Christmas in Newcastle 2026: Market Dates, Lights, Fenwick Window and Panto

Christmas in Newcastle 2026 starts with the Fenwick window reveal on Sunday 1 November, then ice skating at the Life Science Centre from 7 November, the Christmas lights switch-on on Thursday 12 November and the Christmas Market on Grey Street, Grainger Street, the Monument and Nelson Street from Thursday 19 November to Wednesday 23 December. The Theatre Royal panto, Jack and the Beanstalk, opens on 24 November, and The Glasshouse has its Messiah and a Christmas market with no ticket required on the weekend of 12 and 13 December. Every date below comes from the organisers themselves, in calendar order.

Sunday 1 November: Fenwick Christmas window reveal

Fenwick has been doing its Christmas window on Northumberland Street for over 50 years, and for many families the season starts here. The 2026 theme is revealed on Sunday 1 November, streamed live on Fenwick's Instagram and YouTube at 6.30pm, with a ticket ballot for people to be there in person. Part of Northumberland Street is closed off on the evening for safety. The window then opens for public viewing from Monday 2 November and stays up throughout the festive season. Go on a weekday morning to avoid the queue. Details on the Fenwick website.

From Saturday 7 November: ice skating at the Life Science Centre

The ice rink at the Life Science Centre runs from 7 November 2026 to 3 January 2027 as part of the city's Christmas programme. Book weekend and school holiday sessions ahead.

Thursday 12 November: Christmas lights switch-on

The city centre lights go on on Thursday 12 November 2026, marking the start of the festive season in the city.

Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 November: Christmas Comes to Eldon Square

A free weekend in Eldon Square from 11am to 5pm both days. Santa does a meet and greet outside NEXT on St Andrew's Way for children up to 12, with no ticket needed from 11am to 1pm and 1.30pm to 5pm, and free quiet sessions that must be booked on Eventbrite: Saturday 9am to 10.30am and Sunday 10am to 10.50am. It is a meet and greet rather than a grotto, with a chocolate lolly rather than a present. Spark! Illuminated Drummers play at 11am, 1pm and 3pm (loud), with stilt walkers outside John Lewis and Boots, elves and a Grinch through the day. Proceeds go to Newcastle United Foundation and Tyneside and Northumberland Mind.

Thursday 19 November to Wednesday 23 December: Newcastle Christmas Market

NE1's market runs around Grey's Monument and along Grey Street, Grainger Street and Nelson Street, with hot food traders in Old Eldon Square. There are over 70 traders, and more than 86% of them are based within 20 miles of the city centre, so this is a good place to buy local. It opens 10am to 8pm Monday to Saturday and 10am to 5pm on Sundays. Next to it, The North Pole at Grey's Monument offers bookable igloo pods in 1 hour 45 minute slots from £20, and the Moosenwirt alpine pop-up bar is on Grey Street. The Northern Lights light installation runs from 20 November to 31 December. All of it is on Newcastle's Christmas.

Christmas Village, Old Eldon Square

The Christmas Village returns to Old Eldon Square with a vintage carousel, a Ferris wheel that is 22 metres tall this year, up from 15 metres last year, Santa Stories, Mrs Claus' Bakery and Rockin' Reindeer stage shows. Bookings for the ticketed parts are open now.

From Tuesday 24 November: Jack and the Beanstalk at the Theatre Royal

The Theatre Royal on Grey Street runs Jack and the Beanstalk from Tuesday 24 November 2026 to Sunday 17 January 2027, with Danny Adams as Jack Trot, Clive Webb as Farmer Trot, Chris Hayward as Dame Trot and Joe McElderry as the Spirit of the Beans. The theatre advises booking early for the best seats. Book through the Theatre Royal or the box office on 0191 232 7010.

Sunday 29 November: Jesmond Dene House Christmas Market

Jesmond Dene House holds its Christmas Market on Sunday 29 November from 11am to 3pm. Tickets are £8 plus booking fee and include a mulled wine or mocktail; under 14s go free, and pre-booking is required.

December at The Glasshouse

Across the river on Gateshead Quays, The Glasshouse runs a full Christmas season. Highlights: Home Alone in Concert on 5 and 6 December, the Glasshouse Christmas Market (no ticket required) on 12 and 13 December alongside the Big Family Festive Gig, the Royal Northern Sinfonia's Handel's Messiah in Sage One on Sunday 13 December, Kate Rusby at Christmas in Sage One on Monday 14 December, The Muppet Christmas Carol in concert on 22 December and The Snowman in Concert on 23 and 24 December.

Good to know

Weekday mornings are the calmest time for the market and the Fenwick window. The Laing Art Gallery opens on the Sundays before Christmas, 29 November and 6, 13 and 20 December, from 11am to 4pm, which is handy for a break from the crowds. Up to three children aged 11 and under travel free on the Metro with a paying adult. If you are staying over, book early, as hotels fill on market weekends: see our hotels and where to stay guide, plus bars for afterwards and What's On for everything else.

FAQs

When is the Newcastle Christmas Market 2026?

Thursday 19 November to Wednesday 23 December 2026, open 10am to 8pm Monday to Saturday and 10am to 5pm on Sundays, around Grey's Monument, Grey Street, Grainger Street and Nelson Street.

When do the Newcastle Christmas lights switch on in 2026?

Thursday 12 November 2026.

When is the Fenwick Christmas window 2026 revealed?

Sunday 1 November, streamed live at 6.30pm on Fenwick's Instagram and YouTube. The window opens for public viewing from Monday 2 November.

What is the Newcastle panto for 2026?

Jack and the Beanstalk at the Theatre Royal, from 24 November 2026 to 17 January 2027, starring Danny Adams, Clive Webb, Chris Hayward and Joe McElderry.