WIN A PRIZE BUNDLE thanks to Everyone Active! Enter from 16 November until 23 November and don’t miss out on KIDS EAT FREE or for £1 after the lights are switched on!
Middlesbrough’s Christmas Lights Switch On with BBC Radio Tees and Everyone Active
It’s the most wonderful time of the year and we’re all about bringing that uplifting, mood-boosting festive cheer to this year’s annual switch on event, which returns to Centre Square, hosted by BBC Tees’ Kelly Scott. This year, Middlesbrough’s Christmas lights will be switched on by football broadcasting legend, Jeff Stelling.
As the Wildcats promise to bring an EPIC jig-fuelled performance as soon as the countdown is over before erupting into a huge party in the square filled with the best Christmas classics from Mariah to Slade and everything in between under the twinkly lights.
This year many of Middlesbrough’s restaurants, coffee shops and pubs in the town centre have partnered up with us to provide an incredible selection of deals and offers for kids for one day only – a great way to support local and even more reason to soak up the incredible atmosphere.
There’s a whole host of festive family fun to enjoy throughout the day including meet and greets and photo opportunities with characters, the popular giant snow globe is back and we’ve heard a rumour that the special man in the red suit will be stopping by to see the crowds – but he knows who’s been naughty and nice!
Keep your eyes peeled as we’ll be announcing more festive fun and surprises soon.
This is a free event taking place in Centre Square, Thursday 28 November. The event starts from 4pm with festive fun for all the family and the lights will be switched on at 5.45pm, the event will finish around 6pm.
WIN A FESTIVE PRIZE BUNDLE!
Everyone Active is offering Middlesbrough residents the chance to an amazing prize. One lucky winner will win an annual fitness membership for up to 2 adults and 2 children at their local Everyone Active centre, four tickets to see Middlesbrough Football Club play at the Riverside and the chance to be on stage when the Middlesbrough Christmas Lights are switched on on Thursday 28 November in Centre Square.
For your chance to win please visit www.everyoneactive.com/middlesbroughchristmas and complete the information requested.
Short terms
GB only. 17+. Promotion opens 00.01 on 16.11.2024 and closes 23.59 on 24.11.24. Name, phone number and valid email address to be provided to qualify for prize draw entry. Prize consists of 1 x annual family fitness membership at an Everyone Active leisure centre in Middlesbrough for up to two adults and two children aged 8 – 16 years. Child membership will consist of a gym membership if aged between 11 and 16 years or a swim only membership if aged between 8 and 10. Football tickets consist of 2 adult and 2 junior (under 18yrs) tickets to a Middlesbrough Football Club league (2024/25 season) home game of your choice. The winner will also be offered the opportunity to go on stage with 2 guests on 28.11.24 at 17.30 to collect their prize and switch on the Christmas Lights.
Full terms can be found at the link above.
There’s also FREE AFTER 3 PARKING on the day of the Christmas Lights Switch on (28 November only) at all Middlesbrough Council car parks (long or short stay), so it’s the perfect time to pop into the shops and get loaded up on Christmas gifts and goodies!
Kids Eat Free or for £1 during the Christmas Lights Switch On event – (28 November only)
Tuck into a delicious festive feast for less at the participating town centre eateries:
(‘Kids eat free’ and ‘kids eat for £1’ offers are subject to the individual terms of each restaurant – check with them for age restrictions. Each restaurant has the right to withdraw their offer Menus and dishes are subject to each restaurant.)
Middlesbrough’s beloved giant snowmen sculptures are returning to venues across the town centre this November and December.
Simply pick up a trail sheet from Holiday Inn Express or MIMA, follow the map trail and once you’re done. head back to Holiday Inn for 50% off hot drinks including hot chocolates, tea and coffee!
The snowmen have been beautifully designed by an artist and each one depicts a different theme of the 12 Days of Christmas. You can spot all 12 across the following locations (but we’ll leave you to discover which snowmen is where): Cleveland Centre, Dundas Arcade, Hillstreet Shopping Centre, Holiday Inn Express, Level X, Middlesbrough Bus Station, MIMA and Middlesbrough Town Hall.
