Newcastle Christmas Market Dates, Location and Tips
Tucked beneath the glow of Newcastle’s iconic Grey’s Monument and sparkling lights, the Newcastle Christmas Market brings festive magic right into the heart of the city. From steaming mulled wine to artisan gifts and indulgent festive treats, it’s the perfect spot for a wintry wander. Whether you’re planning a family outing or just fancy a festive bite on your lunch break, there’s plenty to explore. With local traders, international flavours, and a cracking Christmas atmosphere, Newcastle’s market is well worth a visit this season.
When does the Newcastle Christmas market start?
The Newcastle Christmas Market 2025 will open on Saturday, 15 November, and run through to Tuesday, 23 December.
Where is the Newcastle Christmas market?
The Newcastle Christmas Market is located in the heart of the city, with key locations at Old Eldon Square, Monument, and Grey Street. This year, there’s a welcome addition of a new Christmas Village on Old Eldon Square, featuring family-friendly activities and festive cheer.
Do you need tickets?
No, you don’t need tickets to attend Newcastle Christmas market. The Christmas market is free to enter, so you can enjoy the festive fun without any additional fees.
Things to do at the Newcastle Christmas Market
The Newcastle Christmas Market is more than just a festive shopping spot, it’s part of a city-wide celebration filled with twinkling lights, seasonal food, and holiday fun. Here’s what you can look forward to both at the market and nearby:
- Explore the Christmas Village in Old Eldon Square: Enjoy family-friendly fun with the Rockin’ Reindeer stage, Elf Workshop (complete with “reindeer dust” craft), Santa Stories tipi, and a charming vintage carousel.
- Shop for unique Christmas gifts: Wander through over 35 traditional chalets offering handmade decor, jewellery, ceramics, local booze (like Firebrick Brewery and O’Donnell Moonshine), and gourmet eats like macaroni cheese, crepes, pizzas and Yorkshire pudding wraps
- Soak up live entertainment & ambient lights: Catch live choirs, street performers, festive tunes around Grey’s Monument on weekends, and stroll under Newcastle’s iconic canopy of seasonal lights for that magical spark.
How to reach the Newcastle Christmas market?
If you’re planning to visit the Newcastle Christmas market, here are some easy ways to get there:
- By train: The nearest station is Newcastle Central Station, just a 9-minute walk from the market. If you’re travelling from London, take a direct train from London King’s Cross to Newcastle Central Station. The journey typically takes around 2 hours 40 minutes.
- By bus: There are numerous bus services that connect key locations across the city to the Christmas market. The main bus stops around Grey Street and Eldon Square make it convenient to hop off right by the market.
- By car: If you’re driving from London, take the A1(M) for a scenic drive to Newcastle. The journey is approximately 4-5 hours, depending on traffic.
Where can you park?
Parking is available in several nearby car parks, including the Eldon Garden car park and the Grainger Town car park. Both are within walking distance of the market and offer convenient access.
Is Newcastle Christmas Market worth visiting?
The Newcastle Christmas Market is definitely worth a visit if you’re after festive charm in a vibrant city setting. With dozens of stalls offering everything from artisan gifts to seasonal street food, it brings a warm, cheerful atmosphere to the heart of the city. Visitors praise its cosy alpine bar, twinkling lights, and central location around Grey’s Monument. While it can get busy, especially at weekends, the mix of local traders, tasty treats, and Christmas cheer makes it a memorable stop during the festive season.
Where to stay in Newcastle?
For a truly festive experience in Newcastle, opt for a hotel near the city centre to stay close to the magic of the Christmas Market. Browse through the fantastic deals on this page for discounted hotel stays, offering both comfort and affordability while you soak in the seasonal cheer.
Other things to do in Newcastle:
- Visit the Quayside: Stroll along the scenic Quayside for a mix of culture, dining, and stunning views of the Tyne Bridge.
- Explore the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art: This venue is a hub for modern art, with rotating exhibitions and stunning views of the city from its rooftop café.
- Take a trip to the Castle Keep: Discover the history of Newcastle by visiting the iconic Castle Keep, offering panoramic views of the city.
- Explore the Ouseburn Valley: This vibrant area is known for its independent breweries, galleries, and live music venues.
- Visit St Nicholas' Cathedral: Head to this stunning gothic cathedral to admire the beautiful architecture and serene surroundings.
- Go on a river cruise on the Tyne: Experience Newcastle from the water with a scenic river cruise, offering a different perspective of the city’s landmarks.
Christmas Essentials: Christmas Shop | Christmas Gifts | Christmas Pyjamas | Christmas Decorations | Christmas Market Breaks | Christmas Jumpers | Christmas Trees