting the programme of testing, repairing and installing Christmas lights and displays across the Borough.

Councillor Huntley added: "There is so much happening across South Tyneside, not just council events, but with our partners at The Customs House, Jarrow Hall, Ocean Beach Pleasure Park, South Shields Museum and many more. We hope that people will take advantage of the fantastic range of activities on offer."

For the full programme of South Tyneside's Christmas Wonderland programme of events visit www.southtyneside.gov.uk/christmas, follow on social media at www.facebook.com/southtynesideevents and X (formerly twitter) @stynesideevents.