Festivals, markets, music and family days out from the coast to the hills — the things we'd tell a friend about, soonest first.
Jan 10
Twelve giant Snowman sculptures on a Twelve Days of Christmas trail through Belsay's grounds. Collect the hidden letters as you go.
Nov 15
A four-day Christmas fayre with 70+ stalls, festive food and drink and live music, just off the A69 near Hexham. Free parking.
Jan 3
Bamburgh Castle's state rooms are dressed around favourite Christmas songs and carols, room by room. Included in normal admission.
Nov 14
Morpeth kicks off the county's switch-on season, with family activities along Bridge Street from midday before the lights go on.
Jan 3
The Alnwick Garden's light trail returns for its 25th year, with Lilidorei's illuminations included on the same ticket. Book ahead.
Nov 20
Alnwick's lights go on at 7pm on Bondgate Within, with a 25ft tree and festive market in the Market Place and late-opening shops.
Nov 22
Local makers and independent traders inside Belsay Hall, with food stalls. Pair it with the Snowman trail for a full day out.
Nov 21
A full day of live entertainment in Blyth Market Place, building up to the lighting of the town's Christmas tree in the evening.
Nov 22
A short, early-evening switch-on in Amble — ideal with small children, and a good excuse for fish and chips by the harbour.
Nov 25
A rare out-of-season look inside Alnwick Castle, with local artisans and seasonal food filling the Guest Hall. In aid of Smile For Life.
Dec 3
Ad Gefrin swaps a Dickensian Christmas for an Anglo-Saxon Yule — midwinter feasting, workshops and Wooler's famous straw goat.
Nov 28
Handmade and locally produced gifts at The Sill, with the Hadrian's Wall landscape on the doorstep for a breath of fresh air.
Nov 29
Live folk music in the house at Wallington, with the Central Hall Christmas tree and reindeer out front. The Spectacles Sat, Axum Sun.
Nov 29
Our pick of November: 70+ stalls across Ford, Ford Castle, Etal and Heatherslaw, linked by light railway and a vintage bus.
Nov 28
Bamburgh's village lights go on beneath the castle. Pair it with the Christmas Carousel in the state rooms during the day.
Nov 28
An afternoon of festive fun in Bedlington Market Place, building up to the big switch-on at 5pm. Free entry.
Jan 3
A fairytale trail through Cragside's house, plus the world's tallest bedded Christmas tree lit up outside. Arrive early at weekends.
Dec 23
A full day of Christmas in Kielder forest: Mrs Christmas, the elves' workshop and a woodland walk to Father Christmas. Book ahead.
Dec 19
Festive markets and an Advent Trail around Blyth town centre through the first three weeks of December.
Dec 21
Festive steam train journeys from Lionheart Station, Alnwick, on selected December weekends. Book early.
Dec 12
Stalls along Beaumont Street and inside Hexham Abbey, with festive food from the Farmers' Market. Come by train if you can.