Christmas in Newcastle brings festive markets, seasonal food, family activities and nights out to the city centre. From shopping around Grey’s Monument to ice skating at Life Science Centre, you will find plenty of ways to fill a winter break. Stay at PREMIER SUITES Newcastle and enjoy your own apartment close to the city’s main attractions and transport links.

Visit Newcastle Christmas Market

Newcastle Christmas Market is one of the main events on the city’s festive calendar. The market takes over Grey Street, Grainger Street and the area around Grey’s Monument, placing its stalls within easy reach of the main shopping streets.

Browse gifts, decorations, crafts and food from independent traders. Many of the businesses involved are based in Newcastle and across the North East, so it is a good place to pick up something that you may not find on the high street.

You can also stop for seasonal food and drinks as you explore. Expect sweet treats, hot drinks, street food and traditional Christmas flavours. Entry to the market is usually free, which means you can visit for a quick look or spend a full afternoon browsing.

Opening dates and individual attractions may change each year, so check the official event information before your visit.

Spend Time at the Christmas Village

Old Eldon Square becomes a centre for festive activities during Christmas in Newcastle. Previous celebrations have included a Christmas Village with fairground attractions, food stalls, live performances and activities for children.

It is a useful stop for families as there is usually a mix of entertainment for different ages. Depending on the annual programme, children may be able to enjoy Santa stories, creative workshops and live shows.

The Christmas Village is also close to Eldon Square shopping centre, Northumberland Street and the main Christmas Market. You can combine several festive activities without travelling across the city.

Go Ice Skating at Life Science Centre

The outdoor ice rink at Life Science Centre is a popular Christmas activity in Newcastle. Located in Times Square, it offers seasonal skating sessions for adults, children and families.

The rink is made with real ice and usually opens from November into the New Year. Sessions are available throughout the day, with selected evening times giving you the chance to skate beneath the lights.

Life Science Centre is less than a five minute walk from PREMIER SUITES Newcastle. This makes it easy to return to your apartment after your skating session, especially if you are visiting with young children.

Advance booking is recommended during weekends, school holidays and the days leading up to Christmas.

See the Fenwick Christmas Window

The Fenwick Christmas Window has been part of Christmas in Newcastle for generations. Each year, the department store reveals a new display along Northumberland Street.

The window usually follows a well known story or festive theme, with detailed scenes, moving characters and music. Families often make a special trip into the city to see it, so you may need to wait during busy periods.

Viewing the window is free. Visit earlier in the morning or later in the evening if you would prefer to avoid the largest crowds.

Once you have seen the display, you can continue your Christmas shopping at Fenwick, Eldon Square and the shops along Northumberland Street.

Shop at Grainger Market

Grainger Market gives you an indoor alternative when the winter weather arrives. The historic market is home to independent shops, food traders, butchers, bakeries and cafés.

It is a good place to shop for local food, small gifts and ingredients for a meal back at your apartment. You can also stop for lunch, coffee or something sweet while exploring the city centre.

The market is close to Grey’s Monument and the outdoor Christmas Market, so it fits easily into a day of festive shopping.

Watch a Christmas Show

Newcastle has a strong programme of theatre, music and live entertainment throughout December.

The Theatre Royal usually stages a Christmas pantomime, with family performances running across the festive season. Other venues, including Northern Stage and the Utilita Arena, also host concerts, comedy shows and seasonal productions.

Across the River Tyne, The Glasshouse International Centre for Music offers Christmas concerts and live performances. You can reach it from the city centre by walking across the Gateshead Millennium Bridge or taking local transport.

Christmas performances often sell out, particularly at weekends. Book your tickets early if a show is an important part of your visit.

Walk Along Newcastle Quayside

Wrap up and take a winter walk along Newcastle Quayside. The route gives you views of the Tyne Bridge, Gateshead Millennium Bridge and the buildings along both sides of the river.

You can stop at one of the Quayside’s restaurants or bars for dinner and drinks. Cross the river to visit BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art or continue towards The Glasshouse for a concert.

The bridges and riverside buildings are lit after dark, making an evening walk a simple addition to your Christmas plans.

Enjoy Newcastle’s Food and Nightlife

Christmas in Newcastle is not limited to daytime activities. The city has restaurants, traditional pubs, cocktail bars and live music venues within walking distance of its main shopping areas.

Grey Street, High Bridge and the Quayside offer plenty of options for dinner. The Ouseburn area is another choice if you prefer independent pubs, music venues and a more relaxed atmosphere.

If you are organising a group Christmas break, having a central base means everyone can choose how they spend the evening. You can enjoy the city’s nightlife without arranging a long trip back to your accommodation.

Plan a Family Christmas Break

Newcastle offers a useful mix of indoor and outdoor activities for families. You can visit the Christmas Market, go ice skating and see the Fenwick Christmas Window in one day without relying on a car.

Indoor attractions such as Life Science Centre, the Great North Museum and BALTIC are helpful options during wet or cold weather. Check each venue’s Christmas opening hours before setting out, as schedules may change during the festive period.

Staying in an apartment also gives families more room than a standard hotel room. You can prepare breakfast before heading out, keep snacks and drinks in the kitchen and relax together in the living area at the end of the day.

Where to Stay for Christmas in Newcastle

PREMIER SUITES Newcastle offers serviced apartments close to the city centre and less than a five minute walk from Newcastle Central Station.

Choose from one or two bedroom apartments, with space for up to four guests. Each apartment includes a separate living area, dining space, bathroom and fully equipped kitchen. Complimentary WiFi is also available throughout the property.

Having your own kitchen gives you more control over meals during your stay. You can prepare breakfast, store food from Grainger Market or enjoy a quiet dinner after a busy day. The separate living area gives you space to relax, exchange gifts or plan the next day.

On site underground parking is available for an additional charge, subject to availability. The nearby Metro and rail connections also make it easy to explore Newcastle, Gateshead and the wider North East.

Book Your Christmas Stay in Newcastle

Christmas in Newcastle offers shopping, entertainment, food and festive activities within a compact city centre. You can browse the Christmas Market, skate at Life Science Centre, see a seasonal show and finish your day with dinner beside the River Tyne.

Make PREMIER SUITES Newcastle your base and enjoy the freedom of a serviced apartment close to the celebrations. Book your Christmas stay and give yourself the space to enjoy Newcastle at your own pace.