After time spent relaxing - or partying - with family and friends over Christmas, the thought of more of the same to come on New Year's Eve keeps the party mood going.
By the time that's all over most of us will have entirely forgotten about work - until the moment reality strikes and the prospect of the first day back is suddenly hanging over us like the spectre at a feast. So it's no surprise that we'd like to prolong the feeling of festive goodwill as long as we possibly can.
For those who have missed out on some of the seasonal events in and around Newcastle in the run-up to Christmas or who want to squeeze the last drop of fun out of them before being fully immersed in the world of work, we have checked out what attractions, pop-ups and shows are still running into the first month of the new year.
Read more: Life Science Centre's festive fiver entry offer runs until January 8
So, before the January blues set in, here's a pick of six suggestions guaranteed to cheer you up. Happy New Year.
Take a spin on the ice
Whether you're a budding Torvill / Dean or just slip and stumble your way around a rink, ice skating is huge fun and often, as we're caught up in the whirl of Christmas planning, the chance for a whirl on the ice has passed us by and those annual pop-up attractions have already popped off. So here are two suggestions of where you can still schedule in a blast of fresh air and activity (and remember there's always the permanent attraction of Whitley Bay Ice Rink available to visit too of course).
Until January 9 - the pop-up rink at Ocean Beach Pleasure Park in South Shields: read more here.
Until January 15 - Life Science Centre's rink in Times Square, Newcastle: see here.
Enjoy a sparkling outdoor light trail
The Christmas at Gibside light trail, in the grounds of the National Trust property near Gateshead comes to an end on January 1 but here are two longer-running options bringing cheer to winter nights through illuminations, projections and music.
Until January 8 - the award-winning after-dark Winter Light Trail at Alnwick Garden in Northumberland.
Until January 8 - Forest of Light in the grounds of Beamish Hall Hotel in County Durham: see here.
Visit a festive attraction
If you're the kind of person who loves all the trappings of Christmas, from seasonal music to fairylights, and dreads the thought of taking down the tree, you might want to take up this chance to steep yourself in all things thoroughly sparkling and festive for a little while yet. What's more it involves a lovely trip out up the coast.
The Christmas Kingdom attraction at Bamburgh Castle in Northumberland will be open until January 8. The castle rooms have been turned into theatrical sets, decorated along the themes of The Twelve Days of Christmas with the likes of lords-a-leaping and drummers drumming amidst an array of glittering baubles, floral displays, decorated trees and music: see here.
Boo and hiss at a pantomime
Adults might claim they hate them but you can guarantee the annual family trips to the panto will soon have even those devoid of a drop of seasonal spirit joining in with the best of them. Slapstick appeals to all ages - yep, even those front row targets for the annual water fight and that man singled out by the lusty Dame.
Anyone who has missed out so far can still enjoy some festive cheer as there are pantomimes running in the North East well into January. Boulevard's Christmas Spectacular in Newcastle - not quite a panto admittedly - finishes on New Year's Day while Aladdin wraps up at Sunderland Empire on January 2 but here are some others still in full flow.
Until January 3 - Beauty and the Beast, Tyne Theatre & Opera House.
Until January 7 - The Sorcerer's Apprentice at Northern Stage in Newcastle; Aladdin at The Playhouse, Whitley Bay; and The Adventures of Robin Hood in Cooksonville showing at The Customs House in South Shields.
Until January 8 - Sleeping Beauty, Gala Theatre in Durham.
Until January 15 - Cinderella, Theatre Royal, Newcastle.
For the full North East panto guide with ticket details and links to all the theatre shows see here.
Enjoy some stately music and prosecco
How does a glass of fizz in the festive surroundings of Wallington Hall in Northumberland sound? The National Trust property will open this New Year's Day for those wanting to raise glass - prosecco will be on sale in its kitchen - and listen to some piano music between noon and 3pm, which could prove a perfect way to relax after a hectic New Year's Eve - if you're not hungover that is. Or driving.
The stately home is one of several National Trust properties open on January 1 and it is also continuing the festivities well into the month. The house is decked out in themed displays showing how its rooms looked during Christmases past and visitors can take in the sights until January 8.
Other attractions include thousands of twinkling icicle lights in the courtyard and a winter trail in its east woods, with Olly Owl and woodland friends, also running until January 8, while that last day will also feature a live band play in the Central Hall. See here.
Pop in to a pop-up Alpine lodge
You have to be quick for this one as the Newcastle city centre pop-up festive bar Moosenwirt does not have much longer to run, with tickets available to book only up to, and including, January 2: see here. That's if you want to enjoy a drink in its Elk Lodge or book an igloo table - otherwise you can just walk in. It's free entry.
The bar near the Monument is a cheery mix of festive music, fire pit comforts and twinkling lights. Inside it still feels like Christmas so you can prolong that feelgood glow just a little longer.
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