Christmas in Newcastle and the North East starts well before December, and there is a lot happening in 2026. We have Christmas markets and light switch-ons, festive afternoon teas, winter light trails, pantomimes, castles decorated for Christmas and dog-friendly events. I’ve pulled together my picks across Newcastle, North Tyneside, Northumberland and County Durham.

I’ve spent the last few weeks putting this guide together, and this year Im really looking forward to making the most of Christmas this year. Last December I had a work trip and then ended up ill, so I missed quite a bit of it. I’m making up for that this time.

This isn’t every Christmas event happening in the North East. It’s my selection of places I’d genuinely like to visit, things I’d like to do and experiences I think are worth sharing. There’s plenty here for families, couples, groups of friends and anyone who also wants to make the most of getting out and enjoying the festive season.

I’ve organised everything by category, with dates and locations so you can plan ahead.

Planning note: This guide is based on my Christmas 2026 research, and was correct at the time of publishing. Events do sell out and can change so always check directly with the venue before travelling or booking.

Christmas markets in Newcastle and the North East 2026

Christmas markets are always one of the first things I look for when planning November and December. I love a good market morning, or once it gets dark and everything gets all twinkly, especially when it involves browsing independent stalls, finding a few gifts and getting something nice to eat afterwards.

There are some big Christmas markets across the region, but also plenty of smaller local ones that are worth including. 

Newcastle Christmas Market 2026

Dates: 19 November–23 December 2026 Location: Grey Street, Grainger Street, Monument and Nelson Street, Newcastle upon Tyne

Newcastle Christmas Market returns on Thursday 19 November, with more than 70 traders planned across the city centre. Newcastle City Council has confirmed that over 86% of the participating businesses are based within 20 miles of the city centre, which is good to see given how many local independents there are to support. Some of the stalls on the list are my favourites from other North East markets year round. 

The market spreads across several central streets, so it’s easy to combine with Christmas shopping in Grainger Market, Fenwick and the surrounding shops.

The Christmas lights are being switched on a week earlier, on 12 November.

Official details: Newcastle City Council Christmas 2026 announcement⁠. 

North Tyneside Christmas markets

If you’re looking for Christmas markets at the coast, there are several worth putting in your diary.

• Spanish City Christmas Market, Whitley Bay: 20–22 November
• North Shields Christmas Market: 5–6 December
• Tynemouth Station Market: Every Saturday and Sunday

Tynemouth Station Market is one I’d include in a Christmas shopping day regardless of the fact that it isn’t a dedicated festive event, it’s on every week but the stalls naturally get Christmassy at this time of year. You can browse the market and the independent shops around Tynemouth village, then stop somewhere for lunch or a coffee after too. It’s a great option for bad weather as it’s all under cover, and dog friendly too.

Northumberland Christmas Markets and Fayres

Northumberland has some lovely locations for Christmas markets, especially if you’d rather make a whole day of it than just visit the stalls. Turn a market visit into a full day out.

Christmas market	Dates
Brocksbushes Christmas Fayre	12–15 November
The Sill Christmas Fair	14–15 November
RNLI Christmas Fayre, Northumberland	14 November
Berwick Christmas Market	Saturdays, 14 November–19 December
Warkworth Christmas Market	21 November
Blanchland Artisan Christmas Market	21–22 November
Alnwick Garden Christmas Fair	21–22 November
Belsay Hall Christmas Craft Fair	21–22 November
Alnwick Castle Christmas Fair	24–25 November
Ford & Etal Christmas Market	28–29 November
Forage Christmas Market, Rigg & Furrow	5–6 December
Hexham Christmas Market	12 December
Hexham Abbey Christmas Fair	12 December

Warkworth is a good one to combine with a visit to the village, as the Christmas market and light switch-on are both listed for 21 November. I’ve been to it a few times and it is a busy but very festive night, with everyone piling into the Masons for a drink after. 

More Christmas Markets across Newcastle, Durham and the wider North East

Christmas market	Dates
Ouseburn Christmas Market	13 November
Wynyard Hall Christmas Fayre	20–22 November
Greek Christmas Market, Newcastle	21 November
South Causey Inn Christmas Markets	24 November; 1, 8, 15 and 22 December
Raby Castle Christmas Market	27–29 November
Crafty Bazaar Makers Market, Wylam Brewery	29 November
Jesmond Dene House Christmas Market	29 November
Bishop Auckland Christmas Town	3–6 December
Durham Christmas Festival	4–6 December
Blackfriars Christmas Market, Newcastle	5–6 December
Made Up North Winter Market, Boiler Shop	6 December
The Winter Market, Bowes Museum	11–13 December
Festive Artisan Market, Dalton Park	12–13 December
Crafty Bazaar Christmas Pop-Up, Grainger Market	19–20 December

The Boiler Shop, Wylam Brewery and Grainger Market are good options if you’re more interested in independent makers and gifts than the traditional outdoor market format. They are also indoors too so you don’t have to brave the weather and are unlikely to get called off.

