Newcastle at Christmas: what to see and do in 2024
Looking for Christmas activities in Newcastle? We've got you covered. Join us for a festive tour of the Toon.
It's the most wonderful Tyne of the year!
This year, Tinseltoon is bulging with treats and activities like an oversized stocking.
From staples like the Christmas market and the Fenwick Newcastle Christmas Window to one-off tours and grottos, there's something for everyone.
And if you need to get around this Christmas, why not rent a car? It's – but no. More of that later. First, let's see what Christmas in Newcastle has in store for kids of all ages.
Do we smell Glühwein?
Christmas Market
For many, no Christmas would be complete without a trip to the Christmas market – and Newcastle continues to lay it on in style.
Running from Saturday 16 November to Sunday 22 December, the market on Grainger Street features the bustling stalls you'd expect. Curio collectors and last-minute gift shoppers, rejoice!
But there's more to the market than, well, just a market. There's a box-fresh Christmas village in Old Eldon Square. If you're wondering where to take the kids for some festive fun, this could be just what Dasher ordered.
Above the market, you can warm your Christmas cockles and enjoy the views with food and drink in the North Pole igloo pods.
There's a carousel, the Moosenwirt alpine bar and, of course, a mighty, lighty Christmas tree. All in all, it's the perfect destination for getting into the Christmas spirit and supporting local traders while you're at it.
Oh, and it's free entry. Get in!
Christmas at the Cathedral
Newcastle Cathedral has a rich and storied past. Founded in 1091, the church was destroyed by fire in 1216. The building you see today was completed in 1350 and restored in 1777.
A building like Newcastle Cathedral is all about tradition. So, it's fitting that it should be a place where new traditions can emerge.
Christmas at the Cathedral is now in its 11th year. It's a night of music, song, laughs and local celebrities, all in aid of cancer research charity the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.
"Local celebrities?" you say. "Who's that then?" Well, the event has a strict "no spoilers" policy so we can't tell you just yet. Previous appearances, however, have been made by Stephen Tompkinson, Tim Healy, Denise Welch and the great Jimmy Nail.
The Cathedral itself will be decked out with lighting, sound and vast TV screens to ensure a good view for all ticket holders.
Interested? Then get yourself a ticket from the Theatre Royal Newcastle (not the Cathedral itself). The stage is set for another night to remember!
Life Science Centre
From the Christmas village in Old Eldon Square, it's just a 15-minute walk to another kind of village: the science village at Life Science Centre.
In its own words, the centre is "a place where educators, researchers, clinicians and businesses work side-by-side on one site… a unique concept, unlike anything else in the world."
This Christmas, it's laying on a spread of entertainment. Just outside the centre will be an ice rink made of real ice for skaters of all ages and skill levels.
Sessions last around an hour. Skaters should be prepared for 45 minutes on the ice, as the session includes getting your skates fitted.
In the planetarium, there's the Santa Experience. Look up and see Good Mr Nick himself fly around the world delivering presents. Tickets are limited, so book now to avoid disappointment.
There are more festive activities on the cards and the science centre will be open as usual.
Santa's grottos
Children all over the world look forward to a trip to Santa's grotto. The presents. The big man in a suit. The sharing of Christmas wishes. It's all – well, it's all a bit like Christmas, isn't it?
This year, Newcastle is a veritable Santa convention, with grottos popping up all over the shop.
There's the Elf Express at the Stephenson Steam Railway Museum – a four-mile steam train journey complete with Christmas decorations and a visit from Santa himself.
There's a grotto at Matfen Hall. There's the Elf Academy at Metrocentre, where kids can learn all the skills required to be a jolly green elf. There's breakfast with Mrs Claus and her Christmas tales at Seven Stories. There's even an afternoon tea with Santa at Fenwick Newcastle.
So, if you want to give your kids an experience (and a gift) they won't forget, explore your grotto options this Christmas.
Assembly House
Residents of and frequent visitors to Newcastle will probably have walked past an unassuming building on Westgate Road. The Assembly House may not scream "cultural treasure", but it has a rich history characteristic of the city.
It's currently closed for restoration – but in a Christmas miracle, its owners are throwing open the doors for a public tour.
Learn all about its role in the region's arts over the centuries – and what its future may hold. Tickets are free, but any donations will go towards the upkeep of this local treasure.
Tours begin at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. and last 40 minutes each. Although the event is free, you should make sure you book a ticket in advance.
Please note that this historical building is unfortunately not accessible to wheelchair users.
Need a sleigh for your Christmas trip?
Christmas is meant to be a time of peace and quiet. But often, there's a dollop of stress on the side – and travel arrangements can make it worse.
This Christmas, why not
rent a car in Newcastle for your travel needs? It's a great way to get from A to B in a vehicle you might not normally drive at a competitive price. And who knows? It might just alleviate some of that Yuletide stress, too.
So, wherever you're spending Christmas this year, give us a call on (0191) 4888 700 or
get in touch online. We'll have you on the road in no time.
