Free festive entertainment in the Market Square, and the Christmas markets so far
Wed 4 Nov 2026 · Written for Visit South Shields from the sources below.
Checked 4 Nov 2026.
The free Saturday entertainment in South Shields Market Square, run by Local Heroes outside The Word, has a busy few weeks ahead as Christmas gets closer. Here are the dates listed so far. (High Life North listing: Free Family Entertainment, South Shields Market Square; South Tyneside Council: Free family fun comes to South Shields Market; checked 4 Nov 2026; checked 3 Nov 2026)
- Sat 7 Nov: storytelling with author and illustrator Hannah Graham.
- Thu 19 Nov (lights switch-on day): Santa and his Elf from 11am to 4pm, the Harton Harmonisers choir and free face painting.
- Sat 28 Nov: Westoe Brass Band, 11am to 1pm.
- Sat 5 Dec: Jen Stevens, 1pm to 3pm.
- Sat 19 Dec: Jen Stevens with Bubble Play, 1pm to 3pm.
The council has confirmed the Christmas lights switch-on in the Market Place is on Thursday 19 November. It hasn't published a time yet, so we'll add it once it does. (South Tyneside Council: Free family fun comes to South Shields Market; checked 3 Nov 2026)
Christmas markets
- Thu 3 Dec, 6pm to 10pm: South Shields FC's free Christmas Market in a marquee at the Wolf Competitions Stadium, with up to 30 stalls. The club says it will confirm opening times later. (South Shields FC: Christmas Market (free event); checked 4 Nov 2026)
- Sat 5 and Sun 6 Dec, 10am to 3pm: Westoe RFC's Christmas market on Dean Road, now running over two days. (Shields Gazette, 24 Oct 2026: Westoe RFC extends its Christmas market; checked 4 Nov 2026)
- Thu 10 Dec, 5pm to 9pm: a Twilight Christmas Market at Hedworth Hall, Dean Road. Free entry. (Skiddle listing: Hedworth Hall Twilight Christmas Market; checked 4 Nov 2026)