Christmas Light Switch Ons in Newcastle, North Tyneside and Northumberland

Newcastle’s Christmas lights switch-on takes place on Thursday 12 November 2026, ahead of the city centre market opening the following week. Local favourites Steve and Karen have the honours again, and although it’s always rammed it has a lovely festive feel. 

There are also plenty of town and village switch ons throughout Northumberland, with several taking place over the weekend of 20–22 November.

Location	Date
Newcastle City Centre	12 November
Ouseburn	13 November
Morpeth	14 November
Spanish City, Whitley Bay	15 November
South Causey Inn	20 November
Alnwick	20 November
Hexham	20 November
Blyth	21 November
Ashington	21 November
Seahouses	21 November
Warkworth	21 November
Amble	22 November
Acorn Road, Jesmond	26 November
Prudhoe	27 November
Bamburgh	28 November
Bedlington	28 November
Rothbury	28 November
Belford	5 December

For the smaller towns and villages, check local council or organiser updates for the actual switch-on time, road closures and any accompanying markets or entertainment. I’d love to visit Alnwick’s as their lights are traditional and gorgeous around the market square and the entrance to the town.

Christmas Light Trails and Illuminations in the North East

If you want an evening out that isn’t centred around shopping or going for drinks, there are several Christmas light trails to choose from. 

Northern Lights at Leazes Park, Newcastle

Dates: 20 November–31 December 2026, excluding selected dates Location: Leazes Park, Newcastle upon Tyne

Northern Lights returns to Leazes Park with illuminated installations, interactive areas and festive food and drink.

This is a ticketed experience, and it doesn’t operate every evening. Newcastle City Council has confirmed closures on 23–25 and 30 November, and 1, 7, 8 and 25 December, so check your chosen date before booking.

Official information and tickets can be found here: Northern Lights Newcastle 2026⁠. 

More Christmas light trails

Experience	Dates
Enchanted Christmas Trail, Plotters’ Forest, Raby Castle	From 14 November
Mischievous Elves Trail, High Force Waterfall	14 November–3 January
The Alnwick Garden Winter Lights	20 November–3 January
AGLOW, Auckland Palace, Bishop Auckland	From 20 November
Ouseburn Farm Winter Light Up	26 November, 3–6.30pm
Cragside Illuminated Christmas Tree, Rothbury	From 28 November

The Alnwick Garden is a good choice if you’re planning a Christmas visit to Alnwick, while Raby Castle and High Force offer options further south in County Durham. 

Christmas at Northumberland Castles and Country Houses

This is one of my favourite categories. I love visiting Northumberland’s castles and country houses anyway, and Christmas gives you another reason to go back.

Rather than just visiting for an hour, these are the sorts of places I’d plan a full day around, particularly if there’s a café, gardens or another nearby village to explore.

Bamburgh Castle: A Christmas Carousel

Dates listed: 14 November 2026–3 January 2027 Location: Bamburgh, Northumberland

Bamburgh Castle’s Christmas event this year is titled A Christmas Carousel. It’s a good option to combine with time in Bamburgh village and a walk along the coast, depending on the weather. I really enjoyed the previous years I’ve been to, especially the 12 Days of Christmas, and the Fairytale one last year. Captain Hook’s chamber in the Billiard Room was absolutely incredible. It’s bound to be just as fabulous this year. 

Father Christmas visits are also listed from 28 November to 22 December.

Cragside, A Journey Through Fairyland

Dates listed: 28 November 2026–3 January 2027 Location: Rothbury, Northumberland

Cragside is one of my favourite Northumberland days out, and the Christmas theme for 2026 is A Journey Through Fairyland. I’ve never yet been to see the biggest Christmas Tree because the weather was so bad each time I planned to go, but hopefully this year. A visit to Cragside could easily be combined with a visit to Rothbury, especially if you’re planning a weekend in the area.

