What’s on in Sunderland: November and December 2026

November 2026

Selected events in Sunderland and the wider city area.

3 November to 22 December: Sensory Stories

Selected Tuesdays, 1pm-1.30pm | Inclusive storytelling | Culture House, Keel Square.

Interactive stories use sound, light and movement for children aged 0-4 and their grown-ups, including children with SEND. Free, with booking advised. The first session is sold out; later dates are listed separately. Contact culture.house@sunderland.gov.uk for venue enquiries.

4 November to 18 December: Rhyme & Shine

Selected dates, 10am-11am | Early years songs and stories | Culture House, Keel Square.

A free activity for ages 0-4, with booking essential for children. Most early November sessions are sold out, while later November and December dates remain listed. Adults attend with their child; choose a specific available session through the organiser.

5 November to 17 December: The Curiosity Club

Selected dates, 10.15am-10.45am | SEND inclusive family discovery | Culture House, Keel Square.

Children aged 0-6 and their grown-ups explore objects, stories and spaces around Culture House, meeting in City Lounge. The activity is free, with booking advised. The organiser lists individual November and December sessions rather than one continuous drop-in event.

6 November: BBC Introducing Live

Friday 6 November, doors 1pm | Music industry panels and feedback | The Fire Station, High Street West.

A day for developing musicians, with panels, industry feedback and limited open mic opportunities. Tickets are £18 and attendance is 16+ with valid ID. Open mic applicants must be 18+ and already hold a ticket; a ticket does not guarantee a performance slot. Box office: 0191 5700 007 or info@thefirestation.org.uk.

12 November to 16 January: Looking for the Signs

Thursday 12 November to Saturday 16 January | Exhibition | Arts Centre Washington.

Clive Davis uses photographs, objects and red squares to explore identity, space and how people notice their surroundings. Entry is free. The exhibition continues beyond this guide’s two-month window; check the centre’s opening arrangements before travelling. Enquiries: acw@sunderland.gov.uk.

13 November: Christmas Wreath Making Workshop

Friday 13 November, 6pm | Two-hour adult workshop | Arts Centre Washington.

Lucy from Willow & Wreath leads a seasonal wreath-making session using foliage, decorations and ribbons. The published price is £40 and no previous experience is required. Reserve a place through the organiser; enquiries can go to acw@sunderland.gov.uk.

18 November: The Testament of Ann Lee

Wednesday 18 November, 1pm-3.20pm | Film matinee, certificate 15 | Arts Centre Washington.

A screening of Mona Fastvold’s film about the founder of the Shakers, starring Amanda Seyfried. Tickets are £4. This is a film screening in the Wednesday Matinees programme, rather than a live stage performance.

26 November: Deepest Fears

Thursday 26 November, 7.30pm | Ghost stories on stage, ages 14+ | Arts Centre Washington.

A live storytelling performance based on classic tales by E.F. Benson and Arthur Conan Doyle. Adult tickets are £14 and concessions £12. The organiser warns of jumps, loud sounds, horror, haze and references to death, blood and burial.

27 November: Wreathmaking at Hylton Castle

Friday 27 November, 6pm | Adult craft evening, 18+ | Hylton Castle, Craigavon Road.

Create a seasonal wreath in the castle setting, with cheese, biscuits and a glass of wine or a non-alcoholic alternative. The published price is £49.95 per person. Booking is through the castle’s own page. Enquiries: 0191 537 3231 or hyltoncastle@outlook.com.

29 November: Royal Northern Sinfonia Winter Tour

Sunday 29 November, 3pm, doors 2.30pm | Classical music | The Fire Station, High Street West.

Jonathan Stone directs the string musicians in a programme including Dvořák, Mendelssohn and Purcell. Tickets start at £17, with a published under-30 price of £12. Under-14s must attend with an adult. Contact the box office on 0191 5700 007 about booking and access.

December 2026

Seasonal films, family theatre and live music.

10 December: Last Christmas and Festive Afternoon Tea

Thursday 10 December, 1pm | Film and optional afternoon tea, 15+ | Arts Centre Washington.

Watch the Christmas romantic comedy, with a festive tea option afterwards. Published prices are £4 for the film, £19.50 with tea or £27 with tea and prosecco. Choose the intended package through the booking page.

11 December: The Littlest Elf

Friday 11 December, 10.30am or 1.30pm | Family theatre for ages 2-5 | Arts Centre Washington.

A 45-minute show following a small elf with big ambitions, using puppetry, stories, songs and audience interaction. Published tickets range from £8 to £10. Book the particular performance time rather than assuming one ticket covers both sessions.

11 December: Callum O’Neil, Almost A Decade

Friday 11 December, 7.30pm | Live music | Arts Centre Washington.

The Washington singer-songwriter returns for a headline show, with support from Kayden Turner and Daniel Maple. Published tickets are £10 early bird or £12.50; check which allocation remains available. The centre can be contacted at acw@sunderland.gov.uk.

19 December: Film and Fun, The Muppets Christmas Carol

Saturday 19 December, 1pm | Family craft and film, certificate U | Arts Centre Washington.

Make a Muppet-style character with artist Rachel Hamer before watching the festive film. The full activity is listed as two hours and 15 minutes. Tickets are £6 for an adult and £4 for a child; children must be accompanied, and accompanying adults need tickets.