5 Things to Do at Newcastle’s Christmas Market
Paying a trip to Newcastle’s Christmas Market this year? Here’s five must-do activities to make the most of the day!
Newcastle’s Christmas Market is a quintessential part of the festive season in the Toon, taking over the area surrounding Grey’s Monument from mid-November to the late December.
This year, they’re back and bigger and better than ever before so to help you make the most of it, here’s our top five things to do at Newcastle Christmas Market in 2026.
Pay a visit to the Christmas Village
After a hugely successful second edition last year, we’re happy to report that Newcastle’s Christmas Village is returning to Old Eldon Square for 2026 and there’s tonnes of festive fun for all the family.
Start your day here with a trip to the Rockin’ Reindeer stage to get into the festive spirit, with interactive games, fun singalongs and meet-and-greets with some familiar Christmas characters.
Afterwards, head to Mrs Claus’ Bakery and decorate a festive cookie with the help of her and her friendly elves or catch classic Christmas films like Home Alone and Elf at Festive Flix.
Just a stone’s throw away, you’ll find the beautiful, traditional Christmas Carousel. Why not go for a spin and take in the festivities around you? You’ll also find another Christmas Village favourite nearby — a the much-loved Ferris Wheel, which is even bigger this year (a whopping 22 metres high!) and perfect for seeing the city and its sights from a height. Both rides are bookable online if you don’t feel like queuing.
And last, but by no means least, round off your trip to the Christmas Village with a visit to Santa Stories. Father Christmas himself has taken up residency in this festive tipi, where families are invited to join for festive storytelling and photo opportunities — and a Nice List Certificate for the little ones.
Please note that pre-booking is essential for Santa Stories, Rockin’ Reindeer, Festive Flix and Mrs Claus’ Bakery, so make sure you’ve got your tickets before heading out!
Christmas shopping at the markets
Feeling festive yet? We certainly hope so, because it’s time to get some of that Christmas shopping done! Whoever you’re buying for, Newcastle has a veritable feast of local traders to help you fill those stockings. And as if that wasn’t enough, some stalls will change weekly in the lead-up to Christmas, so no two visits to the Market will ever be the same!
From the Christmas Village at Old Eldon Square, head to Grey’s Monument. Here, you’ll find the likes of locally themed gifts at NEToon Creative (19th November to 2nd December) and gorgeous handmade accessories at Konatsu Jewellery (19th November - 23rd December).
Then take a loop around Grainger Street where there’s quite literally something for everybody — from art at Elemental Photography (19th November to 23rd December) and festive tipples at Riverside Spirits (19th November to 23rd December) to cosy hats, scarves and gloves at The Christmas Accessories Cabin (19th November to 23rd December).
The Market is once again extending into Nelson Street this year where Christmas shoppers will find beautifully crafted ceramics at Fatfinger Atelier 19th November to 23rd December), handmade crocheted flower designs at Forever Flowers 19th November to 23rd December) and unique lamps and lights at Luminology 19th November to 23rd December).
Warm up inside The North Pole
Phew! After all that Christmas shopping, you probably need a breather, right? Not to worry, The North Pole is just a stone’s throw away! Based on the plinth of Grey’s Monument, these cosy igloo domes overlook the heart of the city centre — making them perfect for people watching and enjoying a hot chocolate or two. They’re even heated so you can wave goodbye to that scratchy scarf for a minute!
Drinks are available to purchase from the nearby Grey's Monument Festive Drinks Hütte and you’re more than welcome to grab a bite from the stalls around you to enjoy too. The domes cost from £20 to book for 1 hour and 45 minute slots, so don’t be left out in the cold — get your igloo booked before you visit!
Want more info? Read our article Everything You Need to Know About: The North Pole.
Hear some live music at Moosenwirt
In case you’ve been living at the actual North Pole, you’ve probably heard the news that Newcastle’s legendary Alpine bar Moosenwirt is making a very welcome return Grey Street this festive season.
As well as all the warm cosy seating, fire pit areas and delicious mulled wine that we know and love it for, there’ll also be some incredible live music to enjoy too! So why not head here as the night starts drawing in to hear from some fantastic local talent, and maybe even partake in a little sing-a-long? Live moosic has never sounded better!
Fuel up at the food stalls
After a jam-packed time at Newcastle’s Christmas Markets, what better way to end your trip with some delicious food? No matter what you’re in the mood for, there’s plenty of good grub to pick from.
Handily nearby Moosenwirt on Grey Street, you’ll find the likes of Alpine Fondue (19th November - 23rd December), Lucca Pizza (19th November - 23rd December) and local legends Geordie Banger Co (19th November - 23rd December). Or, for something sweeter, why not try Crumbling (19th November - 23rd December) - a viral sensation when their crumble pots first appeared at the Market last year and the first-ever winner of Newcastle’s Christmas Market Trader of the Year!
If none of those tickle your tastebuds, then fret not! Venture back to Grainger Street where you’ll find Spud Gun Steak Fries (19th November to 23rd December), Vietnamese sandwiches at The Big Banh (19th November to 23rd December) and even more sweet treats at Dipping Donuts (19th November to 23rd December).
Or maybe you’ve taken another spin on the carousel at the Christmas Village (we wouldn’t blame you!) at Old Eldon Square and are looking for something nearby? Not to worry — Acropolis, C&C Loaded Chips, Redhead's Mac 'N' Cheese and GG Street Food French Toast Bites will all be there from 19th November to 23rd December.
And there you have it. With these five things to do at Newcastle’s Christmas Market, you’ll be sleighing Christmas in no time! Wondering when the market opens, closes, and all that jazz? We’ve got you covered, read up on Everything You Need to Know About: Newcastle’s Christmas Markets.
Newcastle’s Christmas Markets will be open from Thursday 19th November until Wednesday 23rd December. For more information, visit the official Newcastle’s Christmas website.
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