Raby Castle: Christmas at the Castle

From: 14 November 2026 Location: Staindrop, County Durham

Raby has a particularly full Christmas programme this year, with Christmas at the Castle, a family explorer experience, markets, festive afternoon teas, workshops and candlelit visits. I was lucky enough to get a preview tour on the press night last year and it is honestly stunning. They put so much detail into it to show what Christmas really would have been like for the family, and it includes real gifts and decorations from the castle archives. I definitely recommend targeting this one, they’re doing it again for 2026 and have a new Christmas shopping experience. I cant wait to see what it’s like. 

Christmas by Candlelight dates: 4, 11, 12, 18 and 19 December.

More Christmas castles and country houses

Venue and experience	Dates
Belsay Hall, Castle & Gardens – Walking with The Snowman	7 November–10 January
Lilidorei, Alnwick – A Lilidorei Christmas	16 November–3 January
Wallington Hall, Northumberland	28 November–3 January
Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle – Winter at the Museum	1 December–4 January
Alnwick Castle – Christmas Greetings LIVE	4 December

These dates span Christmas 2026 and where shown, January 2027.

Christmas Activities & Festive Days Out in Newcastle and the North East

Ice skating at Life Science Centre, Newcastle

Dates: 7 November 2026–3 January 2027 Location: Times Square, Newcastle upon Tyne

The Life’s outdoor ice rink is back from 7 November, with real ice and sessions lasting approximately an hour, including skate fitting.

Adult tickets are currently listed at £15.75, children’s tickets at £14.50, and there are £10 tickets for the opening weekend on 7–8 November. Booking ahead is recommended.

It’s an easy activity to combine with a visit to Newcastle city centre, particularly once the Christmas Market opens.

Official information and tickets: Life Science Centre ice skating⁠. 

Newcastle Christmas Village, Old Eldon Square

Dates: From 19 November 2026

Newcastle Christmas Village returns to Old Eldon Square with family activities, Santa Stories, Mrs Claus’ Bakery, Rockin’ Reindeer shows, a vintage carousel and a Ferris wheel. I haven’t spent too much time here as it’s definitely more geared for families but it’s cute and has some good food stalls that I’ve been to on the way to the match.

The village opens on 19 November, Santa Stories run until Christmas Eve, while the wider village continues until 31 December. 

More Festive Days Out

• Christmas at Beamish Museum: From 21 November
• Christmas at Locomotion, Shildon: From 26 November
• Christmas in Blyth: 1–19 December
• Magical Christmas Evenings, Beamish: From 3 December, hopefully you get as lucky as me the year it snowed, pictured above, it was amazing!
• Corbridge Christmas Weekend: 4–8 December
• Christmas Tree Festival, St Andrew’s Church, Corbridge: 4–8 December
• Christmas Cottage Hideaway, South Causey Inn: 11–23 December
• Candlelit Tours, Arbeia Roman Fort, South Shields: 12 December
• Christmas Clay Pigeon Shoot, South Causey Inn: 19 December
• Winter Warmer Heritage Train Rides, Stephenson Steam Railway: 30–31 December

Corbridge is one I’d consider for a Christmas shopping day. The Christmas Tree Festival is listed for 4–8 December, alongside other village activities. The shops in Corbridge go all out with their Christmas windows and it’s a lovely atmosphere.

Festive Afternoon Teas in Newcastle and the North East 2026

A festive afternoon tea is always a nice alternative to a Christmas night out, and there are quite a few across Newcastle, the coast, Northumberland and Durham this year.

Some are traditional afternoon teas with a Christmas menu, while others include live music, Santa visits or an additional experience.

Where to book a festive afternoon tea

Venue	Christmas 2026 dates
Raby Castle, The Vinery	14 November–19 December
Spanish City, Whitley Bay	18 November–31 December
The Alnwick Garden	19 November–27 December
South Causey Inn	From 27 November
The Grand Hotel, Tynemouth	30 November–25 December
The Tempus, Northumberland	1–23 December, Thursday–Saturday
The Vermont Hotel, Newcastle	1–31 December, excluding Christmas Day
Black Horse Beamish	1–31 December, Monday–Saturday
Seaham Hall	1–24 December
Redworth Hall	Throughout December
Radisson Blu, Durham	Throughout December
Doxford Hall	Throughout December, excluding 24–25 December
Bailiffgate Hotel, Alnwick	Throughout December
Jesmond Dene House, Newcastle	Throughout December
Matfen Hall, Northumberland	1–24 December
Wallington Hall, Northumberland	1, 2, 8, 9, 15 and 16 December

Other venues on my Christmas afternoon tea list include The Biscuit Factory Kitchen, Slaley Hall, Hotel du Vin Newcastle and Langley Castle. Some exact dates are to be confirmed but browse their websites for the latest information.

