Newcastle upon Tyne may be famous for its nightlife, Geordie accent and bottles of Brown Ale, but it also knows how to put on some wonderful festive activities including markets, light shows, outdoor ice rink, christmas crafts and lots more. Read on for your guide to the City’s programme of special events coming up this Christmas in Newcastle 2023 for adults and children.
The Newcastle Christmas Market returns to the city centre in 2023, starting on Saturday 18 November and running until Saturday 23 December. You’ll find market stalls from local businesses selling everything from churros to bespoke jewellery. at Grey Street, Grainger Street and Old Eldon Square. You can also get in the festive spirit at the new performance area around Grey’s Monument which will see live music and choirs and maybe a glass of mulled wine. While visiting the Christmas Market in the heart of Newcastle remember to pop into the Grainger Market to discover even more stalls full of Christmas goodies.
Utilita Arena Newcastle is home to Winter Wonderland this festive season which promises fun for all the family with rides, food stalls and an Alpine Bavarian lounge bar. Children will also be able to visit Santa’s Grotto where father christmas will be visiting with some special friends. The event runs from 15 December 2023 to 7 January 2024.
The Boiler Shop, just outside the city centre, will once again host the Made Up North Winter Market where the finest northern creative businesses, food vendors and artists will be setting up shop for the day on Sunday 3 December from 10am. Pop along and do some christmas shopping for unique gifts you won’t find elsewhere.
From 23 November 2023 to 1 January 2024 you can visit the Northern Lights Festival at Leazes Park, Newcastle. A beautiful trail of light and colour complete with sculptures and special effects greets you across a mile of this beautiful park after dark. The route is fully accessible and will also feature a Christmas village full of festive food and drink. Book your time slot early as it’s likely to sell out quick.
Fenwick Newcastle on Northumberland Street will be unveiling it’s ever popular Christmas Window on the evening of Sunday 5 November. Always a delight for the whole family, the window has seen many displays over the years from Camberwick Green in 1971, Alice in Wonderland in 1993 and The Magic of Beatrix Potter in 2016. The window is always a family favourite at christmas time and it’s also fun guessing what the display might be before you get there!
You can enjoy songs, games and live music at this year’s switch on of the Christmas lights in Newcastle on Tuesday 14 November featuring Metro Radio Breakfast Show hosts Steve and Karen.
Children from the age of 5 can enjoy a modern retelling of Cinderalla at Northern Stage this year. The Christmas fairytale runs from 2 December 2023 to 6 January 2024 and is approxmately two hours long.
The Moosenwirt pop-up Alpine Bar & Village will be returning with some christmas cheer in the comfort of its giant yurt, luxury igloo dome, log wood bar and open fire pit. Pop along with some friends from Saturday 18th November 2023 – 2nd January 2024 and enjoy some festive tipples while listening to some acoustic musicians this christmas season.
The perfect way to start the Christmas celebrations is at Bar + Block Steakhouse, Newcastle. They have launched a special Bottomless Festive Lunch, Available 12-5pm from now until the 31st December (excluding Christmas Day/Boxing Day), guests can enjoy an endless flow of Prosecco and beer for just £38pp, with the option to upgrade to bottomless cocktails. Together with two festive courses that include the new Beef Burnt Ends Stuffed Yorkie for starters and the Festive Loaded Burger for mains, it’s a great way to kick-start the Christmas celebrations with friends or on date night.
It’s a Wonderful Life returns to Tyneside Cinema this year and what better way to watch this wonderful film but in this spectacular 100 year old independent cinema. Showing from Friday 1 to Sunday 24 December. Why not treat yourself to a premium circle seat and enjoy a mini bottle of Prosecco and a mince pie. Sounds good to me.
Seven Stories, The National Centre for Children’s Books, will be bringing joy to children this Christmas with events such as Wreath Making, Jack & The Giant Mystery Mini Panto, Breakfast with Mrs Claus and Christmas storytime to name but a few! Events from from 4 November to 23 December.
it wouldn’t be Christmas without the ever popular outdoor ice rink just outside the Life Science Centre in Times Square. The ice rink is suitable for all ages and abilities and it’s best to book as it is VERY popular. The sessions are approximately one hour which includes time to fit your skates, so expect to be on the ice for around 45 minutes. From Saturday 11 November 2023 to Sunday 7 January 2024. Wrap up warm!
With so much on offer during this holiday season you could be busy every day in the run up to Christmas, and you shouldn’t be stuck for christmas gifts to buy with so much choice open to you. Get your diary out and get them booked in to make sure you enjoy the festive period this year. I know I’m going to 🙂