6 Things to Do at Newcastle’s Christmas Markets

Pay a visit to the Christmas Village

After a hugely successful debut last year, we’re happy to report that Newcastle’s Christmas Village is returning to Old Eldon Square for 2025 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 — both new for 2025.

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 new addition to the Christmas Village nearby — a 15-metre-high Ferris Wheel, 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 Firebrick Brewery (15^th November to 23^rd December) and Riverside Spirits (15^th November to 23^rd December) for festive tipples that make the perfect Christmas presents.

Then take a loop around Grainger Street where there’s quite literally something for everybody — from art at Elemental Photography (15^th November to 23^rd December) and accessories at Romanticise Jewellery (15^th November to 23^rd December) to locally themed gifts at NEToon (15^th November to 28^th November).

And, new for 2025, the Markets are extending into Nelson Street where Christmas shoppers will find terrariums and herbariums at Adamo Creations (15^th November to 23^rd December), prints and greeting cards at Lucy May Frances Design (29^th November to 5^th December) and delicious chutneys and preserves at The Cherry Tree (15^th November to 23^rd 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 North Pole Festive Hütte and you’re more than welcome to grab a bite from stalls around you to enjoy too. The domes cost from £30 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 Acropolis (15^th November to 23^rd December), Great North Pizza (15^th November to 23^rd December) and local legends Geordie Banger Co (15^th November to 23^rd December). Or, for something sweeter, why not try La Petite Crêperie (15^th November to 23^rd December)?

If none of those tickle your tastebuds, then fret not! Venture back to Grainger Street where you’ll find Parm-O-Rama (15^th November to 23^rd December), scotch egg experts The Yolker (22^nd November to 28^th November) and more sweet treats from Churro Co (15^th November to 23^rd 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 — Slackjaw’s Gourmet Burger Company, C&C Loaded Chips, Dipping Donuts and Ury Street Food Sri Lanka will all be there from 15^th November to 23^rd December.

Dance the day or night away at the silent disco

Also new for 2025, we’re introducing a silent disco to the Grainger Street area of Newcastle’s Christmas Markets!

Offering fun for all ages, it’s open every weekend the markets are in place – from 5pm to 8pm on Fridays, between 10am and 8pm on Saturdays and on Sundays from 10am to 5pm.

Image: Woman holding Headphones by Martin Lopez via Pexels / Free to use under the Pexels License

The best part? It’s completely free and no pre-booking is required – just turn up, show off your best dance moves and you’ll be rocking around the Christmas Markets before you know it!

And there you have it. With these six things-to-do at Newcastle’s Christmas Markets, 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 Saturday 15^th November until Tuesday 23^rd December. For more information, visit the official Newcastle’s Christmas website.

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