Festive afternoon teas with something extra

If you’re booking for a particular occasion, these are worth looking at.

Experience	Date
Jo Malone Winter Fragrance Afternoon Tea, Jesmond Dene House	8 November
Festive Afternoon Tea & Castle Tour, Raby Castle	1–4, 8–11 and 15–17 December
Afternoon Tea with Santa, Spanish City	5, 6, 13, 19, 20, 23 and 24 December
Festive Afternoon Tea & Waterfall Walk, High Force Hotel	6, 13 and 20 December
Santa Paws & Festive Afternoon Tea, South Causey Inn	12 December
Festive Afternoon Tea with Brass Band, The Vermont Hotel	17 December
Afternoon Tea & Christmas Brass Band, South Causey Inn	19 December
Christmas Choir & Afternoon Tea, South Causey Inn	21 December

The High Force option is a good one if you want to combine afternoon tea with getting outdoors, while the brass band and choir events offer something a little different from a standard hotel afternoon tea.

Christmas Creative workshops

Christmas workshops are another good option for a day out with friends, especially if you fancy doing something rather than just going for food or drinks. Most of the Christmas Wreath Making workshops are already sold out, so I’ve not included many, but I have included baking, sewing, floristry and Christmas decoration workshops across the region.

Workshop	Date
Christmas Pudding Cookery Masterclass, Raby Castle	7–8 November
Gingerbread House Making, Blackfriars Newcastle	22 November
Christmas Stocking Sewing Workshop, Whitley Bay	22 November
Yule Decoration Workshop, Ad Gefrin, Wooler	24 November
Christmas Decoration Embroidery, Shipley Art Gallery	28 November
Gingerbread Making, Fenwick Newcastle	3–17 December
Fused Glass Christmas Decorations, Shipley Art Gallery	5 December
Christmas Crafts, Wallington Hall	5 and 9 December
Christmas Door Swag Workshop, Raby Castle	11 and 18 December
Craft a Christmas Star, The Biscuit Factory	11 and 14 December
Stained Glass Robin Workshop, Newcastle Cathedral	13 December
Christmas Biscuit & Treat Baking, Pink Lane Bakery, Gosforth	15 December
Festive Garland Workshop, Raby Castle	17 December
Christmas Table Centrepiece Floristry, Shipley Art Gallery	19 December
Festive Tablescape Workshop, Raby Castle	19 December
Luxury Christmas Table Arrangement Workshop, Raby Castle	20 December

There are also Merry Makers Family Craft Sessions at Seaton Delaval Hall on selected Fridays and Saturdays. Raby Castle has several workshops throughout November and December, so it’s worth looking at the full programme rather than booking the first one you see.

Christmas Tipis, Igloos & Festive bars in Newcastle and the North East

For Christmas drinks, Newcastle bars always excel themselves with the decor and the Christmas cocktail specials. This year there are a number of seasonal pop-up bars, alpine-style venues and igloos. There are also a few outside the city if you’re planning a festive evening elsewhere.

Festive Pop-Up Bars and Tipis

Venue	Dates
Christmas at Grey Street Pop-Up Bar, Newcastle	12 November–24 December
Christmas in Newcastle Retro Bar at Rusty’s	13 November–24 December
Pavilion Christmas Tipi, Carlisle Park, Morpeth	14 November–3 January
Moosenwirt Alpine Bar, Grey Street	19 November–31 December
Moosenwirt Luxe Igloos, Grey Street	19 November–31 December
The North Pole Igloos, Grey’s Monument	19 November–27 December
The Alpine Tipi, The Tempus, Northumberland	20 November–19 December, Fridays and Saturdays
Christmas Tipi, Newcastle Christmas Village	From 21 November in original event notes
Yuletide Yurt, Raby Castle	6, 12, 13, 19 and 20 December

Newcastle Bars I Love for Christmas Drinks

You don’t have to go to a dedicated Christmas pop-up to have a good night out. These are some of my favourite Newcastle bars to visit over the festive season:

• Harry’s Bar
• The Dubliner
• WC Newcastle
• Café Mercy
• The Old George
• Hibou Blanc

These are year-round bars rather than confirmed temporary Christmas installations. If you’re planning a Friday or Saturday night in December, I’d check bookings and opening arrangements in advance.

Santa Experiences & Christmas Grottos in the North East 2026

There are a lot of Santa experiences across the North East, and although they don’t apply for me personally I thought I better include some. These range from traditional grottos to railway journeys, castle visits and full family activities.

