Christmas lovers, rejoice. As the temperatures creep lower and lower and shopping starts to feel like a reenactment of The Hunger Games, the festive season in Newcastle rolls into full swing.
This year, there are loads of Christmassy events and things to do in Newcastle. From festive activities in the Toon to special events, Christmas pop-up bars to pantos; you won’t be short of places to go in Newcastle this Christmas.
Here’s my guide to what’s on in Newcastle for kids and adults this Christmas 2023. Just call me Santa, ‘cos I always give you what you want…
17 Festive Things To Do In Newcastle
1. Watch the big Newcastle Christmas light switch on
This year’s Christmas light switch on will take place on Tuesday 14th November on Grey Street from 5pm onwards.
Metro Radio’s Steve and Karen will entertain the crowds for an hour in the run up to the big switch on.
This will be followed by a stage show from 6pm with pantomime cast characters from the Theatre Royal’s Pinnochio, Disney characters and Santa Claus.
2. Warm Up After Christmas Shopping At Lazy Bear
Located just outside Central Station, Lazy Bear is the perfect hideaway when you’re sick of trawling the shops for presents.
With fire pits to huddle around wrapped in blankets and a festive drinks menu that includes 2 for £12.95 cocktails all day from Sunday – Thursday, the winter tipi is back again in Newcastle this Christmas.
This year, they’ve got live music every night, match day Pizza & Pint offers and wood-fire pizzas from Scream for Pizza.
You can pick up a coffee from the hut from 8am or pop in later for a pie and a pint. There will also be a Santa’s grotto for kids.
The festive menu launches in December alongside a calendar of Christmassy events taking place each Saturday.
Entry: Free
Open: Daily from 12pm – Midnight, closes at 11pm on Sundays
3. Take A Stroll Through A Northern Lights Trail
This Winter, Leazes Park will be transformed into a breathtaking journey through a spectrum of illuminations, sculptures and special effects. Wrap up warm and go for a stroll along this mile-long trail.
There will be plenty of pitstops where you can fill up on delicious street food made by local vendors using local ingredients along the way.
Availability is limited so get your tickets asap!
Adult tickets £19.00 for ages 16 and over, £13.50 for kids ages 3 – 16, under 2s go free when accompanied by an adult.
Open: 23rd November 2023 – 1st January 2024
4. Watch It’s A Wonderful Life at Tyneside Cinema
Is there anything that gets you in the festive spirit more than watching a Christmas film with the family?
The festive run of this classic film has become a tradition at the Tyneside Cinema, but this year they’re also showing The Bishop’s Wife, Die Hard and Home Alone, plus alternative festive gems including The Umbrellas of Cherbourg, Carol and All That Heaven Allows, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, A Christmas Story and Gremlins.
You can make it extra special by booking afternoon tea at the Tyneside Coffee Rooms beforehand (Sunday 3rd and 10th December only).
I love the sound of the cheese, wine and wreath-making event they’re running too!
Screenings of It’s A Wonderful Life run 1st – 24th December
5. Gaze at the most famous window display in the city
The grand unveiling of Fenwick’s Christmas window display signals the beginning of the festive season in Newcastle each year, and window shoppers of all ages love it.
Make your way to Northumberland Street for the big reveal on 5th November or stroll past any time later in the year to see the display in all its glory.
What will this year’s theme be?
5 Nov 2022 05:00 pm – 1 Jan 2024 08:00 pm
Free
6. Don Your Feather Boa For Boulevard’s Christmas Spectacular
Boulevard is a Newcastle institution, but did you know that their Christmas calendar has more than 50 events for you to choose from?
There are more sequins, glitter and hilarity at Danni Dee and her Broadway dancers’ show in the run up to Christmas. What better way to get ready for the big man than with a cabaret?
Standing tickets £10.00, seating starts at £25.00
10th November – 31st December
7. Browse the Newcastle Christmas Markets
It comes every year but it’s still one you shouldn’t miss in 2023. With a mix of international and local traders, the market, which spans Grey Street, Grainger Street and Old Eldon Square, will also have a bar for Christmas 2023.
New for 2023, there will be a 10metre illuminated Christmas tree i Old Eldon Square.
Food-wise, you can expect all the usual traditional Christmas fare and some foreign favourites.
Entry: Free
Open: Saturday 18 November until Saturday 23 December 2023
8. Go Ice Skating
The Life Science Center has an open-air ice skating rink open in Times Square throughout the festive season.
Before or after your time on the ice, you can experience the Winter skies in the center’s planetarium. In honour of the 50th anniversary of Pink Floyd’s iconic album ‘The Dark Side Of The Moon’, there are special themed events.
There’s a Santa Experience in the planetarium for little ones too!
