The Grainger Market’s Christmas Night - what to expect
The beginning of December means the beginning of advent. It means you can acceptably hum those carols, which you’ve had in your head for the last fortnight, aloud. It means Christmas is inevitably just around the corner. But if you’re anything like us, then you’ll probably leave present shopping until the last possible minute.
However, this year we’re in for a change. No more feigned smiles and forced thank yous. No more tears after you realise you must have been naughty this year. No more slyly returning to the shops in January armed with gift receipts. This year, we’re going shopping on the 1st of December.
The toon’s iconic Grainger Market will be keeping its doors open late for the very first time as it hosts a one-off special Christmas event. Welcome advent in festive style at the Christmas Night Market and get your mitts on some magical gifts to stash under the tree this Christmas. Maybe even buy a new pair of mitts, if you’re feeling the cold as much as we have been this November!
Surprise your friends and family with bespoke presents that you won’t find anywhere else. Around 60% of stalls will remain open until 9pm, as opposed to the usual 5.30pm closing time.
When? 1st December, 5 - 9pm (shops open from 9am)
Food & Drink
It wouldn’t be the Grainger Market without being met by wondrous whiffs emanating from each and every corner. Line your stomach with some of the tastiest food around and try before you buy!
At the Christmas Night event, you’ll have the chance to try a traditional croque-monsieur from The French Oven, pick up some sweet baklava from Fez Food, order Pizza by the Slice, sample Nan Bei’s legendary Chinese dumplings, choose a sweet or savoury crȇpe from Le Petite Crȇperie, take out cupcakes from Pet Lamb Patisserie, purchase some authentic Spanish meats from La Casa Delicatessen and even devour some hot raclette from Matthews Cheese, plus much more!
And for the metaphorical mistletoe on the Christmas pudding, you can even sneak an exclusive peak of Grainger Market’s brand new addition: Urban Grill will be rolling back its shutters for the very first time and serving up some delicious grub for you to taste.
To wash all the yummy goodness down, you can sample some wines or warm up with a nice and spiced hot cider. The food options are simply endless so if we can offer you one piece of advice, it would be to come with an empty stomach! But don’t forget that there will also be plenty of present-buying opportunities, including hampers stuffed to their handles with Christmassy treats.
Shopping
Of course, a trip to the Grainger Market wouldn’t be complete without exploring the shops inside. In addition to the countless unique gifts on sale, the Christmas Night Market will be delivering a number of special promotions and discounts from stalls, such as Ellen’s Cosmetics, who are offering free makeovers and face-painting (for the kids).
VJW Jewellery will also be hosting jewellery-making classes, with a choice of Christmas beads and other findings, to jazz up your jewellery box and Bathtime Boutique is putting together Christmas gift sets and hampers, packed with handmade soaps and other smelly goodies. Further shops within the market include Scorpio Shoes, That Retro Game Shop and Miller’s Book Exchange, so there’s plenty of choice!
Entertainment
This isn’t your average, run-of-the-mill market. Oh no, because while you shop ‘til you drop and try all of the treats on offer, you will also be treated to a feast for the eyes and ears. The arcade will be decked out with Christmas lights and live music will be playing throughout the evening.
Look forward to seeing Quicksilver perform some classic pop songs and Bay Ukes strum their strings. Ragtime Rewind will be taking things back to the 1940s and Lindy Jazz will be accompanying them by teaching the lindy hop to all those who fancy a boogie to burn off that baklava. Among the performers will also be a number of solo artists, as well as Latin band Salida. Olé!
The highlight of the Christmas Night will be Craig Wilde launching The Great Grainger Market Online Advent Calendar. Each day of advent, enter a virtual stall online and answer a question to be in for a chance of winning a Christmas hamper full of 23 gifts from 23 different stalls on 23rd December. Try samples of what will be included in the hamper at the Christmas Night event!
Tickets
If you want to make the most of the evening, get hold of some tickets in advance here, which will give you access to special discounts and gift deals, as well as further information about the event itself. However, you can still turn up on the evening without a ticket!
Travel
We recommend parking at an Alive after Five car park in the city and walking to Grainger Market. Both Oxford Street and Dean Street car parks are close but find the whole list here. Alternatively, ride the Metro to Monument Station and walk up Grainger Street to find the Market on your left.
More info
Find out more about the Christmas Night Market by visiting their event page on our website, or checking out the event on Facebook.
There are lots of events happening in Newcastle this Christmas. Visit our website to see what's going on!
