Winter wonderland in NE1
It's that time of year again! As the dark nights draw in and the cold weather bites, we're giving you a million excuses to visit the city centre!
Winter in NE1 is shaping up to be one of the best yet! Our beautiful city is sparkling beneath the lights and we’re going all out to make Newcastle a magical winter wonderland! Check out our guide to Christmas in NE1...
WINTER NIGHTS
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH ON:
7 NOVEMBER
Settle in for a dazzling evening as the city's Christmas Lights Switch On illuminates the streets!
Gather the gang and head to the base of Grey’s Monument for a twinkling switch on as Blackett Street, Grey Street and beyond shine in all their festive glory with magical lights and Christmas decorations. This year, crowds will gather as local superstar singer, Sam Fender takes to the stage to flick the switch on the city's Christmas lights. Arrive from 5.30pm and enjoy the lively atmosphere ahead of the big switch on at 6.30pm.
A free family-friendly evening in the Toon - and the perfect way to kickstart the festive celebrations in NE1!
NEWCASTLE'S CHRISTMAS MARKETS:
16 NOVEMBER - 24 DECEMBER
This year, Newcastle’s Christmas is gearing up to be even bigger and better than ever before! A mix of local and international markets are joining forces this Christmas for a month-long extravaganza in the heart of Newcastle! Yes, that's right... the markets will be up and running from 16th November through to Christmas Eve - so all your festive shopping needs are covered right up to the big day! This year's additions include a fabulous new helter skelter-style bar at Grey’s Monument, perfect for a mulled wine and mince pie break. You'll also find a thrilling 30m toboggan run and traditional carousel on Blackett Street, as well as revamped Christmas stalls full of amazing festive gifts! The markets will satisfy all of your seasonal street food needs, with sips and sweet stuff aplenty, too! Signalling an exciting change in Newcastle’s approach to the season, we hope you're as excited as we are to see a bit of Christmas magic sprinkled over our city.
newcastleschristmasmarkets.com
SHOPPING
INTU ELDON SQUARE
The place to be for all your shopping needs this Christmas. From designer fashion and the best beauty buys on the market, to the latest tech gadgets and beautiful homeware, intu Eldon Square has you covered when it comes to gifting or treating yourself! With the latest collections from All Saints, Monki, Apple and Hollister all under one roof, warm up from the chill outside and browse the best seasonal offers! Be sure to spend hours in the uber-luxurious John Lewis and Debenhams department stores too, and finish off with a bite to eat in Grey's Quarter. What's more? You've got more time to tick off your gift lists this season with intu's Christmas opening hours. Stay tuned online for more information and a host of family-friendly events to pop in the diary!
GRAINGER MARKET'S LIGHT SWITCH ON AFTER-PARTY:
7 NOVEMBER
Built in 1835 and steeped in Toon history, the Grainger Market is home to over 100 independent businesses offering unique gifts and some incredible foodie delights. It’s a fantastic shopping experience for visitors and diners alike, and to tie-in with the nearby Christmas Lights Switch On, the wonderful Grainger Market will be staying open until 8pm on 7th November! With Christmas décor all of their own to unveil, as well as a special resident for Christmas, this is the perfect chance to pop in once the lights are on, and extend your evening with some early present shopping!
facebook.com/ GraingerMarketNewcastle
NORTHUMBERLAND STREET
Immerse yourself in the spirit of Christmas with a casual saunter along Northumberland Street. Try out tremendous tech gadgets at Currys PC World, get kitted out for your next adventure holiday at Cotswold Outdoor store and head to the top of the street for Primark’s amazing festive deals! With plenty of delicious foodie spots scattered up and down the street, this is a great spot to revel in the festivities and tick off your to-do lists!
FOOD & DRINK
QUAYSIDE
The Quayside is one of the most spectacular spots to soak up the city - and it's extra special during the festive season! A vibrant part of the Toon when it comes to drinking, dining and socialising, the Quayside is home to outstanding restaurants - perfect places to catch up with friends for a seasonal sip or festive feast! Tuck into perfectly-cooked beef burgers at The Bridge Tavern, head to Aveika for vibrant dishes and chow down on fine Italian dishes at Babucho! thebridgetavern.com | aveika.co.uk | babucho.co.uk
GREY STREET
After the buzz of the Newcastle Christmas Lights Switch On, set up camp in one of Grey Street's glorious bars and restaurants! Book a table at The Muddler for an exquisite selection of Pan-Asian cuisine and an array of stunning cocktails. If pizza is more your thing, enjoy super slices at Pizza Punks.
themuddlernewcastle.co.uk | pizzapunks.co.uk
STACK
Soak up the Christmas vibes and enjoy feel-good festive food at STACK as Hadrian's Tipi returns for another year of Chrismas fun. Warm your winter cockles on the finest street food - from spicy Mexican food at Los Cocos to Lebanese cuisine at The Bake One, STACK is an ideal
spot to enjoy NE1 under the lights. With live music and entertainment setting the soundtrack throughout the festive season, there's no better place to help you feel merry as you munch on mouthwatering street food!
AWESOME ACTIVITIES
TYNESIDE CINEMA
Tyneside Cinema is part of the furniture when it comes to Christmas in Newcastle. Showing all of your favourite winter movies in the run up to the big day, it's a great place to visit whether you're a fan of the timeless classics or the festive family blockbusters.
HATCHET HARRY’S AXE THROWING
Awesome axe throwing! Head to Forth Banks for something a little different this Christmas! Perfect for team bonding or for a day out with your pals, make your way to Hatchet Harry's for some axe-throwing fun!
