December is finally here, and the Christmas celebrations are well underway throughout the city. Check out the top events going on throughout this month before our first term comes to an end and assessment season creeps around the corner!
The UK's tallest Christmas tree
Northumberland has gained major Christmas bragging rights as it has become home to the UK’s largest Christmas tree, which has been lit up for the first time this year! The tree stands at 42 metres tall making it the same height as the Baltic Centre and taller than two Angels of the North ! It is located at the beautiful Cragside house which is surrounded by 1,000 acres of woodlands, lakes and waterfalls. There is a direct bus route (the X14) which can bring you right there, so you can gain a very fun fact to fill any awkward silences with your family over Christmas.
Festive Food on campus
If the Christmas food ads have you feeling hungry (M&S I’m looking at you) and you can’t bear the wait for Christmas Day any longer, Christmas dinner will be served in the Courtyard from 10-12 December. For £7.50, you can get a Christmas dinner with all the trimmings to hold you over until the big day!
Light Shows
Leazes Park hosts a light show called Northern Lights which runs every night from 4.30pm to 8.15pm until 31 December. This enchanting Christmas light trail turns the park into a winter wonderland, featuring dazzling illuminations, captivating zones, and a festive food village that’s bigger and better than ever before. Entry to this magical light trail costs £19.50.
Lundragen tours are also offering a day trip to the Alnwick Garden where it will be transformed with a beautiful light show. The trip also includes a return coach journey as well as the opportunity to explore the Market Square, Alnwick Castle, Alnwick Treehouse and Alnmouth for a coastal walk. Tickets can be purchased on the Students’ Union website.
Christmas Crafts with the Students' Union
The Students’ Union is holding wholesome Christmas craft sessions throughout December to get you feeling festive! On 4 December you can create your own Christmas bauble, so you can give some life to any Christmas tree your housemates have set up.
On 9 December there will be Christmas cookie decorating and on 12 December you can make Christmas cards, giving you the chance to delight (or fright) your parents or grandparents with your artistic spark once more.
Go to the Theatre
Nothing says Christmas like a trip to the theatre, and there are plenty to choose from in Newcastle. At Northern Stage, they’re putting on a heartwarming production of A Christmas Carol, the perfect story to get you into the festive spirit.
You could also head over to the iconic Tyne Theatre & Opera House, where they’ll be hosting the much-loved pantomime Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs throughout December. Other theatres around Newcastle include; Gosforth Civic Theatre, Live Theatre and Theatre Royal.
Winter Wonderland
Winter Wonderland is coming to Utilita Arena this year and it promises a very fun evening, with thrilling fairground rides, mouth-watering food stalls, entertainment and a cozy Alpine Bavarian Bar. If you squint (really hard) you could think you were at Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland.
It’s open now from 5-9pm on weekdays and 1-9pm on weekends, right up until Christmas Eve. Tickets cost £3 and can be purchased on the day with no online booking available.
Events over the Christmas Closure
If you will be staying in Newcastle over the holidays, there are events being held for you to get involved in after most of the facilities close from 5pm on the 20 December. Events include Ice Skating at the Life Centre on 30 December and a visit to the Northern Lights trail in Leazes park on 27 December at a reduced rate of just £5 which can be booked up until 18 December on the Newcastle University WebStore.
There will also be a Winter Wellbeing Walk on 23 December. Facilities will reopen on the 6th of January, but during this closure, wellbeing resources will also be taking a break. However, there is a catalogue of resources that are available for students for support.