As always, tag us on social media in your selfies with all of the sculptures. You can catch the snowmen around town from w/c 25 November until early January.
Pop along to Newham Grange Farm to see the dazzling lights and beautiful Christmas trees before venturing on the festive trail and pick up some free reindeer feed to take home (top tip: leave it out for Santa on Christmas Eve).
The farm’s mini panto is back, and drop-in craft activities will be happening on selected dates. There’s also a chance to meet Santa and receive a gift, and the popular Breakfast with Mrs Claus event returns too!
Don’t miss your chance to meet the Head Elf in the festive workshop and you might even hear some of Santa’s elves singing some well-loved carols…
Christmas at Newham Grange Farm is taking place from 30 November – 24 December. To check dates, times, prices and to book tickets visit their website.
Wake up to breakfast with Mrs Claus.
Unwrap the magic of Christmas at the Dorman Museum with a series of joyful workshops, a virtual reality ride, pop-up market, crafts and lots more!
Taking place every weekend between the 30 November – 22 December, the fun starts with an indie Christmas Market on Saturday 30 November, where you can pick up beautiful hand-crafted decorations and festive gifts from local small businesses.
Budding magicians can immerse themselves in a world of extraordinary illusions every Saturday and Sunday at the beginners’ magic workshop or be enchanted by the experts at several pop-up magic performances.
Stop by the Elf Pick ‘n’ Mix crafts station, where young artists can try their hand at creative activities and don’t forget to jump on board the Christmas virtual reality ride – remember to hold on to your Santa hats and antlers, as you fly across the globe and even into space!
Don’t miss out on these events – click here to find out more and book your tickets.
With TV Star Melinda Messenger as ‘The Wicked Queen’ and returning fan favourite and Britain’s Got Talent alumni, Philip Green as ‘Muddles the Jester’, this panto is sure to knock your socks off. Bursting with talent, this year’s cast are ready to tread the boards at Middlesbrough Theatre this festive season.
Delivering laughs, gasps and just a grand old time for everyone who comes to see it, Snow White is a panto you just can’t miss. Snow White runs between Friday 6 December – Saturday 4 January.
TV star Melinda Messenger will be casting a spell in Snow White this Christmas.
Alongside the spellblinding panto, Snow White – two seasonal favourites will take to the stage at Middlesbrough Theatre.
Chapterhouse Theatre Company return with their acclaimed adaptation of Charles Dickens’ timeless tale of hope and redemption, A Christmas Carol from Tuesday 19 November. With dazzling musical sequences and authentic period costumes, this production promises to be the perfect accompaniment to the festive season.
Theatregoers can also be enchanted by the delightful production of The Nutcracker on Friday 22 November – the classical ballet is suitable for audiences of all ages.
Nothing quite says Christmas than hearing the music of Michael Bublé – experience the music legend’s greatest hits by candlelight at a very special event on Sunday 22 December.
The annual Cattle & Cane Christmas show returns to the Town Hall on Friday 20 November, join Teesside siblings Joe and Helen Hammill as they share their soaring harmonies, self-reflective lyrics and heartfelt indie-folk music.
The Town Hall’s Crypt will give a modern twist to the classic Scrooge tale in Bah Humbug! – this bittersweet comedy guarantees to make the audience both laugh and cry on Wednesday 11 December.
It’s the one you’ve been waiting for – the Christmas Pip is back!
Have a ‘merry Pipmas’ at Middlesbrough Town Hall and join in with all the festive fun and frolicks that you’ve come to expect. They’ll be serving up more of the region’s leading artisan food trucks, and of course, lots of added Christmas sparkle.
Follow Orange Pip Market for more updates.
We’ll be sharing more details about shopping, late night parking, Christmas events across the town in our upcoming festive blogs – stay tuned!
