Durham family win Lapland experience at Christmas Village

Samantha Pattison of Sherburn Road, Durham, won the "trip of a lifetime" at last year’s Newcastle Christmas Village.

The prize included a day trip to Lapland with her mother and two sons, Carter, eight, and Kingston, six.

Carter and Kingston meet Father Christmas (Image: Supplied)

Their journey began at Teesside Airport and included meeting Santa Claus, a sleigh ride through snowy woodlands, and a husky dog sled experience.

Ms Pattison, who won the competition after discovering a gold mark on a Christmas mug she bought at the event, said: "It was absolutely unbelievable.

"Me and my mam and the boys enjoyed it so much, it was the opportunity of a lifetime."

The trip was organised by EVNT Inspirations, the team behind many attractions at the Newcastle Christmas Market and the Moosenwirt pop-up alpine bar, in partnership with Hays Travel.

Samantha Pattison with her mother and sons Carter and Kingston (Image: Supplied)

Nigel Holliday, co-director of EVNT Inspirations, said: "We are very grateful to Hays Travel and to everyone who helped make this such an amazing trip for Sam and her family.

"We know that they’ve had to wait all year for it but it has given them memories which will stay with them forever."

The Newcastle Christmas Village, organised on behalf of NE1 and Newcastle City Council, has been extended due to its popularity.

Pop-up bar Moosenwirt will stay open on New Year’s Eve until past midnight – offering a memorable way to see in the new year.

The Christmas Village, part of the wider Christmas Market delivered by Newcastle City Council and NE1, has seen families turn out in their thousands to enjoy the many attractions.

A new show based around the hit musical Wicked will take place on the Rocking Reindeer stage on December 27 and 28, with a KPOP Kids’ Party planned on New Year’s Eve from 1pm to 5pm – giving families time to head to the Quayside for the free 6pm fireworks.

Most of the elements that have made the village will continue up until 1 January, including the vintage carousel and the Ferris wheel.

Tickets for the new shows are available at the Newcastle Christmas Village website.