Ringing in Newcastle’s Christmas 2025
Plans for Christmas in Newcastle 2025 have now been announced, building on the hugely successful festive season last year.
Newcastle’s Christmas will officially launch on Thursday 6 November, with the annual Christmas lights switched on, and the much-loved Christmas markets will then open on Saturday 15th November and run until Tuesday 23 December.
Newcastle City Council has again been working with Newcastle NE1 to plan for an even better Christmas event this year, with an extension to the market’s footprint and the return of the Christmas Village on Old Eldon Square, last year’s new and very popular addition.
Last year’s market saw a notable increase in the number of visitors compared to the previous year, with 1.76 million visits to the market, a 28% increase on 2023, with the market recorded as busy for all five weeks of its duration. And crucially, 89% of those interviewed said the market was better than the 2023 offer, with 88% of all visitors rating it positively and almost 60% rating it in the highest possible terms. Both the council and NE1 are committed to using visitor feedback to improve the market year on year and ensure it is somewhere local people want to visit and be proud of, a destination visitors choose to come to, and an event that has a significantly positive impact on the local economy.
The selection of this year’s market traders is now almost complete with full details unveiled in the coming weeks. 84% of this year’s market traders will be from within 20 miles of the city centre, with the majority of others from across the region, continuing the trend that reflects a commitment to support local businesses. All have been handpicked to ensure a good mix of businesses offering quality products.
The market will be extended onto Nelson Street, providing a natural and improved link to the Grainger Market and additional space for traders specialising in fresh and festive produce. The Grainger Market traders will again play an integral role this Christmas, with further details of opening hours and festive plans to be announced soon.
The Christmas Village on Old Eldon Square will be returning following its phenomenally successful inaugural year, providing a festive family area and a whole host of Christmas activities to entertain all ages.
Organised by Newcastle-based events company EVNT Inspirations, this will be home to the Rockin’ Reindeer stage, hosting family favourite shows, and Santa Stories, the special Christmas tipi offering youngsters the chance to meet Santa and his elves. New attractions will include Marshmallow Land, where visitors will be able to toast marshmallows over an open fire, and Festive Flix, a programme of feel-good Christmas films.
The demand for tickets was so high last year EVNT Inspirations has decided to put these on sale early. These can now be booked at https://newcastleschristmas.com/christmasvillage, and everyone is encouraged to book well in advance to secure their preferred slot and avoid disappointment.
Other favourites returning to the 2025 market include the city’s very own North Pole Terrace - unique igloo pods situated around the Monument, offering customers food and drink in a warm and cosy environment and magnificent views of Grey Street, and Moosenwirt, the popular alpine pop-up Christmas bar and village on Grey Street. Both operated by EVNT Inspirations, these hospitality offerings will complement the city centre’s already vibrant and varied food and drink scene. Visit www.moosenwirt.co.uk for more details and bookings for both the North Pole Terrace and Moosenwirt.
Cllr Abdul Samad, Cabinet member for Culture, Music and Arts at Newcastle City Council said: “Christmas is always a very special time in the city, and this year promises to be the best one yet. We were delighted with the feedback last year, from both local people and visitors to the city, and have used this to plan for an even better event this year.
“Christmas also gives us the perfect opportunity to showcase what Newcastle has to offer to a national and international audience and significantly support the local economy.
“Last year the market contributed nearly £91million to the city’s economy, which is a remarkable amount, and we hope with an improved event this year, this can be matched or even bettered. And with most traders selected coming from the local area, small businesses are also being supported at this vital time of the year.
“We also remain committed to providing good-value and accessible events in Newcastle, and at Christmas this is more important than ever, I am therefore delighted we are offering somewhere that families and friends of all ages can spend time together, and I look forward to experiencing everything this year’s event has to offer.”
Stephen Patterson, Chief Executive of NE1 Ltd said: “Last year’s rise in visitor numbers and the overwhelmingly positive feedback from visitors are clear signs of the phenomenal success of Newcastle’s Christmas markets and festive activity. They highlight the huge appetite for festive fun in the city.
It has long been our aim to put Newcastle on the festive map, enhancing its offer and making it a must-visit destination for festive fun seekers from near and far. We’re delighted to have worked with Newcastle City Council again this year to shape and improve the offer, responding to visitor feedback and suggestions, and we’re excited to see the newly extended Christmas Markets rolled out this coming season.
“Festive markets and seasonal activities are more than just celebrations, they’re powerful tools to increase visitor numbers and footfall into the city centre, boosting business over the crucial Christmas period.”
Newcastle City Council and NE1 are also finalising plans for New Year’s Eve, and these will be announced in the coming weeks.
Newcastle’s Christmas website for 2025 (www.newcastleschristmas.com) will be fully launched in October. This is where you’ll find all information about Christmas and New Year events in Newcastle city centre this year.