Prices and dates for ice skating at the Life Science Center
Saturday 11 November – Sunday 7 January 2024
Family of 4 (max. 2 adults) £46.00
Adult (age 18 and over) £15.00
Child (age 10 and over) £13.50
Child (age 9 and under) £11.50
Carer (please bring proof) FREE
9. Take The Kids To The Panto
This year’s Theatre Royal Christmas pantomime is Pinocchio, starring Danny Adams as Pinocchio, Clive Webb as toymaker Geppetto, Newcastle’s own Joe McElderry as Jiminy Cricket and Chris Hayward as Dame Rita.
Cinderalla is showing from Tue 28 Nov 2023 – Sun 14 Jan 2024.
Alternatively, Tyne Theatre & Opera House are doing NATIVITY! The Musical from Tue 14th – Sat 18th Nov 2023 | 7pm (plus Thu 2pm, Sat 10am & 2:30pm).
10. Eat breakfast with Mrs Claus at Seven Stories
Seven Stories, the National Center for Children’s Books, is offering a whole host of events for kids in Newcastle for Christmas.
Give little ones the chance to eat breakfast with Santa’s Mrs on Saturday mornings throughout December 2023. Alternatively, there are Christmas stocking and toy-making workshops for kids that love to craft.
After school, go along to a storytelling session with Santa’s elves featuring some of the best children’s books.
Tickets: Breakfast with Mrs Claus costs £12.50 for a child
11. Join Santa At Fenwick
Newcastle’s Fenwick store’s fifth-floor cinema will be screening Christmas flicks throughout the festive season.
Kids will love Tea with Santa!
Cinema tickets: £17.50 (adults and children).
Christmas cinema available 11th November – 24rd December
Tea with Santa available 11th November – 20th December
Santa on the Roof at Fenwick is sold out
Please check prices and availability on the website
12. Get festive at The Glasshouse
Over the water in The Glasshouse (formerly known as Sage Gateshead), there’s loads planned for Christmas 2023.
You can look forward to family favourites like Home Alone in Concert, Royal Northern Sinfonia By Candlelight, A Choral Nativity, Big Family Festive Gigs, The Nutracker and I and more.
1st – 31st December
13. Join the revelry at The Purple Peacock
The Purple Peacock always promises to be a great night out, and this Christmas their spectacular Christmas show is “Santa Claus Is Coming To Motown!” They’re also running their successful Greatest Showman show with a Christmas twist.
Abba fans will love the Mamma Mia Christmas Special, “Knowing Me Knowing You”.
14. See the Quayside lit up
BAFTA award-winning artist Seb Lee-Delisle will be bringing a bigger and better version of Laser Light City to the Quayside on New Year’s Eve, with three incredible light and music shows planned for 31 December.
15. Visit the Christmas Clock
Join Eldon Square’s countdown to Christmas with a visit to the stunning Christmas clock crowing the Northumberland Street entrance.
Inside, you can find ‘Jingle and Bell’ the Express train situated at St Andrew’s Way or go and see this year’s spectacular Christmas tree, which is located outside Clarks and Boots.
16. Shop at Living North Christmas Fair
The North East Christmas Fair will once again return to Newcastle Racecourse in 2023.
Expect mor3 than 250 carefully selected stands, from artisan designer-makers, local food producers and fashion retailers to homewares, gifts and accessories, and of course special Christmas decorations.
Whether you wish to sample delicious local food, pick up some tips from professionals at our chef demonstrations, find that perfect gift or simply treat yourself, we’ve got you covered at Living North’s Christmas Fair 2023.
17. Support local at Made Up North Winter Market at Boiler Shop
The Made Up North Winter Market brings together 65 of the best-loved northern artists, makers and creatives under one roof – plus there will be plenty of food vendors.
You can have a drink at the Boiler Shop’s bar and pick up unique Christmas gifts that support local creators.
Please bring donations for East End Women. They’d welcome food, children’s Christmas gifts and hygiene products.
Tickets are £2, under 16s go free
Sunday 3 December, 10am – 6pm
Check out my full guide to things to do in Newcastle if you’re looking for inspiration that’ll keep you busy all year round.
More North East England guides
The best walking trail to see Newcastle’s attractions
Where to eat and drink in Sunderland
Have I missed any Newcastle Christmas events? You can contact me on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter if you think there’s something I should add. I’ll be updating this post as and when I get wind of festive events in the Toon.
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Melis Living says
Love it – I’ve booked an igloo with the girls for our Xmas night out and so excited to see what it’s like! The apres ski night sounds so good, hadn’t heard of that one! So need to check it out. Thanks for sharing. Melis
newgirlintoon says
I REALLY want to go and do the igloo thing but I don’t think I have enough friends .. maybe I need to go and crash a party!
TeaPartyPrincess says
Ooh excellent round up!
I’d love to do the Igloo dining but I don’t have enough friends haha.
Cora | http://www.teapartyprincess.co.uk