January has arrived, but winter isn’t over yet. It’s the perfect time to enjoy a hot chocolate with someone you love. Two chocolate shops have recently opened to make your winter even sweeter: Hotel Chocolat, which opened last November, and Knoops, which followed in December.
Both offer a wide variety of special chocolate drinks for chocoholics. At Knoops, you can even customise your drink by choosing the percentage of chocolate you want. If you’re a true chocoholic, I dare you to try the 100% dark chocolate - if you’re brave enough!
Ready for a fun and unique shopping experience to start the year? Make your way to The Big Flea at the Boiler Shop on Sunday 19 January!
This lively market features a fantastic selection of vintage clothing, quirky antiques, unique homeware, and much more, offering something special for every treasure hunter. Whether you're on the lookout for a rare fashion find or just love browsing through eclectic treasures, The Big Flea is the perfect place to uncover something amazing to kick off your year.
Calling all art lovers! This January, Newcastle invites you to explore a captivating free exhibition, Franki Raffles: Photography, Activism, Campaign Works, at the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art, Gateshead until 15 March, 2025.
Get ready to be inspired by the bold, groundbreaking work of Franki Raffles, a feminist photographer who captured the raw, real lives of women from Scotland to Zimbabwe. With over 40,000 powerful images, this exhibition is a celebration of activism, sisterhood, and stories that need to be told. Don’t miss this inspiring showcase of art, activism, and storytelling!
Ready to light up your winter nights? The Glow Experience by CBK Adventures offers an unforgettable night kayaking adventure along Newcastle’s Quayside. Tickets are £68 per person and can be booked via the CBK website.
Paddle under iconic bridges in a glowing kayak, surrounded by the reflections of lights and sparkling city lights. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned paddler, this experience is perfect for adding a touch of adventure to your winter nights!
Celebrate Chinese New Year in Newcastle and welcome in the Year of the Snake, which represents wisdom, intuition, and transformation.
While the exact date is yet to be confirmed, the free celebrations are expected to light up Stowell Street, near the Chinese Arch and the surrounding area on Sunday, 26 January or Sunday 2 February. Join in the festive celebrations filled with cultural performances, traditional dancing and more to mark this special occasion!
Newcastle’s theatre scene is packed with exciting performances this month!
Experience the powerful tale of Ariel (Theatre Royal, until 12 January), explore the thrilling mystery of Murder on the Orient Express (Theatre Royal, 14-18 January) or dive into the emotional drama of Birdsong (Theatre Royal, 21 – 25 January), a poignant story set during World War I.
Whether you’re in the mood for adventure, suspense, or a deeply moving narrative, these shows offer something for everyone to enjoy.
NE1 Newcastle Restaurant Week is back from 13 – 19 January 2025, and it’s packed with amazing food deals you won’t want to miss!
Grab 2 courses for just £15 at Claremont Teahouse, or treat yourself to a £25 meal at Côte Brasserie. If you’re feeling adventurous, head to Dabbawal for a £20 offer, or try 2 courses for £25 at Cafe 21 Fenwick.
Check out Flower Power vegan fest at Wylam Brewery, on 24 and 25 January and celebrate Veganuary on campus at Newcastle University’s cafés.