If like millions of other people across the country, your dog is a key member of your family, it can hurt to leave them behind when you head out for Christmas family fun . But what if you didn’t have to leave them behind?
Our furry friends shouldn’t miss out on all the festive fun with walks, museums and excellent food on offer. It is worth bearing in mind that most of these events will be very popular, so where possible, book in advance if you can.
These events are likely to be very busy so dogs are to be kept on a lead at all times. If you have a nervous pup, consider some of the quieter more outdoorsy events, such as the walking trails, to keep them away from big crowds.
Cullercoats Community Advent
This charming little trail runs from December 1st to Christmas Eve with a whole community coming together to create a “living” advent calendar. Displays in windows, gardens and rooftops are unveiled one-by-one each day throughout December.
Wrap up and grab the lead as the Cullercoats Community Advent could be an incredible way to change up your evening walk and best of all, it’s completely free. Every day will be different, with new additions to look for.
After your walk, you can always warm up with a drink in a dog-friendly pub. The Queens Head, The Quarry Inn and The Sandpiper all welcome pups.
Festivities with the National Trust
Many stunning National Trust properties have gardens and grounds that welcome dogs. In particular, this winter Seaton Delaval Hall is welcoming families for their Winter Wanderer Spotters’ Trail hoping to see some of the nature and wildlife calling the grounds home this winter.
Over at Cragside, Father Christmas is in a bit of a pickle and has asked for help finding all of his lost presents. Be sure to mark the occasion with a special snap in the festive photo station too… Christmas jumpers are recommended.
Ollie Owl is after a helping hand at Wallington to search for his woodland friends, a great one for the little ones too as they learn all about how winter wildlife stays warm. On December 3, there is also a tree-planting event for those who want to get involved with the Storm Arwen recovery.
These National Trust events are free but entrance to the grounds will cost a small fee, which goes towards helping with restoration and upkeep. This fee is waived for National Trust members.
Christmas at Beamish
It may be a surprising one, but your pooch is welcome in the Victorian era too. Beamish is a family favourite for the festivities and our four-legged friends are included too.
Dogs are welcome across the open-air museum’s grounds, including on transport. They are welcome inside the 1820s waggonway and great shed, the 1900s colliery yard including the engine shed and lamp cabin, Rowley Station and the great Sun Inn pub.
Between November 26 and December 24, Beamish will open for its Christmas daytime events , with highlights including the Elf Wood in the 1900s pit village and the Christmas takeover of the museum’s iconic cobbled town.
Late-night shopping
If you’ve still got gifts to pick up, or if you fancy treating yourself, then late-night shopping is a great opportunity. Over at Royal Quays , dogs are welcome around much of the site, including many of the shops, just be sure to pop your head in and ask a member of staff first.
Late-night shopping is from December 19 - 23 and there is a host of free events for the rest of the family too, including Meet the Gruffalo and a Christmas Light Show.
Tipple in a Tipi
The Lazy Bear festive tipi , found outside Central Station, loves welcoming dogs inside. So if you’re heading for the train or just enjoying a walk, make a pit stop for a cracking hot chocolate or mulled wine and a scrumptious pie by the fire.
Afternoon tea at South Causey Inn
Afternoon tea is always a hit anyway, but this time you can bring the pupper for a special treat of their own. Enjoy sandwiches, scones and cakes while your dog dives into their own special ice cream.
There’ll be a photo opportunity when Santa makes an appearance. There will also be a special prize for the owner and dog duo in the best matching festive garb… so dig out your matching jumpers.
Santa Paws comes to Dobbies
Who says Santa is just for the kids? Dobbies will be welcoming dogs to meet Santa Paws at their garden centres across the North East.
For £6.99, your furry friend can enjoy a visit to Santa's Grotto and get a special treat to take away. If you do have children, then don’t worry as Santa will meet them too along with their pup and get their own gift to take away.
You can commemorate the day with a photo of your visit. It’s expected to be very popular though, so be sure to book in advance , the event will be running in Birtley, Gosforth, Morpeth and Ponteland.
Cockapoo Cafe at Revolucion de Cuba
Pop + Bark present this Christmas Cockapoo extravaganza. Exclusive to just cockapoos - though some time slots are available for other poodle mixes too such as Cavapoos and Maltipoos - this festive event welcomes your curly-haired friends to a circus and fairground-themed cafe.
All tickets for this hugely popular event must be booked in advance and it is exclusive to cockapoos, so if you have another breed at home, this isn’t for you. For those lucky poo owners, attendees can expect loads of photo opportunities, exciting treats, competitions, shopping and 80 minutes of off-lead socialisation time, so you can come away with tonnes of new cockapoo friends.
Santa Paws at CafeK9
Santa Paws is a busy man as he’s popping over to CafeK9 in Washington , too. There’s a variety of packages here to suit your doggy desires but every dog gets to meet Santa and take home a souvenir Christmas card and their very own present.
Upgrades are available and come with keyrings and baubles. Slots are limited so make sure to book in advance.
All aboard the Aln Valley Railway
A popular Christmas railway ride for children, the Aln Valley Railwa y also welcomes our four-legged friends on board too. Their mince pie specials involve a short, steam-hauled service and dogs are welcome providing they are well-behaved, kept on lead and keep off the seats.
Be sure to book in advance for any of the three services on December 27, 28 or 29.
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