This article has been updated for 2024.
Newcastle promises to be twinkly and festive with all its activities and events. There’s something for everyone, even the kids. So get your comfy walking shoes and camera ready and put a cosy jumper on to explore the city’s festivities. Some events require tickets, and some are free; they are specified below.
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Though not on the route, NE1 uses venues throughout Newcastle as an Advent Calendar! These Venues open their doors to you for exclusive tours. Visit this website for the release of the venues in the run-up to Christmas.
Our first destination is Leazes Park. The entrance and exit is on Barrack Road.
Leazes Park Northern Lights display is a spectacular immersive experience, including original audio compositions and light choreography. For 90 minutes, enjoy the light show produced by award-winning creators of well-known installations like those at Kew Gardens, Netflix, and Glastonbury. Be entertained by vintage fair rides and yummy treats in the woodland clearings of the park. Tickets will sell quickly; you can book them here.
Leazes Park Lake. Credit: Northern Lights Newcastle
Northern Lights in the Woods. Credit: Northern Lights Newcastle
Exit Leazes Park onto Barrack Road to turn left, then left into Strawberry Place at the next intersection. Strawberry Place becomes Morden Street; follow this past the Eldon Garden shopping centre, which will be on your right.
Part 1 of the 6km Christmas in Newcastle Walk
Cross through the car park into the small cobbled street to get to Percy Street and turn left. Continue down this road to turn right into Haymarket, then left to continue down Haymarket (the glass building will be on your left). When you reach Northumberland Road, turn right to get to Fenwicks.
Part 2 of the 6km Christmas in Newcastle Walk
Fenwick’s Christmas window is the much-anticipated annual tradition. A new theme is presented yearly (for the past 50 years!), including Paddington, Shaun the Sheep, and Beatrix Potter’s stories. You can see the displays from previous yearshere. Don’t worry if you missed this year’s grand reveal; you can still watch the curtain drop on the YouTube video below. Please ensure you are connected to uncapped Wi-Fi or have enough data when viewing the video.
Continue down Northumberland Street to reach Brunswick Street and turn right. Continue past Grey’s Monument and go into Grainger Street.
Part 3 of the 6km Christmas in Newcastle Walk
Turn right into Nelson Street (opposite Central Arcade). The entrance to Grainger Market will be on your left.
Part 4 of the 6km Christmas in Newcastle Walk
Grainger Market will include stalls from local small businesses, independent traders, and food stalls. This Christmas market will be ideal for last-minute Christmas shopping for unique or handmade gifts.
Grainger Market Christmas display. Credit: New Girl in Toon
To exit the market, go to Alley 3, Row B. Once you get onto Clayton Street, turn left to the Life Science Centre.
Part 5 of the 6km Christmas in Newcastle Walk
Life Science Centre ice rink will be the only open-air ice rink in Newcastle and Gateshead this Christmas; you won’t want to miss this. Book your tickets here and secure your spot to make a lifelong memory.
Life Science Centre ice rink. Credit: Life Science Centre
Exit the Life Science Centre, turning right onto Neville Street. Continue and turn slightly right into Westgate Road all the way to Newcastle Castle.
Part 6 of the 6km Christmas in Newcastle Walk
Newcastle Castle offers the unique opportunity to watch Christmas movies inside the Castle! Book your tickets here for other fun activities and events, such as wreath making, to avoid disappointment.
Newcastle Castle in winter. Credit: Get into Newcastle
Exit on Black Gate to Castle Garth. Walk down Castle stairs onto Sandhill.
Part 7 of the 6km Christmas in Newcastle Walk
Walk over Swing Bridge, and at the end, turn a slight left onto Bridge Street, then left again onto Hillgate under Tyne Bridge.
Part 8 of the 6km Christmas in Newcastle Walk
Hillgate becomes South Shore Road, where the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art will be seen.
Part 9 of the 6km Christmas in Newcastle Walk
Baltic’s Winter Warmer Weekend from 25-26 November has something for everyone crafty (or wanting to be crafty), art lovers, and gift shoppers. Some exhibitions, workshops, and activities are free, and some require buying tickets. See their site here for the various available activities.
Baltic’s Centre for Contemporary Art
Exit Baltics and cross over the Gateshead Millennium Bridge to turn right onto Quayside or Cycle Route 72.
Part 10 of the 6km Christmas in Newcastle Walk
Turn slightly left up onto Horatio Street, then onto Walker Street. Continue onto Ouse Street. Victoria Tunnel will be on your left.
Part 11 of the 6km Christmas in Newcastle Walk
Victoria Tunnel is once again hosting its Tunnel Tours with this year’s theme, “Down The Chimney”. Can you solve the clues to find and rescue Santa deep in the tunnel? Tickets need to be booked in advance here.
Children with Santa in Victoria Tunnel. Credit: Chronicle Live
Continue up Ouse Street into Lime Street, curving into Stepney Bank.
Part 12 of the 6km Christmas in Newcastle Walk
Turn right into Stepney Road, Shieldfield Lane, and Stoddart Street, where you will see The Biscuit Factory on your left.
Part 13 of the 6km Christmas in Newcastle Walk
The Biscuit Factory’s Winter Social is their most popular event, where you can buy unique gifts such as handmade and original works from over 200 makers and artists. Additionally, there will be a live performance from a Christmas choir, complimentary drinks as you enter, and a prize draw. The best part? Entrance is free! But you must book tickets here in advance to be allowed admission. The Biscuit Factory also hosts various workshops, which you can check out here.
Inside the Biscuit Factory. Credit: The Biscuit Factory
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If you enjoyed this route, check out our Newcastle city centre walk.
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