Fancy shopping for festive gifts that you won’t find on the high street? Then take a trip to Holy Island on Sunday 12th November for a very special pop-up indoor Christmas market, featuring a festival of Christmas goodies from local producers, crafters and artists. 
But make sure you find out the times of the tides, as Holy Island is only accessible at low tide via a three-mile causeway. Other attractions to visit while you’re there include Lindisfarne Priory, built by monks nearly 1,400 years ago, and the Holy Island museum, where you can find out about a grisly Viking raid, the cult of St Cuthbert, and the beautiful medieval manuscript, the Lindisfarne Gospels.
Visit the Wentworth Leisure Centre in Hexham on Tuesday 14th November for an Antiques and Vintage Fair with over 100 stands featuring ceramics, jewellery, tools, books, postcards, vintage lighting and decorative furnishings. If you get peckish, there’s also a café, open all day.
Also in Hexham, you can visit the farmers’ market every second and fourth Saturday of the month. Choose from organic vegetables, seasonal fruit, honey, preserves and baked goods, as well as quality meats, local cheeses, artisan breads, and a series of locally-made crafts.
Head to Kielder Observatory for the famous shooting star spectacular, the Leonid Meteor Shower, on Friday/Saturday 17th/18th November. In peak observing conditions, you could spot up to thirty shooting stars an hour. The passionate science team will give you a tour of the observatory and the instruments they use, and will point out constellations and give you tips on how you can find incredible objects lying in our Galaxy.
Start getting in the mood for all things festive by visiting Alnwick and enjoying the Alnwick Garden Christmas Grand Lantern Parade. 
The event, on 18th November, is a magical live music, light and movement spectacular. The procession will make its way from Alnwick Garden and through the town, creating an amazing visual feast for visitors.
At Wallington Hall, Cambo, take part in a magical ‘Create Christmas’ event on the 18th and 19th November. You can help make decorations and get involved in turning the great house into a Christmas wonderland, all ready for the festive season.
Still looking for that special Christmas gift? There’s a great opportunity for stocking up on presents at Newbiggin Maritime Centre’s Autumn Craft Fair. The event takes place on November 13th.