Looking for festive activities in the Northeast this Christmas? We’ve got you covered with Christmas events in and around Newcastle. From markets, to light shows, and even castles, this list has something for everyone.
1. Special Screening of The Snowman
The iconic Sage venue in Gateshead is putting on a very special screening of The Snowman by Raymond Briggs this Christmas. The Snowman, accompanied live by the Royal Northern Sinfonia, is available to watch from the 22nd to the 24th of December.
2. North Shields Christmas Market
North Shields Christmas market is the perfect opportunity to explore a Christmas market without the hustle and bustle of the city centre. Just 25 minutes on the Metro from Central Station Newcastle, why not head to North Shields to enjoy a fantastic mix of festive stalls, food and drink?
3. Fenwick’s Christmas Window
An annual tradition, Fenwick Newcastle unveils a unique and beautiful Christmas window every year, much to the delight of shoppers. This year, the theme of the window series is “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens, created in partnership with author and artist Chris Riddell. The window is set to be displayed until January, so you can catch it all Festive Season long. While you’re at it, stop off at the Fenwick Christmas shop, located on the Lower Ground Floor, to pick up gifts and treats.
4. Ice Skating at the Centre for Life
From the 8th of November to the 4th of January, the ice skating rink at Newcastle’s Centre for Life is back open! Whether you’re a novice or a pro, ice skating is the perfect way to get in the Christmas spirit. Go with friends, family, or maybe on a wintery date. Sessions last an hour, with the earliest slots at 10am and the latest finishing at 8pm.
5. Northern Lights Trail at Leazes Park
Looking for more festive date ideas this winter? This light trail around Leazes Park in Newcastle is ideal. The mile long walk guides you through 15 different illumination zones. It also features a Christmas village complete with festive food and drinks. The Northern Lights Trail is available from the 27th of November to the 31st of December.
6. Silent Disco at Newcastle Christmas Market
The best thing about Newcastle Christmas Market’s silent disco is that it’s completely free! A little bit silly, but a lot of fun, this is the perfect activity after a day of shopping. Plus, there’s no need to book, and the disco is on every Friday (5-8pm), Saturday (10am-8pm), and Sunday (10am-5pm) until Christmas.
7. Beamish at Christmas
Beamish museum is an open-air living museum in County Durham, which recreates the history of the Northeast. Walk through immersive recreations of the 1820s, 1900s, 1940s, and 1950s. You can watch a Christmas film from Hollywood’s Golden Age in the 1950s Grand Cinema, for £5. Or you could enjoy live music and traditional yuletide decorations at one of Beamish’s Christmas evenings. Hands-on activities, nostalgic treats, and festive decorations continue during Beamish’s daytime activities too, so there’s something for everyone.
8. Auckland Palace at Christmas
The AGLOW light trail at Ackland Palace in Bishop Auckland has some of the largest light installations in the country, and promises to be the perfect Christmas outing. The X21 bus runs regularly from Newcastle to Bishop Auckland, and the 6 runs regularly from Durham.
9. Raby Castle
Raby Estates in County Durham put on a fantastic array of events for the festive season. For the first time in over 50 years, the ground-floor rooms at Raby castle have been dressed for Christmas. A new tour of the ground floor tells the story of Christmas Day at the castle through 8 beautifully decorated rooms. Spot the 200-strong herd of deer in the Castle’s deer park. You could also experience the Castle by candlelight on the 13th or 20th of December.
I’m a recent graduate of History at Durham University, and am currently studying my Master’s in History at the same uni. I love all things arts and culture, and I’m usually getting involved in music or drama in some way or other!
