Top November Events 2025

Mariah Carey had defrosted, and the countdown to Christmas has officially begun.

This calendar month is absolutely packed with events to ensure you avoid ‘seasonal depression’! 

November will undoubtedly get you into the Christmas spirit with returning favourites and new festive-themed events. 

 If it still feels too early to celebrate Christmas, there is a variety of free and affordable events that are not Christmas-oriented. 

Chilled Out Crafts - Canvas Painting – 13 November 

 Credit: Chilled Out Crafts, NUSU

This is the perfect opportunity to channel your inner Picasso. On the 13 November, in the Daniel Wood Room, you could uncover a new passion for art. 

You will be in a judgment-free environment, filled with individuals of all different skill levels, where your creativity is encouraged. While unwinding, you may even meet some fellow painters, who could become your new friends. 

There is no need to worry about what to bring, as brushes, paints, and canvas will all be provided. 

After exploring your creativity, you will be able to take your new masterpiece home. If you want to physical token of your artistic success, don’t forget to secure your ticket for £2. Come on, Give It A Go! 

Quayside Market & Baltic Visit 

 Credit: Quayside Market Trip, NUSU

It is time to throw on your coat and scarf, explore the Quayside’s famous Sunday Market and the Baltic Gallery with NUSU. 

 For £2, you will be navigating through the town seeing iconic sights, such as the 133-foot-tall Grey’s Monument. 

Feel free to take some spending money if you would like to support local businesses. Down at the market, you can find anything from jewellery to knitwear to sweet treats. 

Upon crossing the River Tyne, you will arrive at the Baltic Gallery, the heart of the city’s contemporary art scene. At the gallery or along the way, there are ideal locations for photoshoots to find the perfect Instagram picture. 

Confirm your place now! 

Student Concert - 13 & 20 November 2025 

 Credit: Student Concert, Newcastle University

If you are a music lover, then you should support your fellowmen students and attend a student concert.   

Taking place in the evening, it could be the ideal evet to unwind after a busy day of lectures. As you let the classical music course through your veins. 

 It is just that good that there had to be two performance showcases on the 13 and 20 November. Both taking place in the esteemed King’ Hall in the Armstrong Building, which is renowned for its acoustics. 

You never know, you might become inspired and start playing your own instrument. Even better, you can rock up for free and you don’t even have to pre-book! 

Books on Tyne - 22 - 29 November

 Credit: Books on Tyne, Get Into Newcaste, Evenbrite

For the entire week of the 22 November until 29 November, you can experience the magic of books in Newcastle. 

 With Newcastle Libraries and the Lit & Phil overseeing the event, it means that there are books on every topic imaginable, from advice on how to get your own work published to the Sycamore Gap. 

The week will include free events such as a history lesson on Newcastle Prison and paid events where you can hear an account about a life growing up around rock stars, like Freddie Mercury. 

Lasting for an entire week, it offers you the flexibility of deciding what individual events you want to go to. Book your places here! 

 Credit: Callum Borkowski

It is now time to discuss events that capture the magic of Christmas in Newcastle. Every year, the Newcastle Christmas market never fails to disappoint. 

 From 15 November, the market will be back bigger than ever. Full of local traders, this will make it the perfect time to grab a mulled wine, yule log, or Christmas dinner in a Yorkshire pudding. 

 Lasting all the way until the 23 December, you will certainly be able to grab beautifully handcrafted gifts for your friends and family. 

Alternatively, you can explore the Christmas Village in Eldon Square and cosy up in North Pole terrace or Moonsenwirt Alpine bar to keep warm in the colder Winter months. 

 Stalls at the market are notoriously somewhat expensive, so I would be prepared to bring some spending money. However, it not a necessity as you can become immersed in the setting if the Christmas market for free. 

Ice Skating at the Life Centre – 8 November – 4 January 

 Credit: Ice Skating Life Centre, Get Into Newcastle

Next up is another Christmas classic in Newcastle is the chance for open-air ice skating. 

Running from the 8 November to the 4 anuary, regardless of your skill levels, you will be provided with skates and could take to the ice in Times Square. 

Although on the pricier side of activities to do during the build-up the Christmas, ice skating out in the open an hour feels far more freeing than being confined to an indoor arena. 

Luckily for students, they can get concession tickets for slightly cheaper! Make sure you wrap up well. 

Northern Lights Trail – from 27 November  

 Credit: Northern Lights Trail, Get Into Newcastle

It would not be a Newcastle Christmas without the Northern Lights outdoor exhibition at Leazes Park. 

Beginning on 27 November, this 1-mile-long route offers around 15 unique illumination zones that lights up the park as if it were a Winter wonderland.  This can lead to you becoming mesmerised with every twist and turn you make along the route. 

During or after the walk, you can have the privilege of indulging in festive food and drink, really making this a satisfying experience for all. 

If you want to save some money, make sure you get your super off-peak ticket before they are all gone! 

The Crafty Bazaar – 30 November

 Credit: Crafty Bazaar, Get Into Newcastle

Alongside the official Newcastle Christmas markets, Wylam Brewery on 30 November is hosting their very own, more intimate, makers’ market. 

 If you find yourself struggling to get Christmas presents for friends and family, I guarantee that at the Crafty Bazaar, you will be able to get someone something that only they will have. 

 An incredible way to support local traders, the event goes beyond event shopping. With interactive workshops, such as creating your own miniature terrarium. 

 There is a small entry fee of £2, although if you are extra eager and are one of the first 50 people, you receive a free tote bag! 

Festive Flix – from 28 November 

 Credit: Festive Flix, Get Into Newcastle

To round off the jam-packed events itinerary of November, at Old Eldon Square, Festive Flix will be showcasing a variety of Christmas classics on the big screen. 

If you recapture the nostalgia of sitting in the living room with your family, all dressed in matching Christmas outfits, watching a film, then this is the event for you. 

My favourite Christmas movie is undoubtedly The Grinch, and do not fear, other household favourites such as Home Alone and Elf will have their own screenings. 

Beginning on 28 November, across various weekdays and weekends, you can sit in the Rockin’ Reindeer cinema with a hot chocolate with cream and marshmallows as you watch movies to get you into the Christmas season. 

By Callum, a Stage 2 Combined Hons Student, and Student Content Creator