I’ve separated them into the main experiences, Santa dining and quieter sessions to make it easier to find what you’re looking for.

Santa experiences in Newcastle, North Tyneside and Northumberland

Santa experience	Dates
Santa on the Roof, Fenwick Newcastle	From 2 November
Santa’s Grotto, Dalton Park	7 November–24 December
Santa’s Enchanted Elf Journey, Whitehouse Farm	21 November–24 December
Santa’s Grotto, Beamish Museum	21 November–24 December
The Santa Experience, Life Science Centre	21 November–23 December
Father Christmas at Raby Castle	From 21 November
Santa Experience, Hexham Moot Hall	25 November–24 December
Father Christmas at Bamburgh Castle	28 November–22 December
Kielder Winter Wonderland	28–29 November; 5, 6, 12, 13 and 19–23 December
North Pole Express, Tanfield Railway	From 28 November
Santa Express, Weardale Railway	From 28 November
Santa’s Grotto, Matfen Hall	4–20 December
Father Christmas at Belsay Hall	Weekends, 5–20 December
Father Christmas Experience, Wallington Hall	Selected dates, 5–21 December
Santa’s Steam Train Adventure, Aln Valley Railway	5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20 and 21 December
Christmas Specials, Heatherslaw Light Railway	5–6 December
Elf Express, Stephenson Steam Railway	5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 22 and 23 December
Festive Tales with Father Christmas, Woodhorn Museum	5, 6, 12, 13 and 19–24 December
Santa at The Tempus Alpine Tipi	12 December

Wallington Hall also has walkaround Father Christmas and Mrs Christmas storytelling on 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 21 and 22 December.

Raby Castle’s Yuletide Yurt has Mr and Mrs Claus appearances listed for 6, 12, 13, 19 and 20 December.

Life Science Centre’s 2026 experience is called The Santa Experience: Operation Christmas Eve, with dates confirmed from 21 November to 23 December. 

Breakfast, Lunch and Afternoon Tea with Santa

Experience	Dates
Santa Stories & Festive Afternoon Tea, South Causey Inn	5 December
Breakfast with Santa, Beamish Museum	5, 6, 12, 13, 19 and 20 December
Breakfast with Santa, South Causey Inn	5 and 12 December
Santa Sundays, South Causey Inn	6, 13 and 20 December
Santa Sunday Lunch, The Vermont Hotel	6–20 December
Afternoon Tea with Santa, Spanish City	5, 6, 13, 19, 20, 23 and 24 December
Santa’s Tea Party, John Lewis Newcastle	4–5 December
Meet Santa & Afternoon Tea, Langley Castle	13 December
Christmas Eve Santa Lunch, South Causey Inn	24 December

Quieter and accessible Santa experiences

For those who need quieter sessions included then these are particularly worth checking if a busy grotto isn’t suitable for your child.

• Relaxed Kielder Winter Wonderland Experience: 28 November
• Quiet Father Christmas Experience, Wallington Hall: 13 and 22 December
• Pre-school Father Christmas Experience, Wallington Hall: 15 December
• Quiet Santa Sessions, Beamish Museum: 19, 20 and 23 December

Check the organisers’ accessibility information before booking, as the format and adjustments will vary by venue.

Christmas Pantomimes & Theatre Shows in Newcastle and the North East 2026

Christmas theatre is another category with plenty of choice, whether you’re taking children to a panto, going with friends or looking for something different from the usual Christmas films.

Newcastle Christmas Panto 2026

Jack and the Beanstalk – Newcastle Theatre Royal Dates: 24 November 2026–17 January 2027

Newcastle Theatre Royal’s pantomime for Christmas 2026 is Jack and the Beanstalk, featuring Danny Adams, Clive Webb, Chris Hayward and Joe McElderry.

It’s one of the big annual Christmas events in Newcastle, so if you’ve got a particular weekend or performance in mind, I’d look at tickets sooner rather than later.

Official tickets: Jack and the Beanstalk at Newcastle Theatre Royal⁠. 

