Christmas in Newcastle: Key dates and things to do this festive season

The nights are closing in, Halloween is out the way and gift lists have been prepared meaning Christmas is just around the corner.

There are plenty of ways to enjoy Christmas in Newcastle and across wider Tyneside.

From the Fenwicks window to the city centre's Christmas market and more, these are some of the dates to remember if you plan on celebrating Christmas across Tyneside.

What has already happened?

So far we have already seen the Fenwicks window unveiling, with this year's theme being The Chronicles of Narnia. This was revealed on Sunday, November 5, kickstarting Christmas in Newcastle.

We also saw the Centre for Life ice rink open on Sunday, November 11. This will be open throughout the Christmas period and into 2024.

Finally, Christmas officially started on Tyneside on Tuesday, November 14 when the city's Christmas lights were officially turned on.

But what have we still got to wait for before the big day?

Newcastle Christmas Market

The city's famous Christmas market is set to return very soon with some companies announcing plans for their stalls.

The market will open on Saturday, November 18 and is set to run until Saturday, December 23rd before the site around Greys Monument will be taken down for Christmas Eve.

Full information on the market can be found here.

Leazes Park Northern Lights Trail

The newest festive addition to the city is set to appear in Leazes Park very soon.

The Northern Lights trail is one mile of hugely impressive, family friendly installations in the city centre park.

Complete with a full Christmas village and plenty of food stalls, organisers are labelling the new attraction as a must-see for families in the North East.

The trail will be open between Thursday, November 23 and New Year's Day with tickets available to buy online through the venue's website.

Where to watch Christmas films at Newcastle cinemas

The city's independent cinemas are working hard to offer the public top Christmas films throughout December, and sometimes even earlier.

From classics such as Home Alone, Die Hard , Love Actually and It's A Wonderful Life, the cinema will be showing family specials, cult favourites and alternative Christmas options from Thursday, November 16.

In addition to one-off showings, the shite is also offering select specials with Die Hard and Home Alone double bills and even an It's A Wonderful Life with prosecco showing.

Tickets are available from the venue's website.

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Elsewhere, the Star and Shadow cinema will be offering festive alternatives such as 1980's Christmas Evil and a series of festive ghost stories.

What about New Year's Eve in Newcastle?

Anyone who prefers the New Year celebrations to festive offerings can look forward to the New Year Laser Light City on the Quayside.

Bringing back the lasers from previous years over fireworks, three shows will be on offer at 6am, 9pm and midnight on the evening of New Year's Eve. This is free for the public to enjoy.