The holiday season is upon us and it’s time to jingle our bells. I can hardly believe it myself but oh how I do adore the festivities. It really is the most wonderful time of the year and there’s something so magical about it. How good does it feel to be free to plan things to do this year? I thought I’d cherry-pick some of the best things my hometown has to offer and share them with you. Are you local to Newcastle or fancy a festive Geordie trip? Use this handy festive guide to help you make the most of what the Northeast has to offer.
Alnwick Gardens Light Trail
What is more festive than the glow of thousands of Christmas lights? It’s one of my favourite things about this time of year. Alnwick Gardens have a magical light trail through their garden to bring some extra festive cheer to us all. Immerse yourself in the glittering array of lights and Christmas music as you wander the trail. Be sure to check out the local vendors for some hot drinks to wrap your chilly hands around and some festive treats to enjoy.
Tyneside Cinema
This is one of my personal favourite Christmas traditions. Every Christmas I visit the Tyneside Cinema to watch It’s A Wonderful Life with a mince pie and either mulled wine or a hot chocolate. They have the loveliest cinema with a real traditional feel. They screen a great variety of Christmas movies over the festive period so there is something for everyone. I’m also seeing Home Alone this year too!
Christmas Evenings at Beamish
Step back in time and enjoy the festive traditions of a time gone by. Beamish open-air museum gets a festive makeover in December and visitors are treated to mince pies and mulled wine on arrival carol singers, brass band, yummy seasonal treats and a Punch and Judy show. Best of all is Santa’s grotto complete with Reindeer. Grotto tickets must be booked separately. It’s such a lovely way to take a glimpse of Christmas’ past. It’s mostly outdoors so be sure to dress warmly.
Newcastle Christmas Market
The Christmas market makes a welcome return on December 2nd, transforming Grey Street into a winter wonderland. You will find over 30 stalls showcasing some of the Northeast’s finest produce with special focus on local traders offering a range of special goods. Sample delicious treats or buy unique gifts for your loved ones. A trip to a Christmas market is a must over the festive period and it’s a great way to support local businesses.
Fenwick Window
One of Newcastle’s more famed Christmas traditions is paying a visit to the Fenwick Window display. They’ve had some incredible designs over the years and it’s something I look forward to every Christmas time. Don’t leave without heading down to the Christmas shop located on their lower ground floor and visit the themed café. Nowhere does Christmas quite like Fenwick department stores. Not to be missed and something the whole family can enjoy.
Hadrian’s Tipi / Stack
Hadrian’s Tipi is making a return for another Christmas. Cosy up in front of an open fire with a mulled wine or glass of bubbly to celebrate the festive season. This glorious popup retreat is the perfect warm and cosy haven to get out of the icy winter chill. You’ll be spoiled for choice with a well-stocked bar full of hot and cold tiples to suit all tastes. Located right beside Stack where you will be greeted by a winter beer garden complete with Christmas trees and sparkling lights and most importantly, shelter and outdoor heaters to keep you toasty warm. Fancy a bite to eat? Chow down on authentic Bratwurst and Frankfurters served from a large, charcoal-fired, swing grill hut, or perhaps toasting marshmallows over an open fire is more up your street?
Ice skating at Centre for Life
This may not be for everyone, myself included due to being the most uncoordinated human ever but it does look ever so festive and fun! I do enjoy having a hot chocolate and watching others brave the ice. Every winter the Centre for Life has an outdoor ice rink and often features other local attractions. It officially opens on November 13th.
Watch A Theatre Production
Christmas and the theatre go hand-in-hand. Pantos are a popular family favourite over the holiday season but there’s a lot more to see than just a panto. Ballet companies often perform their own take on the classic Nutcracker, and there are a host of fun festive musicals.
What are your favourite things to do over the festive season?
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1 Comment
It looks ever so lovely!
Danielle | thereluctantblogger.co.uk