Christmas is magical.
The young and the young at heart can enjoy all the wonder of the festive season at attractions and events across our region.
Here is our selection of places that will (hopefully!) fill you with yuletide spirit.
:: Stockeld Park, Wetherby
Skate with penguins, ski through an enchanted forest and visit Santa in an award winning grotto.
Stockeld Park’s festive season is open until Tuesday, January 6 2015 - and new for this year is a 4D Cinematic Sleigh Sensation Experience.
You can also experience traditional Stockeld fun in the maze and pick up a hand-pruned Christmas tree, grown on the estate.
:: Strikes Garden Centre, Stokesley
The closest children usually get to eating with Santa is leaving him a few mince pies.
But at this garden centre you can enjoy a breakfast with the man himself on Monday, December 22 and Wednesday, December 24, starting at 9am.
Each child will also receive a gift from Santa.
The price is £6.99 per child, booking is required and there are only limited spaces.
:: Polar Express, Weardale, County Durham
Inspired by the hit film The Polar Express and book by Chris Van Allsburg, the officially licensed train ride has returned to the UK.
Set to the motion picture soundtrack, pyjama-clad passengers can relive the magic of the story and see their favourite characters come to life as they are whisked away aboard The Polar Express.
During the journey, the conductor will punch tickets and jolly dancing chefs will serve hot chocolate and cookies.
Like in the film, passengers will also enjoy a sing song and a special reading of the Van Allsburg classic.
Santa will board the cosy train to greet the children and will give a special sleigh bell to all those who believe.
For tickets and event information call 08000 23 23 83 or visit the website.
:: Santa Story Train, Pickering, North Yorkshire
There is a Santa Story Train adventure running from Pickering on Monday, December 22.
After departing from Pickering, each Santa Story adventure train runs through to Levisham station and then back again to Pickering (total return journey is around 10 miles and takes around 90 minutes).
During the adventure Santa’s elves will be providing entertainment throughout the train with songs, dancing and lots of fun - and Santa will be walking through the train, handing out an age specific present to each child at their seat.
Refreshments are included and will be served on-board the train – children receive a carton of juice and adults will have a hot drink plus an alcoholic tipple.
Everyone receives a mince pie too.
:: A Victorian Christmas, Kirkleatham, Redcar
Take a trip to another century as Kirkleatham Museum transforms itself into a Victorian wonderland.
Running this weekend, Saturday, December 6 and Sunday, December 7, the free ‘A Victorian Christmas’ event is set to provide fun for all the family with a range of activities to keep everyone entertained.
From meeting the reindeer to enjoying some Christmas delicacies and browsing a Victorian craft fair, there is plenty planned.
Victorian characters will also get people in the mood for Christmas with carol singing and children have the opportunity to meet Santa too.
:: Christmas at Beamish, Stanley, Country Durham
Step back into Christmas past and join the celebrations as you explore 1820s Pockerley Old Hall, the 1900s Town and Pit Village and 1940s Farm at Beamish.
Visit Father Christmas in his grotto and meet his reindeer.
Glide on the ice rink, savour festive food, enjoy a steam train ride and browse the traditional stalls.
There is a small extra charge over the period and the Father Christmas Grotto is £4 per child (1-16 years) and includes a gift.
The Beamish festive season runs until Sunday, December 21 - plus Monday, December 22, Tuesday, December 23 and Wednesday, December 24.
:: Christmas by Candlelight with North East Gospel Choir, Gibside, Gateshead
North East Gospel Choir perform a selection of traditional carols and festive gospel music in an atmospheric candlelit concert in Gibside Chapel.
Mulled wine and mince pies will be served and children are welcome.
For more information contact 01207 541820, email gibside@nationaltrust.org.uk or visit the website.
:: Father Christmas in a Pod, Carlton, North Yorkshire
Pop along to Lordstones Country Park to see Santa in a pod!
There is lots for the little ones to do including letter writing to Father Christmas, gingerbread decorating, roasted marshmallows and a gift for each child.
For the adults there is mulled wine and cider, roast chestnuts, mince pies and a fully licensed bar.
Dates include Monday 8, 15 and 22 of December, Tuesday 9, 16 and 23 of December and Wednesday 10, 17 and 24 of December.
The events start at 5pm and last until 8pm at the cost of £7 per child.
To book contact 01642 778482 and speak to Alex or Alan.
:: Stewart Park Frost Fair, Marton, Middlesbrough
An annual favourite, this event features a craft fair with music, fun activities and Santa’s Grotto - £2 including a gift.
The regular farmer’s market is also running from 9am until 3.30pm so you can stock up on Christmas dinner goodies.
The event takes place on Sunday, December 7 and runs from 11am until 4pm.
:: Christmas at Ormesby Hall, Ormesby, Middlesbrough
The 1868 diaries of James Stovin Pennyman - one of the previous owners of Ormesby Hall - revealed a very unusual Christmas tradition.
On December 21 1868, he and his family made a ‘Christmas ship’.
On 23 December and again on Christmas day they spent time rigging the new Christmas ship and then they painted it on Boxing Day.
It is a tradition that comes from Greece. James Pennyman was born in Corfu, a Greek island.
This tradition is followed at Ormesby Hall each Christmas by presenting a Christmas ship filled with ‘gold coins’ and handed out as treats to younger visitors.
You can see the Christmas ship in the first two weekends of December.
Father Christmas will be there too, with Christmas trees for sale in the courtyard, festive food available in the tearoom and candlelight tours around the mansion.
There is a small charge to see Santa and the candlelight tour,
Opening times are 10am until 3.30pm. Booking essential.
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