Festive things to do with Teens

Kelly
Nov 15, 2025
3 min read

Now that our boys are getting older we are always on the look out for things to do suitable for older kids. Our writers do a fab job covering events for younger kids, so we are focused on finding some fab memorable activities suitable for teens. Here are my top picks.

Let me know HERE if you are organising any festive events and I can add them into my handy guides completely free of charge.

This guide contains ads/affiliate links

For more great ideas, check us out on Facebook | Instagram

Light Trail

There's so many fantastic Light Trails this year. We love a good trail and can't wait to visit some soon. Find a trail HERE

This year we will be heading to Alnwick Gardens, Night Fall, Enchanted city Newcastle and more.

Ice Skating - Suitable for all ages, we love Ice Skating. There's a few places to choose from this year - Take a look at my guide - HERE

Festive movies

There's loads of special screenings at various cinemas across the North East this year. I know you can watch a movie at home but going to the cinema to see a classic like Home Alone just hits differently. You could make up a pick n mix bag with some festive treats in to take with you. Don't forget if you are a sky tv customer you get 2 free tickets a month. Vue Cinemas will be showing The Polar Express, Elf, Muppets Christmas Carol and more. Find out more HERE

Craft workshop

This year there's loads that have popped up from Wreath making to card making there's bound to be something your teen will enjoy.

We have previously done a Glass workshop at National Glass Centre and we have done a Family Wreath workshop and loved it.

Ski Slope

We are super lucky to have something like the Ski Slope located a short distance away from us. You could enjoy Skiing, snowtubing, snowboarding etc. Everyone active always have some fantastic events on so it is worth keeping an eye out.

Panto

Who doesn't like a Panto? The North East has some amazing shows and this year is no different. Check out my Panto Guide.

This Year we will be heading to some of the best in the region.

Beamish

Beamish Christmas Daytimes is something we do every year and it is something we will probably do every year for a long time. ( we visit throughout the year too ) we love seeing it all decorated and everyone is always in a festive mood.

Festive meal / activities

One of thing I personally like to do with the boys is to go and do some of our favourite activities such as Mini Golf & Bowling and then go for a nice festive meal. Its one of a few times all 5 of us are together now that both older teens have jobs.

Visit a decorated house

We are always singing the praises of National trust membership and how good va

lue for money it is. At this time of the year there's loads of gorgeous house to visit that are decorated for Christmas and you can easily make a day out of visiting places. My personal favourites are:

Nunnington Hall

Ormesby Hall

Wallington

Cragside

In fact I think I love them all!

Belsay Hall, castle & Gardens

There's loads of great things happening at Belsay from Christmas markets, live music, afternoon teas, Santa for the younger kids and even a brand new Find the Flock trail which I know we will love so we will be heading along soon to check it out.

Click here for more on membership