Christmas Panto’s Across the North East

Pantomime	Venue	Dates
Rapunzel	Gala Theatre, Durham	19 November–31 December
Sleeping Beauty	The Customs House, South Shields	20 November–2 January
Beauty and the Beast	Empire Theatre, Consett	27 November–31 December
Sleeping Beauty	Forum Theatre, Billingham	2 December–3 January
Aladdin	Tyne Theatre & Opera House, Newcastle	4 December–3 January
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs	Whitley Bay Playhouse	4 December–3 January
Mother Goose	Seaton Delaval Arts Centre	4–12 December
Jack and the Beanstalk	Phoenix Theatre, Blyth	5–27 December
Jack and the Beanstalk	The Straw Yard, Berwick	5–31 December
Goldilocks and the Three Bears	Market Pavilion, Blyth	5–12 December
Aladdin	Middlesbrough Theatre	5–31 December
Robin Hood	Bishop Auckland Town Hall	5–6 December
Cinderella	Hartlepool Town Hall Theatre	10–27 December
Pinocchio	Princess Alexandra Auditorium, Yarm	10–30 December
Beauty and the Beast	Darlington Hippodrome	11 December–3 January
Peter Pan	Sunderland Empire	11 December–3 January
Jack and the Beanstalk	Majestic Theatre, Darlington	12–28 December

Also on the list is Sleeping Beauty at Alnwick Playhouse, scheduled for 27–31 January 2027, rather than during December itself.

Other Christmas theatre and family shows

• A Musical Christmas Carol, Ponteland Memorial Hall: 13–15 November
• Boulevard Christmas Spectacular, Newcastle: 13 November–3 January
• The Snow Queen, Northern Stage, Newcastle: 3–24 December
• A Christmas Carol, Queen’s Hall, Hexham: 5 December–2 January
• The Snow Globe, Queen’s Hall, Hexham: 5–31 December
• The Canny Christmas Show, Discovery Museum, Newcastle: 12, 13, 19 and 20 December
• Heart of Winter, Alnwick Playhouse: 19–29 December
• The Great Festive Dinosaur Show, Great North Museum: 19–23 and 28–31 December
• The Great Baldini’s Christmas Magic, Alnwick Playhouse: 20 December
• Christmas Rocks, O2 City Hall Newcastle: 27–30 December
• A Christmas Carol, Alnwick Playhouse: 27 December

Christmas Concerts & Candlelight Performances

If you’d prefer music to a panto, there are several concerts at Newcastle Cathedral and other venues.

Performance	Date
Joe McElderry’s Festive Party, O2 City Hall	22 November
Rock Choir Christmas, Newcastle Cathedral	2 December
Christmas Greetings LIVE, Alnwick Castle	4 December
Christmas by Candlelight, Newcastle Cathedral	11 and 19 December
Bublé Christmas by Candlelight, Newcastle Cathedral	12 December
Candlelit Carols, Newcastle Cathedral	21 December
Vivaldi Four Seasons at Christmas, Newcastle Cathedral	22 December

Christmas Films & Cinema Experiences in Newcastle and the North East

I love a Christmas film, but going to see one at the cinema or with a live orchestra is a bit more of an occasion than watching it at home and I’m so excited to do Home Alone Eatflix at the new Tynemouth venue this year.

There are several options to choose from including traditional screenings at Tyneside Cinema to film and food experiences and concerts at The Glasshouse.

Tyneside Cinema Christmas Films

As usual Tyneside Cinema have a huge Christmas programme includes screenings of:

• Home Alone and Home Alone 2
• Arthur Christmas
• Elf
• The Muppet Christmas Carol
• The Grinch
• The Nightmare Before Christmas
• The Polar Express
• The Santa Clause
• It’s a Wonderful Life
• The Snowman & The Snowdog double bill
• The Gruffalo’s Child and Stick Man

Home Alone 2 is listed for 21 December, with other films running on various dates throughout the season.

Christmas films with afternoon tea at Tyneside Cinema

Film	Date
Little Women	29 November
Love Actually	29 November
Home Alone	5 December
The Holiday	6 December
The Muppet Christmas Carol	6 December
It’s a Wonderful Life	Multiple December dates
Last Christmas	13 December
Elf	13 December

There are also The Holiday and Love Actually screenings with popcorn and prosecco, It’s a Wonderful Life with a mince pie and prosecco, and a Home Alone Family Supper Club on 22 December.

Christmas films with a live orchestra at The Glasshouse, Gateshead

Film concert	Date
Home Alone in Concert	5–6 December
Home Alone 2 in Concert	20 December
The Muppet Christmas Carol in Concert	22 December
The Snowman in Concert	23–24 December

These are particularly good options for a Christmas evening out if you want something that feels different from a regular cinema trip.

