Christmas in Newcastle 2023
The festive season is in full swing here in Newcastle: Greggs have plenty of festive bakes in stock, the ice-rink is open outside the Life Science Centre for those brave enough, and of course, Fenwick's Christmas window display has been revealed!
28 November 2023
The festive season is in full swing here in Newcastle: Greggs have plenty of festive bakes in stock, the ice-rink is open outside the Life Science Centre for those brave enough, and of course, Fenwick's Christmas window display has been revealed! We wanted to let you know what’s happening in the city this year to see what’s changed and what remains the same from your student days.
Fenwick's window Christmas display
The countdown to Christmas officially began on 5 November when more than 20,000 people tuned into the live-stream of the department store Fenwick revealing this year’s Christmas window display theme – The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis. The display follows Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy as they tumble out of the wardrobe into Narnia and embark on a fantastical adventure with Aslan and Mr. Tumnus through the land of eternal snow and ice that has been enchanted by the White Witch.
You can rewatch the unveiling on the Fenwick Official YouTube channel.
The tradition began in 1971 and attracts many visitors each year who queue Northumberland Street to see the window in all its glory. Themes over the years have included: Aladdin (1975), Alice in Wonderland (1981), Peter Pan (1999), Oliver Twist (2008) and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2019). Which displays do you remember from your student days?
Pantomimes
Pantomimes are one of the much-loved traditions of the festive season and there’s plenty to choose from with a range of theatres in the city.
One of the most well-known pantomimes is at the Theatre Royal, which is showing Pinocchio this year, the story of a puppet whose nose grows when he tells a lie. You may recognise Danny Adams (playing Pinocchio) and Clive Webb (playing the toymaker Geppetto) whose faces are draped over the front of the Theatre Royal each year, having played a leading role in the pantomime for the last 18 years.
Local singer Joe McElderry, starring as Jiminy Cricket in the pantomime, was a special guest at the annual Christmas lights switch on, hosted by Metro Radio’s breakfast show hosts Steve and Karen on Tuesday 14 November. Joe was joined on stage by the Lord Mayor of Newcastle, Councillor Veronica Dunn, and Santa to push the button following an evening of live music, entertainment, giveaways, and festive cheer.
Christmas market
Newcastle’s Christmas market offering has expanded over the last few years and now spans across Grey Street, Grainger Street, and Old Eldon Square. The stalls are occupied by local independent businesses selling food and unique Christmas gifts. There is also a pop-up bar with fire pits to enjoy festive drinks and live music. A new addition to the market this year includes a dedicated area surrounding Grey’s Monument for live music and choir performances on weekends.
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Light trail at Leazes Park
Northern Lights is a brand-new Christmas experience for 2023, which has lit up Leazes Park with a mile-long light trail. Visitors can also enjoy a vintage fairground and Christmas village full of festive food and drinks.
Installations include a laser garden, projections of imagery designed by patients at the Royal Victoria Infirmary Children’s Ward, and a floating display on the surface of the lake. The installations have been produced by local and national artists, including creators of headline installations for Kew Gardens, Netflix, and Glastonbury.
The trail will last for five weeks over the festive period and takes place during Leazes Park’s 150th anniversary. Leazes Park became Newcastle’s first public park when it opened in 1873 following a petition from a group of working men who wanted an area of open space away from the heavy industry of the city centre.
The fun doesn’t stop there! There are still several festive activities yet to come, including the lighting of our campus Christmas tree taking place on Thursday 14 December.
Get in touch!
What’s changed and what’s remains the same from your time as a student? We’d love to hear your memories of the festive period in Newcastle.
We’d also like to hear how our alumni community will be celebrating the festive season around the world. What traditions, food and events do you look forward to every year?
Please email your memories and celebrations to [email protected] for a chance to be featured on our social media channels or a future edition of Arches.