Newcastle city centre to transform into tinsel toon
Written by Eleanor Tait on 9th October 2024
Festive cheer is set to be sprinkled across Newcastle as dates are announced for the opening of this year’s Christmas Village.
From November, visitors to Newcastle city centre’s Old Eldon Square will be treated to a winter wonderland of market stalls, bars, and children’s activities in the run-up to the big day.
Celebrations of the season will kick off on Tuesday 12 November, when Newcastle is lit up with its Christmas lights switch-on.
Popular for its range of stalls offering locally crafted gifts and seasonal refreshments, market-goers will once again be able to peruse the Christmas Village located around Grey’s Monument, at the junction of Grey Street and Grainger Street, from Saturday 16 November.
Coun Abdul Samad, Cabinet member for a Vibrant City at Newcastle City Council, said: “It will truly be a family affair in Newcastle, with something for everyone.”
Alpine pop-up bar, Moosenwirt, at Newcastle’s Christmas Village in 2023. (Photo Credit: Hazel Plater / Alamy Stock Photos)
For families looking to fill a weekend there are plenty of activities for the little ones, with a traditional carousel, as well as the chance to meet Santa’s little helpers in the Elf Workshop, and Santa stories told by Father Christmas himself.
Moosenwirt, an alpine pop-up bar which has become a popular feature of the Christmas Village in recent years, will also be popping up again on Grey Street.
In 2023, 95% of Newcastle’s Christmas market traders were local businesses, with several from the Grainger Market also setting up shop in the Christmas Village.
Last year also saw more than 1.375 million people visiting Newcastle’s Christmas markets, spending almost £57million in the local economy.
Coun Samad added: “We know that this time of year is vital for small, local businesses, so it is fantastic that so many people will be trading on the market, as well as in the Grainger Market, helping to attract visitors into the city.”
Newcastle’s Christmas Village will open on Saturday 16 November, running for five weeks until Sunday 22 December.
An official website will be launched soon with further details on events across the city, including the annual unveiling of Fenwick Christmas Window, and activity booking information.
