Festive magic has arrived in Newcastle thanks to a sparkling array of Christmas markets, cosy igloos and pop up experiences across the city centre. Here’s a round-up of all the festive fun.
~ Advertorial ~
It’s the most magical time of the year, and at last, Christmas vibes are in the air across Newcastle.
Fenwick department store unveiled its mesmerising 12 Days of Christmas themed window display a few weekends ago and the city’s canopy of street lights were officially switched on last week.
Rounding off Newcastle’s festive extravaganza, the Christmas markets and new village at Old Eldon Square are now open too. It’s the city’s biggest winter programme yet, with lots of new additions to look out for.
Here’s your round-up of what to see and do this year to celebrate the yuletide season, Geordie style!
Newcastle's Christmas markets
This year’s Christmas markets are clustered around Grey’s Monument and along Grey Street and Grainger Street. A handful are also located within the Christmas village at Old Eldon Square (the green area alongside Blackett Street, framed by Nando’s and Wagamama).
They’re open from 10am to 8pm Monday to Saturday, and between 10am and 5pm on Sundays up until 22nd December.
Whatever your festive foodie desires, you’ll be sure to find something to tempt your tastebuds.
Some highlights include: Redheads Mac ‘N’ Cheese, Geordie Banger Co, Fire & Dough, Zenobia, La Petite Creperie, Pablo Eggs-Go-Bao, Parm-O-Rama and Festive Yorkshire Pudding Wraps.
And if you’re on the lookout for a unique gift or perhaps a little treat for yourself, there’s a host of local traders, including the Eco Stall, Katherine’s Florists, Elektrik Sheep, Sopharia Jewellery and Komono Accessories.
Not all the vendors will be selling their culinary creations and creative wares for the full run of the Christmas markets, but the dates for each one are listed on the official Newcastle’s Christmas website.
North Pole luxury igloos
The North Pole is new for this year, featuring cosy igloos perched on the plinth around Grey’s Monument. This is a prime spot that offers fantastic views over all the Christmassy goings-on in the city centre.
There are six igloos, each decked out with pretty lights and a large wooden table with furry throws over the benches. They’re proper toasty inside, so you won’t need to layer up!
I loved the Christmas tunes playing inside our dome, featuring classics from the likes of Dean Martin and Peggy Lee. They really set the nostalgic, festive ambience!
On the menu, you’ll find over 20 hot chocolates. I went for a scrumptious Baileys and my boyfriend had an aromatic mint. You can also enjoy wine, fizz, mulled wine or draught beers.
We tucked into a delicious grazing board crammed with meat, cheese, crackers, bread, olives and dips.
You can also scan your table number and order hot food from the local vendors and market stalls and bring it back into your dome.
Each igloo can accommodate up to 12 people and is priced from as little as a £20pp minimum spend. It’s ideal for a group outing with your besties as that will lower the price per head. A range of drinks packages are available too.
You can pre-book an igloo for 1 hour 45 mins by visiting the Moosenwirt website.
Moosenwirt Alpine bar
Moosenwirt has become something of a festive fixture on Grey Street in recent years, so it’s great to see it back again!
This Alpine-themed pop up comprises a giant yurt, luxury igloo, log wood bar, and fire pit areas. It’s super snug, and a great spot to enjoy a tipple.
You can also enjoy live acoustic music while you sip on your mulled wine or boozy hot choc surrounded by fairy lights.
The bar is open daily from 10am to 11pm and entry is free.
Christmas village
Old Eldon Square has been transformed into a sprawling Christmas village.
A tall, twinkly Christmas tree and traditional carousel light up this space, with market stalls, a marshmallow toasting area, and a hot chocolate hut all nearby.
There’s also lots to entertain your little ones.
Inside the Elf School, kids (aged 3 and up) can take part in fun activities, from crafting their own elf profile and making decorations to creating magical reindeer dust. Every child gets an Elf Certificate and photo opportunities with the elves.
Rockin Reindeer is a festive stage showcasing a progamme of live entertainment and sing-alongs. And in the Santa Stories Tipi, Father Christmas provides an immersive storytelling experience.
To view all the time slots and book your place, visit the official website.
Other highlights to look out for
Newcastle has certainly got Christmas all wrapped up this year!
My top tip is to go into the city centre once it’s dark, as it looks so enchanting all sparkly and lit up, and you’ll capture some stunning photos.
The Theatre Royal looks incredible with glittering lights winding around its pillars, and many of our local, independent bars are serving special festive-themed cocktails too, so you will definitely be spoilt for choice!
If you’re looking for more inspiration, check out my blog post on 17 cool things to do in the city this winter.
For more information about Christmas in Newcastle, visit newcastleschristmas.com.
