Newcastle Christmas Market 2025 Guide
Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear • 15 Nov – 23 Dec 2025 • England
Grey Street, Grainger Street and Old Eldon Square host around 40 traders championing North East food, drink and crafts.
Why visit in 2025?
- Local street food from Geordie favourites to global flavours
- Handmade gifts from regional makers and social enterprises
- Festive entertainment on the Rockin’ Reindeer stage and Santa Stories
At a glance
Location
Grey Street, Grainger Street & Old Eldon Square, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1
Opening hours (2025)
- Sun–Wed: 10am – 6pm
- Thu–Sat: 10am – 8pm
- Late-night Thursdays for shopping & entertainment
Costs
Free entry. Santa Stories, funfair rides and the rooftop tipi bar are individually ticketed.
Contact
Why Newcastle’s market is special
Newcastle’s Christmas Market stretches from Grey Street to Old Eldon Square, showcasing the best of North East producers alongside European flavours. Expect Geordie stottie sandwiches, artisan cheeses, locally roasted coffee, handcrafted jewellery and gifts from independent makers. The city’s iconic Grey Street curve—often voted the UK’s most beautiful street—creates a stunning festive backdrop.
The Rockin’ Reindeer stage in Old Eldon Square hosts choirs, brass bands and street performers, while a tipi bar offers hot toddies with skyline views. Families flock to Santa’s Stories sessions and the fairground rides in Northumberland Street.
Getting there
By train
Newcastle Central Station is a 5-minute walk from Grey Street with direct LNER, Lumo and TransPennine services from Edinburgh, York, Leeds and London.
By metro/bus
Tyne & Wear Metro stops at Monument and Haymarket. Go North East and Stagecoach buses serve Eldon Square and John Dobson Street throughout the day.
Driving & parking
City centre parking includes Eldon Square, Dean Street, Q-Park Stowell Street and Grainger Town. Consider Park & Ride at Kingston Park or Belmont (A690) to avoid city traffic.
Accessibility
Grey Street has a gentle slope but level pavements. Accessible toilets are located in Eldon Square and the Grainger Market. Quiet shopping hours run weekday mornings.
Need-to-know details
- Tell me something unusual: The Civic Centre clocktower bells play Christmas carols every evening, audible along the market route.
- Year established: 2015 (relaunched with an expanded local trader focus in 2019).
- Typical attendance: Around 1 million visitors each season.
- Official opening: The Lord Mayor of Newcastle leads the lights switch-on with local school choirs.
- Entry cost: Free.
Top things to do
- Savour the North East: Sample Geordie stotties, pease pudding, artisan brownies and locally distilled spirits.
- Visit Fenwick’s Window: Walk a few minutes to Northumberland Street for the legendary Fenwick Christmas window display.
- Festive skyline: Ride the observation wheel in Old Eldon Square for views of Grey Street and the Tyne bridges.
- Warm up in the tipi bar: Enjoy mulled cider and live acoustic sets in the alpine-style tipi.
Make a weekend of it
Combine the market with a stroll along the Quayside, a visit to the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art, and the Sunday Quayside Market. Take a winter day trip to Durham’s Christmas Festival or Alnwick Garden’s light trail for more North East festive sparkle.
Plan your trip
Accommodation
Book hotels or guesthouses as early as possible—weekend dates around the market book up quickly. Consider nearby villages for boutique stays.
Travel
Rail is often the most convenient way to arrive. If driving, look for park and ride services to avoid city-centre congestion.
Accessibility
Most markets provide accessible routes, but cobbles and temporary surfaces can be uneven—check the organiser accessibility guide linked below.
Weather Ready
Pack layers, waterproof footwear and gloves (touchscreen-friendly for photos). Early sessions are quieter; evenings bring the best atmosphere.