Today I am sharing 36 ideas for festive things to do in Newcastle. From Christmas Cocktails to Ice Skating and Christmas Shows, this post has you covered.
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1 - Visit Fenwick's Window
This year's window hasn't received the best of receptions but I can't wait to see it - it is tradition after all. It's FREE and you can pop along at any time.
2 - Enjoy a Christmas Experience at St James' Park
3 - Ice Skating at Life
Ice Skating at Life is always a lovely activity and you can enjoy hot chocolates from the centre's cafe afterwards too. Booking is recommended but walk ins may be available. Find out more and book here.
4 - Christmas at Centre for Life
Life Science Centre has a host of Christmas activities included with admission this winter including a Winter Skies Planetarium Show and a chance to make a glow in the dark Christmas Card in the making studios.
ENTRY TO THE CENTRE FOR LIFE IS JUST £5 PER PERSON ACROSS THE FESTIVE PERIOD WHICH IS AN ABSOLUTE BARGAIN.
There will also be a secret santa mystery and a chance to learn some festive magic tricks to impress your family around the table on Christmas Day. All included with regular admission - you can book ahead or pay on the door. Find out more here.
5 - Pop into Seven Stories
Or why not book onto one of their festive events? There is lots to choose from including Little Elves Christmas Craft Workshops, Meet the Grinch, Christmas Storytimes & more. Find out more here.
6 - Christmas at the Victoria Tunnel
7 - Lazy Bear Tipi
8 - Visit the Quayside Market
Visit the Window on a Sunday and follow up with a walk along the Quayside to pick up some local treats from the regular Quayside Market.
9 - Visit Newcastle Christmas Markets
Newcastle Christmas Market will take place around monument from 19 November -23 December. Find out more here.
10 - Nil Living
If you are looking for a more sustainable Christmas this year, pop into Nil Living in the Grainger Market. This zero waste and refill shop stocks essentials as well as gift ideas. You can weigh out the ingredients for your christmas cake too. Find out more here.
11 - Hot Chocolate Stop
There are lots of places specialising in festive hot chocolates this year and a hot chocolate break after Fenwick's Window seems like a good idea. Proven Doughnuts, Cake Stories, the Dispensary and the Great British Cupcakery are all good places to start.
12 - Visit Fenwick's Toy Department
I used to love doing this as a child and taking my own children when they were little too. It's always exciting walking around the toy department in the run up to Christmas.
13 - Festive Mac n Cheese from Redheads
There is no word yet but previously, Redheads Mac n Cheese have released a Christmas special and it looks so good! Find them in the Grainger Market. Keep an eye on their socials here.
14 - Hunt out Newcastle's Independent Shops
Show extra support to our local small businesses this year and hunt out Newcastle's independent shops for your Christmas shopping. I highly recommend Tian's Gifts in the Grainger Market & Glamorous Owl which is surrounded by beautiful shops in Old George Yard.
Disney On Ice presents Dream Big is skating into Utilita Arena from 7-11 December. Matinee and morning shows are available as well as evening performances. Find out more and buy tickets here.
16 - Christmas Ceilidh at Great North Museum
18 - Pick Out a Cheese Board from Matthew's Cheese
Matthew's Cheese Shop in the Grainger Market have the best selection of Christmas cheeses with hundreds of varieties. You can order cheese boards or pick a few selections up from their counter. I recommend their Mince Pie Wensleydale. Find out more here.
19 - Watch a Christmas Film at Everyman Cinema
20 - Book Fenwick Christmas Cinema Tickets
Fenwick's Christmas Cinema returns this year and there is a range of films to watch including Frozen, The Polar Express, Muppet's Christmas Carol, Arthur Christmas and more. Find out more and book here.
21 - Donate to a Newcastle Food Bank
Christmas is all about giving so why not turn your trip to Fenwick's window into just that and donate your time or some food to one of Newcastle's food banks. West End Food Bank are currently accepting donations.
