It's finally the most wonderful time of the year! Wrap up warm, find your Christmas spirit and welcome the festivities with this fantastic series of events.
1. Newcastle's Christmas Markets
It wouldn't be Christmas in Newcastle without a trip to our famous Christmas markets! Making it's return on Thursday 2nd December 2021, this winter wonderland will feature up to 30 market stalls situated around Newcastle's iconic Grey’s Monument. With a focus on local traders offering a wide range of special goods and produce this festive season, it is the perfect opportunity to get your loved ones together, treat yourself to a mulled wine or creamy hot chocolate and welcome the festivities.
The markets are always free of charge and will be with us until Christmas Eve so make sure you plan your visit soon!
2. Winter in Newcastle
Join us throughout the month of December and the Winter Break as we host lots of exciting festive events for you to get involved in. With activities ranging from crafts and sports to trips around the region, there’s bound to be an event to suit you!
You can see our online and in-person events and activities here.
3. Christmas with Go Volunteer
This Christmas, do your bit and give something back to the wider community with our wonderful team of volunteers right here on campus. Go Volunteer is a department at your Students' Union that offers a wide range of internal and external volunteering opportunities to help build your experience, skills and your employability. The team host and advertise vacancies throughout the academic year but this festive period, they have a fantastic schedule of internal opportunities for all students to get involved in.
From writing Christmas-themed letters to children in need and creating Festive Wiggly Bags for children with Hickman Lines to turning unwanted books and jars into Christmas decorations, join the team this December to have a whole lot of fun, add more to your CV and help many amazing causes.
Sound up your street? Learn more here.
4. Christmas at Bongo's Bingo
Get ready for a crazy mix of traditional bingo, dance-offs, rave intervals, audience participation and countless magical moments this December with Bongo's Bingo. Guaranteed to have you laughing, singing and dancing all night long, Bongos' Bingo is the ultimate party night out for friends, colleagues, couples and everything in between. Come along to experience a night of pure nostalgia and win iconic prizes from giant pink unicorns and Henry Hoovers to mobility scooters and karaoke machines at each and every show. Plus, Bongo's has an exclusive guest for Newcastle this month... the one and only 90s pop group, Atomic Kitten! Performing from 28th-30th December, these shows are not to be missed!
One of the UK's most popular events series, we know these tickets won't stay around for long so snap yours up here.
5. Hadrian's Tipi at The Stack Newcastle
There's nothing quite like cosying up beside an open fire with a mulled wine or glass of bubbly with loved ones. Well this Christmas period, Hadrian's Tipi can provide just that. The popular winter retreat based in The STACK Newcastle is now open for the festivities and is a great place to catch up with your friends and family after a busy day shopping in Newcastle or as part of your festive night out.
Inside you'll find a warm log fire, cosy snug seating areas that welcome families, groups and dog owners and plenty of tasty refreshments from local breweries and suppliers. If you're feeling hungry, feast on authentic Bratwurst and Frankfurters flown over from Bavaria served from a large, charcoal fired, swing grill hut.
Sound like your perfect Christmas night out? Enquire for your party here.
6. Winter Wonderland at Newcastle Racecourse
Can't make it to Hyde Park's Winter Wonderland this year? Don't worry about it because we have our very own right here in the north east. Taking place until January 2nd, The Big Wish LTD is proud to present Newcastle’s Biggest Winter Fair hosted at Newcastle Racecourse. Featuring mouth-watering street food, thrilling rides, ice-skating and even Santa Claus himself, come along to get in the festive spirit, sample some tasty Churros and Crepes or try your luck on Hook a Duck.
Open to friends and family of all ages, secure your tickets here.
7. Ice-skating at Life Centre
Until January 9th, get your skates on and make magical memories at Newcastle's popular family attraction, Life Science Centre, with their outdoor skating rink. Whether you're an avid ice skater or a total novice, come along to wrap up warm and glide around Newcastle's Times Square until your heart is content.
