The Ultimate Christmas & Winter Activities Bucket List for December (North East UK Edition)

December is here and with it comes that magical mix of twinkling lights, cosy nights in, crisp winter walks, and festive days out. Whether you’re based in the North East or simply looking for a dreamy list of Christmas activities to try this season, this Christmas and winter bucket list has everything you need to make the most of the most wonderful time of the year.

From traditional festive favourites to Newcastle based days out. Here’s your ultimate guide to celebrating December in the cosiest sparkliest way possible.

🎄 Classic Christmas Traditions to Start the Season Right

There’s something so special about the simple traditions that make December feel festive. Start the month by putting up your Christmas tree (preferably with a classic holiday movie playing in the background, think Home Alone or It's a Wonderful Life) and spend an evening decorating it with ornaments you love. Whether it's a Ralph Lauren themed or childhood nostalgia, crack out those baubles.

Create a hot chocolate bar at home with toppings like whipped cream, candy canes, and festive sprinkles. Spend another night writing Christmas cards, baking gingerbread cookies, or hosting a Christmas themed movie marathon with your favourite snacks. 

Don’t forget to take a walk or drive to admire the Christmas lights in your neighbourhood, it’s a small but magical moment you’ll be glad you captured. (I love getting glasses that make the lights change into festive shapes)

🎄 North East Christmas Events You Can’t Miss This December

If you’re in the North East, you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to festive days out and winter activities. Here are some essentials to add to your December bucket list:

• Wander through the Newcastle Christmas Market on Grey Street with a hot chocolate in hand.
• See the iconic Fenwick Christmas Window, a tradition that never gets old.
• Visit the Alnwick Garden Winter Lights Trail, one of the most enchanting light displays in the region.
• Step into the festive magic of Bamburgh Castle’s Christmas Kingdom, perfect for a day trip.
• Book an outdoor skating session at Durham’s Ice Rink (ideal for photos and date nights).
• Have a festive afternoon tea at The Vermont, Six at BALTIC, or a cosy café in Jesmond.
• Enjoy a winter beach walk across Tynemouth Longsands or Seaburn, followed by chips or a warm pastry. Just wrap up warm in your favourite winter wear.
• Experience Beamish Museum’s Christmas Evenings, full of nostalgia and traditional charm.
• Take a scenic festive steam train ride on the Tanfield Railway.
• Shop local at winter markets at The Biscuit Factory, Eldon Square, or pop-up festive food spots.

These North East festive days out make for perfect weekend plans and stunning blog or Instagram photos.

❄️ Cosy Winter Self Care Ideas for Slow, Peaceful Days

Amid the social plans, shopping, and travel, December should still include moments of calm. Try creating a winter reading nook with fairy lights, blankets, and a warm drink. A seasonal self care night with a peppermint or cinnamon scented bath can work wonders too. I'm a sucker for cinnamon or gingerbread scents.

Start a December journal, whether you focus on gratitude, goals for the new year, or simply memories you want to keep and pair it with a cosy playlist to set the mood. Winter is also the perfect time to pick up a new craft.

And if you need to reset your space? A cosy clean (candles on, soft christmas music playing) can make your home feel instantly winter ready.

❤️ Festive Date Ideas Perfect for December

Whether you’re planning something romantic or just want a festive day out, December is full of adorable date possibilities:

• Go ice skating together.
• Do a hot chocolate “taste test” around Newcastle or Durham.
• Take a Christmas lights walk or drive.
• Visit a Christmas market for festive food and handmade gifts.
• Build and decorate a gingerbread house together.
• Watch a Christmas film at the cinema.
• Take a winter walk in Jesmond Dene or Kielder Forest.
• Do a festive board game night with mulled wine.

🏡 Cosy Christmas Activities to Enjoy At Home

Some of the best festive moments happen without leaving the house. Try making DIY tree ornaments, hosting a cookie swap party or creating a themed wrapping station (rustic kraft paper? Scandinavian neutrals? Shiny metallics?).

Put together Christmas Eve boxes for yourself or your family, make popcorn garlands, or spend an evening building a pillow fort and watching festive films. You can also use December to give back, create small care packages for shelters or donate to local food banks.

❄️ Outdoor Winter Adventures in the North East

For days when the cold weather feels invigorating rather than intimidating, bundle up and explore the outdoors:

• Go for a frosty sunrise walk with a takeaway coffee, take the pooch if you have one.
• Visit National Trust sites like Cragside, Gibside, or Wallington for wintery trails.
• Explore Chopwell Woods for winter photography.
• Try cold-water dipping (only if safe and experienced!) at Tynemouth or Seaton Sluice.
• Head up to the Northumberland coast for dramatic winter views and crisp sea air.

⭐ Fun Festive Challenges to Try This Month

If you love structured seasonal fun, add one of these to your December bucket list:

• 12 Days of Christmas Activities Challenge
• 24 Days of Self-Care Advent
• December Photo Challenge
• Winter Baking Challenge
• A Cosy Winter TBR (Reading List)
• 12 Dates of Christmas

These are also great for boosting engagement on Instagram or TikTok.

📸 Instagram & TikTok Christmas Content Ideas

December is the perfect month to create dreamy festive content. Try:

• Christmas coffee aesthetic shots
• Slow-living winter morning videos
• A GRWM for Newcastle Christmas Market
• Cosy bedroom or living room transformations
• Decorating your tree in real time
• Quayside or Grey Street festive OOTDs
• A “day in the life” winter vlog

🎁 Final Thoughts: Make Your December Magical

This bucket list is your guide to celebrating December with intention, full of festive traditions, North East adventures, cosy moments, and winter magic. Whether you’re spending the month exploring Newcastle’s Christmas scene or keeping things simple at home, there’s something here for every mood and every winter lover.

Have a wonderful festive season, follow for more content.