Christmas in Newcastle: Markets, Lights and Winter Wonderland

The Christmas market typically occupies the area around the Centre for Life on Times Square and the surrounding streets from late November through to Christmas Eve. The stalls cover the standard German market fare – bratwurst, mulled wine, Christmas gifts, and various food and craft offerings. The setting alongside the Centre for Life buildings gives it a more coherent atmosphere than a street market alone would achieve. Go on a weekday afternoon to avoid the peak weekend crowds.

The Centre for Life science centre on Times Square runs a Winter Wonderland programme through December that is particularly good for families. Ice skating, festive programming in the science exhibitions, and the general atmosphere of the riverside location make it one of the better Christmas family days out in the region. Booking for skating sessions is advisable – they fill up on weekends.

The Newcastle Christmas lights switch-on is a significant annual event, typically happening in late November. The city centre is closed to traffic, live entertainment is staged on Grey Street and around Grey’s Monument, and the moment the lights go on draws large crowds. The light installation along Grey Street – considered one of the finest Georgian streets in England – is genuinely impressive when lit. Check the council’s events programme for exact dates.

The Fenwick department store on Northumberland Street runs a Christmas window display that has been an annual Newcastle tradition for decades. The animated window – a different theme each year – draws large crowds when it’s revealed and continues to attract visitors through the Christmas period. Worth seeing, particularly with children.

The Grainger Market becomes even more worth visiting in December – the produce stalls are well-stocked for Christmas cooking and the atmosphere in the Victorian building around Christmas is one of Newcastle’s seasonal pleasures. The Quayside bars run Christmas party nights from early December.