We can't promise real snow but we know the Life Centre team can promise a fun-filled night for everyone to enjoy. Tickets for Christmas Eve and New Years Eve are already selling fast, so make sure you book online in advance so you don't miss out. Book yours now.
8. Fenwick's Christmas Window
It simply wouldn't be Christmas without a trip to Fenwick's iconic Christmas window on Newcastle's busy Northumberland Street. Each year the iconic department store unveils a beautiful Christmas themed window, with moving characters, a bespoke soundtrack and twinkling lights. Young or old, it is an absolute must-see for anyone during Christmas in Newcastle and this year is no different.
Each festive period the unveiling of the window becomes a bigger and more magical affair, and even more so this this year for their 50th anniversary. This Geordie tradition is marked far and wide as the official start of Christmas and for 2021, the theme is Aardman's animated hero, Shaun the Sheep and friends. So, why not wander down this December and soak up the festive atmosphere?
Learn more about Fenwick's and their window here.
9. Glow Tours with CBK Adventures
This month, witness a spectacular urban light show from the water and paddle in an illuminated kayak along the River Tyne as part of CBK Adventures' award-winning Quayside Glow Tours. Running throughout the month of December, this incredible experience is perfect for the darker wintery nights and allows attendees to enjoy a mesmerising backdrop of twinkling city lights, stunning city landmarks and the beautiful changing colours of Gateshead Millennium Bridge. Plus, once you've had your time on the water, warm up afterwards with a complimentary drink at Gino D'ACampo's Bar and Grill in the newly opened INNSiDE Hotel.
Ready to experience the glow on the Tyne? Buy your ticket here.
10. The Snowman at The Sage Gateshead
It’s not Christmas until you’ve been to the Sage Gateshead and let yourself be whisked off into the cold, starry night by The Snowman. From 22nd - 24th December, this enchanting screening of the family favourite film is accompanied live by the Royal Northern Sinfonia and is expected to be the perfect festive evening for all ages.
Choose your date and grab your tickets here.
11. Christmas at the Tyneside Cinema
If you're after a festive trip to the cinema this season, the Tyneside Cinema has a brilliant series of Christmas classics to keep you entertained and get those festive feelings flowing. From those undeniable old favourites like 'It's a Wonderful Life' and 'The Shop around the Corner' to more modern viewings like 'Frozen' and 'Elf', come along to experience one of Newcastle's most iconic social hubs and our region's leading independent cinemas. The team are even hosting a special evening on the 17th December where viewers can enjoy Christmas classic, 'The Holiday' whilst sipping on prosecco and tucking into tasty popcorn. What more could you want!
We know this will be a busy period for the Tyneside Cinema so find your favourite movie now.
12. Christmas Food Markets
One of the best things about Newcastle is undoubtedly our independent markets. From our incredibly popular weekend markets on the Quayside and in Jesmond to our famous Grainger Market, if you appreciate tasty independent street food, local produce and second-hand gems, then this is perfect for you.
On Saturday 4th,why not stroll on down to Jesmond Dene to experience Jesmond's Winter Food Market or from 18th-19th, visit Newcastle's creative community in Ouseburn to sample their Christmas Markets. Can't get to Ouseburn on the 18th? Don't worry, Jesmond Dene are hosting another market on the 18th too with more of a festive feel and Christmas theme.
It wouldn't be Christmas without paying one of these a visit so be sure to add them to your calendar.
13. Festive Silent Disco Adventure
Do you love a festive sing-a-long? Well who doesn't! This December, Silent Disco Adventures are back in action for a full Christmas extravaganza right here in Toon. Until 18th December, be prepared to jingle all the way round Newcastle on an exclusive tour with hi-tech headsets and incredibly hilarious entertainment. All you need to bring is your singing voice!
Ready to show Newcastle your moves? Grab your friends together and book your spot here.
Any events that we missed? Let us know via socialmedia@ncl.ac.uk.
Please be aware that the above events are subject to change in light of evolving Covid-19 restrictions. Our latest guidance, updates and FAQs can be found here.
