I went to the opening day of Newcastle's Christmas market and thought it was the best in years

For a long time now Newcastle’s Christmas market has been, give or take a few stalls, the same year on year.

However, a few additions mean it is back to being a ‘must see’ spot this winter.

Much like most of us, I love Christmas and any chance to enjoy the festive season before we hit December is always appreciated and Newcastle’s Christmas market opening on the third weekend of November was perfect - a matter of days after the city’s Christmas lights were turned on and just as a cold snap hit the North East, essentially starting the depths of winter.

Being the first weekend of the festive season, the city centre was unnaturally busy considering the lack of action at St James Park due to the international break - but it showed how the city embraces its Christmas market.

Previous years have seen a scattering of huts and a singular bar hit Grey’s Monument and the upper ends of Grey Street and Grainger Street, although this year saw the extension of the site which now sees entertainment continue at Old Eldon Square. The green space has previously housed food stalls, but has felt more of an attachment to the main event rather than part of the market itself.

This year has seen a large Christmas tree put in place as well as the various stalls you would expect and a ferris wheel.

Further entertainment away from the Grey’s Monument area can be found with kids activities at Old Eldon Square including sessions with elves and Santa himself.

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Another bar and small stage for acoustic acts also looked to still be incomplete during our visit, but once this opens it will be a fantastic option to stop overcrowding at the bars closer to Grey’s Monument during peak times.

We have previously offered a list of the top day trips to cities with Christmas markets such as York - but if you just want to get in the festive spirit without spending money on the ever increasing cost of trains across the country, you can’t go wrong with an afternoon and evening at Newcastle’s Christmas market this year.

If the team can get every corner of the sites open and running quickly, the city will have its best Christmas market in a long time - and let’s hope it continues an upward trend across the city!

The market will remain open until Sunday, December 22.