What's on in Middlesbrough: November and December 2026

November 2026

Ongoing until 29 March 2027: Turner Prize 2026

26 September 2026 to 29 March 2027 | Contemporary art exhibition | MIMA, Centre Square, Middlesbrough | Free; book through the exhibition page and check gallery opening days.

Explore work by the four shortlisted artists at MIMA, part of Teesside University. The exhibition brings a major contemporary art prize to Middlesbrough, with the artists collaborating with the gallery team to present their work across its ground-floor and second-floor galleries.

From 16 November: The Snowman Trail

Monday 16 November 2026 to Sunday 3 January 2027 | Family sculpture trail | Middlesbrough town centre, including shopping centres, MIMA and Town Hall | No booking needed; check the trail map and individual venue hours.

Look for twelve Snowman sculptures around the town and make a seasonal outing of finding them. The council will publish the current map, locations and details of its Snowman and Me photo competition on the event page; check those before planning your route.

22 November: Christmas Lights Switch-On

Sunday 22 November, 2pm to 6pm | Live entertainment and festive lights | Centre Square, Middlesbrough | No booking needed.

Cue Music leads an afternoon stage programme with a house band, festive singalongs, a school choir and Musinc. Food stalls and fairground rides add to the atmosphere, with the lights switch-on followed by fireworks. Arrive ready for an outdoor celebration and the sound of the display.

28 November: Come and Sing Handel's Messiah

Saturday 28 November; afternoon rehearsal and evening performance, confirm exact times when booking | Participatory choral event | St Mary's Cathedral, Coulby Newham | Singers £10; audience £5; under-16s free.

Join singers of different ages and abilities to rehearse and perform Handel's Messiah in the Cathedral. You can take part as a singer or book to listen to the evening performance; contact the box office for the timetable and practical arrangements.

December 2026

1 December: The Big Christmas Assembly

Tuesday 1 December, 7.45pm; main hall doors 7pm, bars 6.45pm | Festive singalong | Middlesbrough Town Hall, Albert Road | Tickets from £27.50 including booking fee; under-16s with an adult.

James B Partridge revisits the songs and memories of school Christmas assemblies through music, mashups and stories. The show invites the audience to join in, making it an option for a festive evening with friends or family at the Town Hall.

1 and 2 December: Cathedral Wreath Making

Tuesday 1 and Wednesday 2 December, 6.30pm | Seasonal craft workshop | St Mary's Cathedral, Coulby Newham | £30; booking required.

Spend an evening making a Christmas wreath in a relaxed setting at the Cathedral. The programme includes mulled wine alongside the crafting; choose one of the two dates and ask the organiser about any practical or access requirements before booking.

From 5 December: Winter Wonderland at Newham Grange Farm

5, 6, 12, 13 and 19 to 24 December | Farm visit and festive activities | Newham Grange Farm, Wykeham Way | Winter Wonderland activities included in farm admission; grotto and Elf Academy extra.

Meet festive characters, try crafts and complete the Christmas trail on the advertised activity dates. Santa's Grotto includes a gift and costs £10 per child; the build-a-plush Elf Academy also costs £10 per child. Book these extras separately from farm admission.

From 5 December: Aladdin at Middlesbrough Theatre

Saturday 5 to Thursday 31 December | Family pantomime | Middlesbrough Theatre, The Avenue | Adults £26; under-16s £25; booking fee included; times vary.

Olivia Bromley, Philip Green, Paul Hawkyard and Robert Laughlin lead the cast in a festive adventure with comedy and audience participation. The signed performance is 17 December at 7pm and the relaxed show is 22 December at 2pm. Under-three lap tickets are arranged through the box office.

13 December: Magical Middlesbrough Lantern Parade

Sunday 13 December, 2pm to 6pm | Community lantern procession | Starts at Teesside University and finishes in Centre Square | No booking needed.

Stellar Creates brings together handmade lanterns, illuminated artwork, live music, characters and performers for a twilight procession. People from across the area help create the lanterns and join the parade, which ends with a finale in Centre Square.