Other festive film experiences

Eatflix, Heaton and Tynemouth

• The Nightmare Before Christmas, Heaton – 9 and 16 November
• How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Heaton – multiple dates, November–January
• Elf, Tynemouth – multiple December dates
• Home Alone, Tynemouth – multiple December dates

South Causey Inn – Film & Feast

• Elf – 12 December
• Home Alone – 22 December
• The Holiday – 23 December

Festive Flix, Old Eldon Square as part of the Christmas village.

Christmas Dining, Supper Clubs & Festive Nights Out

For anyone planning a Christmas get together that isn’t a traditional party night, there are some interesting dining events, tastings and supper clubs across the region. So many restaurants are obviously putting on Christmas menus and dinner, but these are more specific events than just festive menus. 

Festive dining experiences

Event	Date
Dance Through the Decades, Radisson Blu Durham	27 November and 4 December
Madonna Live Tribute Night, Redworth Hall	4 December
Pol Roger Champagne Dinner, Jesmond Dene House	4 December
Christmas Murder Mystery Dinner, Holiday Inn Jesmond	4 and 11 December
Festive Stargazing Suppers, High Force Hotel	4, 5, 11, 12, 18 and 19 December
Whisky Tasting Evening, Matfen Hall	11 December
007 Casino Night, Radisson Blu Durham	11 December
Christmas Supper Club, Bradley Gardens, Wylam	12 December

Christmas events at Blackfriars, Newcastle

• Gingerbread House Making – 22 November
• Come Wine With Me Festive Wine Tasting – 27–28 November; 12, 18 and 19 December
• Christmas & Canapés Masterclass – 12–13 December
• Beef Wellington Masterclass – 21–22 December

Christmas events at The Biscuit Factory, Newcastle

• Winter Table Supper Club – 27 November
• Christmas Eve Brunch – 24 December
• New Year’s Eve Brunch – 31 December

Christmas events at South Causey Inn

• Christmas Soul & Motown Night – 27 November
• Christmas Band Night – 4 December
• Christmas Party Nights – 5, 11 and 18 December
• Christmas Glam Rock Night – 11 December
• Christmas Bingo With Balls – 12 December
• Festive Lunch & Live Entertainment – 17 December
• Christmas Bingo With Balls Lunch – 19 December

Dog-friendly Christmas events in Newcastle and the North East

Obviously I couldn’t put together a Christmas guide without including some dog-friendly events. Arthur tends to feature in the majority of my plans anyway, so I’m always looking at what’s happening that dogs can join in with. One year we even went on the train to Edinburgh and that was a great dog friendly Christmas market trip I’d recommend – but more through the week when it’s not as busy as weekends.

Here we have Santa Paws sessions, Christmas walks and dog-focused markets across the region.

Dog-friendly Christmas event	Date
Santa Paws Photoshoot for Guide Dogs, South Pelaw	22 November
Santa Paws Walk & Breakfast, South Causey Inn	5 December
Santa Paws at Dobbies Birtley	Multiple December dates
Santa Paws at Dobbies Ponteland	Multiple December dates
Santa Paws at Dobbies Stockton	Multiple December dates
Paws & Claus, Beamish Museum	4, 11 and 18 December
Santa Paws, Raby Castle Yuletide Yurt	11 December
Santa Paws & Festive Afternoon Tea, South Causey Inn	12 December
Pints & Pooches Christmas Special, Wylam Brewery	12 December
Ouseburn Doggy Christmas Market, Ouseburn Garden	13 December
TRAILDOG Christmas Run, Druridge Bay	13 December

A note about dog-friendly Christmas days out: A venue being dog-friendly in general doesn’t necessarily mean dogs are allowed into its grotto, indoor Christmas displays or ticketed events. Check the individual event’s rules before setting off, particularly for castle interiors and afternoon teas.

Christmas Shopping in Newcastle, North Tyneside and Northumberland

I always include independent shops and local high streets in my Christmas recommendations, because Christmas shopping isn’t just about the big markets and shopping centres.

There are so many good independent businesses across Newcastle, the coast and Northumberland, and this is a particularly important time of year to support them. The Tynemouth late night evenings is one of my favourites, right on my doorstep and it’s such a wholesome community atmosphere. 

Christmas Shopping Nights and Events

Event	Date
Raby Castle Late Night Christmas Shopping	12 November
Tynemouth Christmas Shopping Night	19 November
CBK Cullercoats Christmas Shopping Night	19 November
Nucasa x Kocktail Christmas Event, Jesmond	26 November
Whitley Bay Late Night Christmas Shopping	26–27 November
Grainger Christmas Night Market, Newcastle	1 December – to confirm
Nucasa Christmas Shopping Evening, Jesmond	3 December
Small Business Saturday, Corbridge	5 December
Corbridge Christmas Shopping Night	7 December

Where I’d go for Independent Christmas Shopping

Newcastle and Gateshead

Grainger Market is an obvious place to start for independent traders and local businesses. I also like including Heaton, Acorn Road in Jesmond and Brentwood Avenue for smaller shops and gift ideas.

