The best thing about Christmas (aside from the food, presents and time off work) is enjoying time with our loved ones – for a few days, at least! Precious time with extended family and watching youngsters discover the magic of the season is one of the real highlights, and there are loads of ways you can make that time even more special in Newcastle. Here are a few ideas on places to go and things to do for the whole family this Christmas season.
Image: Beth Crame as Hatty in The Sorcerer’s Apprentice by Pamela Raith Photography
EVENTS
Northern Stage’s lavish production this year is a magical reimagining of The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, featuring young Geordie lass Hatty Rabbit who embarks on a magical adventure through the streets of Newcastle. Keep your eyes peeled for some familiar, but slightly unusual, locations and enjoy an original score from Katie Doherty in this colourful and fun production for all the family (3rd December - 7th January, from £10). Also at Northern Stage, Hey Diddle Diddle is ideal for younger members of the family, and includes all your favourite faces from classic nursery rhymes in a wonderful Christmassy cabaret (1st December - 8th January, from £9).
You can always be certain of a good story at Alphabetti Theatre, where their festive offering comes courtesy of artistic director Ali Pritchard with a little help from pupils at Hotspur Primary School. Song Of The Goblins is all about those little green boxes you see at the end of your street, which might house telephone cables but are also probably home to goblins! (13th - 31st December, from £3).
Enjoy a wonderfully festive dance-along at Great North Museum: Hancock, where their Christmas Ceilidh features dancing, joy, and merriment alongside festive refreshments to the tune of traditional and contemporary ceilidh songs (16th December, £8). Nothing beats a Christmas film when it’s cold and dark outside, and Tyneside Cinema has you covered with a great range of flicks, from classics like A Christmas Carol and Miracle On 34th Street to contemporary favourites like Frozen and Elf. There are more great movies at Everyman Cinema, where you can even enjoy a drink and a meal at your seat as you watch films like The Polar Express, Love Actually and It’s A Wonderful Life.
SHOPPING
Surely there’s room for one more treat under the tree (or in the fridge?). If you haven’t noticed, the city is really alive with Christmassy joy right now, and there are quirky gifts aplenty to be had at the Christmas Market which features stalls at Grey’s Monument, Grainger Street and Old Eldon Square. Expect loads of great independent traders and delicious food, plus the special addition of the Moosenwirt bar when you need some light refreshments!
Over at the Grainger Market, things have gotten properly festive, with decorations and Santa firmly ensconced and waiting for your visit! Take your little one along to visit the Big Man himself, right up until Christmas Eve, and browse the aisles of local traders selling everything one could possibly wish for.
It wouldn’t be a trip into Newcastle without a visit to Fenwick’s Christmas window, which this year is themed around Lauren Child’s wonderful story of Clarice Bean who is working hard to save her family’s Christmas. While you’re there, pop into the store to find a glut of delights in the Food Hall perfect for your festive table, or why not treat yourself to something new for the party season or a lovely gift for someone special.
OTHER FUN STUFF
Life Science Centre's open-air skating rink is the perfect place to show off those mean skating skills (and is just as good for newbies too!), and with the rink open from 9.30am until 8.30pm it’s an activity everyone can enjoy (until 15th January, from £10).
The city’s parks are always a great source of exercise too; whether you’re heading for a ramble around Leazes Park to spot the resident cattle, or a scenic dawdle around Exhibition Park with its duck-filled lake, children’s play area and skate park, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
If it’s animal encounters you’re looking for, make a bee-line for Great North Winterland at Great North Museum: Hancock on 17th December, when you’ll be able to meet three beautiful reindeer and learn all about their life in the North Pole (or County Durham).
If the weather’s not being so kind, head indoors to Eldon Square’s brilliant soft play centre, where you’ll find all kinds of squashy, bouncy, climbing fun for youngsters, and ten-pin bowling for the whole family to get extra-competitive over! Perfect for burning off the energy from all those sugary Christmas sweets!
No matter what your plans over the festive period, there’s always something fun to do in Newcastle for all the family. Have a great time, whatever you get up to!
