The Glasshouse

• The Glasshouse becomes the snow globe on the Tyne this Christmas, taking the seasonal joy off the stage with a special programme of events.
• From carols and Christmas markets on the concourse, to festive family discos and yoga with live music, there is something for everyone.
• Many events are free. Find out more at https://theglasshouseicm.org/seasons/christmas-at-the-glasshouse/

This December, The Glasshouse International Centre for Music invites families, friends, and festive wanderers to step into the season with a joyful programme of events that bring the magic of Christmas to life.

With a packed line-up across its concourse and community spaces, The Glasshouse becomes a seasonal hub for all ages to pop in, explore, and celebrate – with most events completely free.

From classical to jazz, folk to festive film favourites, the music programme offers something for every taste. Family classics like The Snowman and Home Alone in Concert return by popular demand, while Royal Northern Sinfonia brings the spirit of the season to communities across the region. Browse the full line-up of gigs and seasonal extras at theglasshouseicm.org/seasons/christmas-at-the-glasshouse.

Alongside the concerts, The Glasshouse transforms into a festive haven, with free events and experiences designed to welcome visitors from across the North East and beyond. Whether you’re popping in for a browse, a boogie, or a moment of calm, there’s something for everyone. Here’s how The Glasshouse is bringing the season to life – offstage and all around:

Christmas on the Concourse

Saturday 6 – Sunday 7 December

Free Entry

Step into a snow globe on the Tyne as The Glasshouse’s concourse becomes a hub of festive cheer. On Saturday, the celebrations build to the venue’s first-ever Christmas tree lighting, with a special guest appearance and a soundtrack of seasonal brass and carols from the Voices of the River’s Edge Choir. On Sunday, the party continues with Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree, a live pop set packed with sing-along favourites. Across the weekend, families can enjoy creative activities, festive games, and a warming dose of sparkle (plus a mulled something for the grown-ups).

Highlights:

Saturday 6 December
1:15pm: Brass Band
6:30pm: Christmas Tree Lighting
6:45pm: Voices of the River’s Edge / Christmas carols

Sunday 7 December
12:45am: Voices of the River’s Edge / Christmas carols
3:30pm: Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree / Pop festive favourites
4:15pm: Voices of the River’s Edge / Christmas carols
Christmas On The Concourse | The Glasshouse

The Glasshouse Christmas Market

Saturday 13 – Sunday 14 December | 9am – 3pm

Free Entry

Escape the cold and discover a treasure trove of handmade gifts, artisan treats, and local crafts at The Glasshouse Christmas Market. With stalls from talented makers and designers, it’s the perfect place to find unique presents for your loved ones, or a little something for yourself – all under one roof and free to explore.

The Glasshouse Christmas Market | The Glasshouse

Yoga In Harmony

Sunday 21 December | 10am – 11am

Northern Rock Foundation Hall

£22 | Ages 14+

Find some peace amid the Christmas chaos with a restorative yoga session led by Jo, set to live piano from Paul Taylor. Take a deep breath before the big day with this gentle class that blends movement, music, and festive calm. All levels welcome, just bring your mat and breathe.

Yoga In Harmony | The Glasshouse

Santa’s Little Groovers

Sunday 21 December | 12pm

Northern Rock Foundation Hall

£12 adults | £5 kids (2–8) | Under 1s free

Big beats for little feet! This family disco is bursting with festive fun, with a live DJ spinning Christmas bangers for all ages. Expect dancing, laughter, and maybe even a dancing elf or two. It’s a daytime party where everyone’s on the nice list.

Santa’s Little Groovers | The Glasshouse

The Glasshouse is more than a concert hall – it’s a place to gather, celebrate, and make memories. With a lot of free and open to all events, it’s the perfect spot to soak up the season’s spirit, whether you’re here for a show or just stopping by.

More info and full listings at: https://theglasshouseicm.org/seasons/christmas-at-the-glasshouse/

/ENDS

For more information, please contact Orla Noble, Premier Comms: orla.noble@premiercomms.com

Beverley Knight: beverley.knight@theglasshouseicm.org 0191 443 4583

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About The Glasshouse International Centre for Music

The Glasshouse International Centre for Music is a home for live music lovers.

It’s a place where you can hear rock legends or pop icons on the same night as folk trios or string quartets. Where new musicians are nurtured and showcased on the same stages as platinum-selling performers. And where youth choirs and tambourine-shaking toddlers practise in the same spaces as its acclaimed orchestra, Royal Northern Sinfonia.

Because as an international centre for music they’re focused on creating and celebrating outstanding music – whether that’s unearthing or growing talent from the region or bringing the world’s best artists to their stages. And as a charity they’re focused on making sure all of that is available to anyone – no matter where you’re from, how old you are, how much money you have, or what challenges you face.

Which is why every year more than 2 million people are able to join for top-notch gigs, concerts, and classes – in their venue at Gateshead Quays, out in communities across the North East, and through livestreamed performances and digital lessons.

Whether you’re making it up or taking it in, you’ll find music lives and grows there.

More about The Glasshouse International Centre for Music

• Since opening in 2004, The Glasshouse has hosted over 10,000 performances, welcoming nearly 5 million audience members. It would take more than 27 years to see every show if you attended one every day.
• Over two decades, the charity has delivered around 230,000 music lessons, reaching young people and adults 2.7 million times across its education programmes.
• As its resident orchestra, Royal Northern Sinfonia has toured globally, performing across four continents and livestreaming to audiences across five.
• The Glasshouse has supported the careers of thousands of artists like Ward Thomas who have worked their way from free stages to headline shows in its main hall, achieving national and global recognition.
• Since 2004, The Glasshouse has welcomed over 400,000 delegates for conferences and events, hosting organisations such as Greggs, NHS, and British Engines.
• Over the past two decades, The Glasshouse has generated £500 million in economic impact for the North East.
• The iconic building, designed by Foster + Partners, has 630 panes of glass and stands 40 metres tall. In its opening year, it was exhibited at the Venice Biennale and won the RIBA Inclusive Design Award in 2005.
• Celebrating 20 years – In December 2024, The Glasshouse marked its 20th birthday. Over the next year, the charity will reflect on two decades of achievements and look ahead to its third decade, with major initiatives like the Music Academy and Music Pass for newborns, making music accessible to all.