22 - Stoytime with Elves at Fenwick
23 - Book Festive Afternoon Tea
There are a few options in Newcastle including festive afternoon tea with Santa at Fenwick and family afternoon tea with Santa at the Vermont Hotel Or why not treat yourself to festive afternoon tea at Dreamworld Cakes.
24 - Movies for Juniors at Cineworld, The Gate
Movies for Juniors are less than £3 a ticket and generally available in school holidays and weekends. In the run up to Christmas, they usually show older Christmas films as part of this deal so it's worth checking their website here to see what's on. Please note, often films are released with just a week's notice.
25 - Christmas Cocktails and Mocktails
Lots of bars in Newcastle will release Christmas cocktails and mocktails and I will update this post with ideas when they do. Stopping at a bar for a festive tipple or two is a good option depending on the age of your kids. The Botanist, W.C and All Bar One usually have a good range. We will be sharing a fill round up of what's on offer soon.
26 - Enjoy a Festive Burger from Fat Hippo
The festive burgers from Fat Hippo never disappoint and this year's offerings look as fantastic as ever. Available from 16 November. Find out more and book your table here.
27 - Christmas Bath Bomb Shopping from Lush
It is a bit of a festive tradition that we pick out Christmas bath bombs from Lush in the run up to Christmas. There is usually quite a bit of choice and they generally keep well.
28 - Malmaison Christmas Market
This market takes place on 27 November. Expect local stalls, carol singers, homemade mince pies and mulled wine. Find out more here.
29 - Christmas Pizza at Pizza Punks
We are recent converts to Pizza Punks after visiting over Half Term. You can order unlimited toppings from a vast selection for one standard price. There is a reduced kids option for £7 too.
No details yet, but in the past, Christmas toppings have been available in the run up to the festive season. A christmas pizza sounds delicious! Keep an eye on their socials for announcements here.
30 - Watch Dickens by Candlelight on Pilgrim Street
31 - Watch the Newcastle Christmas Light Switch On
This year's switch on will take place on Tuesday 15 November. Find out mroe here.
32 - Enjoy the Best Festive Fayre in Town
Blackfriars is one of my favourite places to book a special lunch and this year's festive menu includes Camembert Croquette, Scottish Scallops and Cauliflower Puree, Butter Roast Turkey Breast and Boozy Christmas Pudding. Sounds divine! Find out more and book here.
33 - Catch a Festive Show at The Sage
Lots to choose from including A Choral Nativity, Big Family Festive Gig, Home Alone in Concert, Christmas on Broadway, Family Festive Jam and of course, The Snowman in Concert. Check what's on and book here.
34 - Find 30 Christmas Windows
NE1 is once again hosting a competition and commissioning specific local artists to design a window theme to transform 30 windows in the city. The themes could be festive but there are no design constraints so there might be a few unusual options too. The finished designs should be available to view from the end of November. Find out more here.
35 - Visit Newcastle Cathedral
It's free to visit, they are welcoming to families and have a lovely cafe plus free activities for children including brass rubbings, trails and an interactive stained glass window. There is also a series of carol services / choirs in the build up to Christmas. See their what's on page for info.
36 - Catch a Christmas Show
In Newcastle we have:
- Cinderella at Newcastle Theatre Royal
- The Sorcerer's Apprentice at Northern Stage
- Craft your Christmas with Sara Davies at Tyne Theatre
- Beauty and the Beast at Tyne Theatre
- Hey Diddle Diddle at Northern Stage (for under 6s)
- Wintry Tales at Live Theatre
- Wishes on the Wind at Live Theatre (suitable for ages 14+)
- Goldilocks and the Three Bears at Peoples Theatre
- Humbug the Musical at Gosforth Civic Theatre
Non-festive (but still fun ideas)
- YuMe World Arcade (in the Gate)
- Virtual Darts at WonderBar
- Gorilla Bowling
- Lane 7 Bowling
- Newcastle Escape Room
- Eldon Square Soft Play
- Visit Newcastle Castle
- Mr Mullighans Crazy Golf
- Newcastle City Pool
- Discovery Museum
- Ouseburn Farm
- Exhibition Park & Urban Green Cafe
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