For high street shopping, there’s Eldon Square in Newcastle and Metrocentre in Gateshead.

North Tyneside

Tynemouth village is always worth a browse, especially alongside the weekend market. Park View in Whitley Bay is another good area for independent shops, while North Shields has a growing selection of town-centre traders.

Northumberland

Alnwick town centre and Corbridge are both worth visiting for independent boutiques and gifts. Bradley Gardens near Wylam is another option if you’re looking for a more specific Christmas shopping trip.

You don’t necessarily need a dedicated Christmas market to have a really good festive shopping day.

How I’d plan a Christmas day out in the North East

With so many events happening, I find it much easier to pick an area and combine a few things rather than travel all over the region in one day. These are some of the combinations I’d consider.

A Christmas day in Newcastle city centre

Start with Fenwick’s window before the crowds mean you’re queuing all day. It’s the Gruffalo’s Child this year and it’s lovely. Follow this with some Christmas shopping around Grainger Market, Fenwick and the businesses in the city centre, then visit Newcastle Christmas Market on Grey Street and around Monument.

You could add ice skating at Life, a Christmas film at Tyneside Cinema, or book one of the Christmas bars for later.

The main market opens on 19 November, so plan your date around that if it’s the main reason for visiting.

A Christmas day at the North Tyneside coast

Browse Tynemouth Station Market and the shops in Tynemouth village, then head along to Whitley Bay for Park View and Spanish City.

The Spanish City Christmas Market is listed for 20–22 November, so that weekend would be a good one to consider.

A Christmas day in Northumberland

I’d choose one of the castle or country house Christmas experiences as the main activity, then add a nearby town or village.

Bamburgh Castle and Bamburgh village make a natural combination. Cragside and Rothbury work well together too, while Alnwick Garden and the town centre are another option.

A Christmas day in County Durham

Raby Castle has enough going on across November and December to plan a visit around its Christmas programme, whether that’s a market, afternoon tea, workshop or evening event.

Alternatively, Durham Christmas Festival is listed for 4–6 December, which would be a good weekend for Christmas shopping and a visit to Durham city centre.

Frequently asked questions about Christmas in Newcastle 2026

When does Newcastle Christmas Market start in 2026?

Newcastle Christmas Market starts on Thursday 19 November 2026 and runs until Wednesday 23 December 2026, across Grey Street, Grainger Street, Monument and Nelson Street. Newcastle City Council

When are Newcastle’s Christmas lights switched on in 2026?

Newcastle city centre’s Christmas lights switch-on is on Thursday 12 November 2026. Other towns across North Tyneside and Northumberland have their own switch-ons throughout November and early December. Newcastle City Council

What Christmas activities are there for adults in Newcastle?

Options include Newcastle Christmas Market, ice skating at Life, Christmas bars and igloos, festive afternoon teas, creative workshops, Christmas film screenings, candlelight concerts, supper clubs and Northern Lights at Leazes Park.

What free Christmas activities are there in Newcastle?

You can browse the city centre Christmas Market, see Fenwicks window, enjoy the Christmas lights and explore local shopping streets without buying a ticket. Individual market purchases, rides and some organised attractions cost extra. The Christmas light switch-on is also free.

Where can I see Christmas lights in Newcastle and Northumberland?

Newcastle has its city centre lights and the ticketed Northern Lights trail at Leazes Park. Further afield, options include Alnwick Garden Winter Lights, the illuminated Christmas programme at Raby Castle and the Christmas tree at Cragside. There are also town and village light switch-ons across Northumberland.

Making the most of Christmas in the North East

I’ve tried to include a good mix of the big Christmas events and smaller local things happening across the region. Some are worth booking well in advance, while others are perfect for a free afternoon, a browse around the shops or a day out somewhere you might not have visited for a while.

This year I’m looking forward to getting out to some of the Northumberland Christmas displays, as stormy weather put a dampener on quite a few last December. I’ll also be doing the usual festive activities in Newcastle and at the coast.

There’ll inevitably be more events announced as Christmas gets closer, so I’ll keep updating this guide where I can. For now, hopefully it’s given you plenty of ideas for making the most of Christmas 2026 across Newcastle and the North East.