Top December Events

As the first term comes to a close, check out the huge range of winter events both on campus and around the city. 

Alnwick Gardens Christmas Lightshow Trip

Join the Students' Union's travel partner Lundgren Tours for a winter trip to the Alnwick Garden Winter Light Show. The trip includes a return coach journey from Newcastle, a visit to the beautiful Hulme Park, time to explore the town of Alnwick and Barter Books. Followed by a visit to Alnwick Gardens for the light show, cascading water features and a look around the world's largest treehouse. The trip runs on December 9, 10:30am - 20:15pm and tickets can be booked through the Students' Union website. 

The Great Baltic Caper

Join 'The Caper' for their highly anticipated winter party at the Baltic Contemporary Arts Centre in Newcastle. Taking over the iconic quayside landmark, join them for festive activities, a winter quiz, singalong and more. On the night there will also be a variety of live muisic, comedians, vintage stalls and three food trucks. There's something for everyone. The event takes place Thursday December 14, 7pm- midnnight. Tickets are available for £15 on the Baltic website.

Ice Skating 

Wrap up and get your skates on throughout the December month for the open air ice rink at Times Square Newcastle. Located outside the Life Sciences Centre the rink is open till January 7. Skating sessions are for all abilities and costs £15 for one hour and includes an ice skate fitting session (these are provided). Availability is limited so it is advised to book. Bookings and more information can be found on the Life Science Centre website. 

Great North Museum & Planetarium

Explore the city's natural history museum for free... the Great North Hancock Museum is located right next to the university campus and boasts a range of natural history, archaeological finds, fossils and ancient antiquities. The museum has two expansive floors of artefacts as well as a planetarium offering shows throughout December. Shows range from 15 minutes to an hour and cost as little as £2.95 per person. Experience the solar system like never before and explore deep space. See the website for more details on upcoming shows. 

Newcastle Christmas Market

Plan a stop at the Newcastle City Centre Christmas Markets throughout the December month. Grab a mulled wine, festive bratwurst or browse a range of stalls for winter gifts! The market celebrates independent traders, makers and artisans from the region selling all things from jewellery to festive decor. Don't forget to check out 'moosenwirt', an alpine-style pop-up bar set inside a yurt (next to Grey's monument). The market is located across Grey's Street, Grainger Street and Old Eldon Square - where you can also find a 10m illuminated Christmas tree! It will be open until December 23, 10am -8pm. Find out more here. 

University Winter Programme 

Spending your holidays in Newcastle? Then check out the University Winter Programme 2023 to see all the events happening across the University and even more city-wide events. Find out about festive food on campus, winter crafts, 'give it a go' events and much more including how to buy tickets for Winter Closure activities such as The Muppet Christmas Carol at Tyneside Cinema, the Northern Lights Trail and ice skating. You can also find information about places to access support during the Winter Break.