I’m dreaming of a white Christmas, with every Christmas card I write. Unfortunately, we can’t control the weather so instead I’ve put together 5 activities in and around Newcastle over the Christmas period to help with some easier dreams. There are tonnes of Christmas events Newcastle has to offer, including the famous Fenwick’s window, which can be enjoyed by all ages.

No. 1 - Newcastle Christmas Market

When thinking about what to do in Newcastle over Christmas the first thing that comes to mind is the Christmas market. Setting out their stalls at Grey’s monument, market traders from all over the world gather from November 17th until December 10th to showcase a range of products. From European cuisine and mulled wine to crafts and Christmas favours, the market is an unmissable festive treat, and, to make it even more enticing it is free entry making it a must do with your Christmas shopping experience. In addition to the returning Christmas market, Hadrian’s Tipi and World food market is back in Newcastle, located on Pilgrim Street between October 27th and January 7th. The atmospheric Tipi offers a range of local ales and spirits, a quaint atmospheric space with a fire pit and live music, all situated alongside a street food village and winter beer garden which will really get you in the Christmas spirit.

No. 2 - Pantomime

IT’S BEHIND YOU! The Theatre Royal Newcastle and Tyne Theatre Newcastle are just 2 of the local venues host to a festive pantomime which is guaranteed fun for all the family. Peter Pan, Jack and the Beanstalk and Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs, to name a few, are included in the 2017 line up in Newcastle. There are plenty other pantomimes in and around the North East that offer a frivolous spectacle which really is a Christmas event that always adds to the excitement and fun of the festivities.

No. 3 - Centre For Life ice skating

Every year the popular ice skating rink returns to Newcastle’s Centre For Life and who doesn’t enjoy Christmas ice-skating? The rink is open from November 11th all the way through until February 18th so ironically you don’t have to ‘get your skates on’, there is plenty of time to enjoy this Christmas activity. You don’t have to book unless in a party larger than 10 and ice-skating prices range with children 4 and under paying £3, children 5-17 pay £7, adults pay £9, concession charge is £8 or there is an option for a family ticket costing £25. Anyone can get involved with this one. Torvill and Dean eat your heart out.

No. 4 - Fenwick’s window

Fenwick’s Christmas window is the pinnacle of Newcastle Christmas, this year featuring Paddington bear; the popular festive attraction invites queues of onlookers from all over the North East. Fenwick’s department store is situation in the heart of Northumberland Street, Newcastle’s busiest shopping area, where the window was unveiled on the 3rd November gathering hundreds of people. In terms of Christmas events this is definitely a traditional Newcastle favourite.

No. 5 - Alive after five

Finally the 5th fun activity in Newcastle is not necessarily festive, but I thought it was worth a mention as it contributes to the crowds of people who will be visiting the city over the Christmas months. Alive after five was launched in 2010 structuring the innovation of Newcastle, which is proving to be of huge value to the public. The transformation of the city aims to ‘help the high street’, with thousands of free parking spaces after 5pm in central Newcastle, people are able to shop until 8pm as well as visit restaurants and bars building upon the generation of the area. This will be taken full advantage of over the festive period contributing to Christmas events like Fenwick’s window and the Christmas market.

All in all there is plenty going on for the whole family to enjoy during the most wonderful time of the year!

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