Five exciting events to look forward to this autumn and winter

From spooky walks around Preston Park, to specialist markets and the return of Santa on Wheels - there's plenty of thrilling events on the horizon to enjoy this season.

Councillor Steve Nelson, Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council's Cabinet Member for Health, Leisure and Culture, said: "We have a strong reputation for putting on first-class events in the Borough and this autumn and winter we've got lots in store to look forward to including a unique celebration to mark the anniversary of the Stockton & Darlington Railway.

"Our popular Chic Vintique specialist market will be on Stockton High Street again and this Halloween will see the return of the Spooky Walk at Preston Park. And of course, we've also got a packed programme of festive fun in the lead up to Christmas. These events are always hugely popular and I'm sure residents and visitors will enjoy the packed programme over the next few months."

Here's a taste of what's in store:

Stockton & Darlington Railway 197th Anniversary Specialist Market

Tomorrow (Saturday 24 September), 9.30am-3pm

Stockton High Street

Celebrate the beginning of the public railways at this specialist market in partnership with Friends of Stockton and Darlington Railway. The free market will host a range of exhibitors and traders selling and showing railway related displays, gifts and memorabilia to commemorate the events of 1825. 

Chic Vintique

Saturday 15 October, 9.30am-3pm

Stockton High Street

A firm favourite in the specialist markets programme, Chic Vintique returns to Stockton High Street in partnership with Louise Lewis Events. Pop down to the market for vintage clothing, homewares, antiques and collectables as well as gorgeous handmade gifts and sweet treats.

Halloween Spooky Walk

Sunday 30 October, 3pm-8pm 

Preston Park Museum & Grounds

Chilling adventures await at Preston Park this Halloween, with plenty for children and families to stumble across as they creep around the park's woodland. This is a family event suitable for all ages. Tickets must be purchased in advance and include Ghost Coaches transport to and from the event. Ticket details will be confirmed soon.

Stockton Sparkles

Thursday 24 November - Sunday 13 December, 5.30pm-8pm

Stockton High Street

Pop down to Stockton High Street for festive fun and entertainment as Stockton Sparkles winter festival returns for another year. This year's highlights include:

• Launch and Christmas Lights Switch-on - Thursday 24 November (lights switch-on at 6.30pm)
• Christmas Market - Thursday 1 December - Sunday 4 December
• Lantern Parade - Sunday 4 December

Santa on Wheels

Thursday 15 December - Sunday 18 December, 5pm-9pm

Routes across the Borough

For four evenings, Santa's special open-top bus will once again set off on a tour across Stockton-on-Tees this winter. Expect plenty of festive cheer and party music to get you well and truly in the mood for Christmas - all lead by the big man in red himself!

Why isn't there a fireworks event this year?

Unfortunately, we can't host a firework display in Stockton this year because the firing and fall out zone we normally use is no longer available. The land is not owned by the Council and it is now being developed. This firing zone problem is not connected with the development of the Castlegate site.

The Council has looked at alternative locations, including green spaces and parks, to stage the display but there isn't a space big enough for the combination of large-scale explosives and massive audience.  The event on Stockton's Riverside typically attracts more than 30,000 people and managing a crowd of this size requires multiple access routes and viewing space. 

Alternative locations may be big enough to accommodate the crowds, but the transport and parking requirements for an event attracting 30,000 people can't be met elsewhere. 

The redevelopment of the Riverside site, currently occupied by the Castlegate Shopping Centre, is expected to provide a solution from 2025. 

For more information on events in your area, visit the Enjoy Tees Valley website.