Known for its vibrant energy and rich history, Newcastle upon Tyne transforms during the festive season into a wonderland of twinkling lights and holiday cheer. The Newcastle Christmas Market is expanding in 2023. Based around Grey’s Monument, stalls will line Grainger Street and Grey Street and continue up Percy Street towards Old Eldon Square.
In this article, I’ll provide all the details, including confirmed 2023 dates, locations, opening times and local specialties that characterise the Newcastle Christmas Market.
Although Newcastle may hold one of the smaller Christmas markets in the region, it covers all your bases. Local traders offer great food; you can buy Christmas gifts, tree decorations and stocking fillers from various stalls. Full details on the Christmas stalls can be found below.
Newcastle Christmas Market 2023
The Christmas market in Newcastle stands out with a distinct offering that beautifully mirrors the city’s rich culture and tradition.
The market champions local businesses and celebrates the North East’s finest independent retailers, promoting a ‘shop local’ ethos.
What sets this market apart is the International Christmas Market, which operates alongside the local vendors, showcasing an array of global cuisines and crafts.
Plus, live entertainment, including local musicians and choirs, adds to the vibrant atmosphere, making your visit to Newcastle a unique Christmas experience.
Dates and Location
Newcastle Christmas Market dates: 18th November to 23rd December 2023.
Location: Grey’s Monument, Grainger Street, Grey Street and Old Eldon Square.
Opening times: 9am to 5pm.
Christmas Day: Closed.
Admission: Free, no tickets required.
Christmas lights: Yes, switch on date: 14th November 2023 at Grey Street.
Santa: Yes. Santa’s Grotto is located at Grainger Street.
Ice skating: No.
Vegetarian: Yes, plenty of options.
Vegan: Yes, plenty of options.
Gluten free: Yes, but limited.
Accessible: Yes.
Pet-friendly: Yes, but not recommended during busy periods.
Parking: Please take public transport to help limit congestion.
Reason to visit: The focus on local traders and eco-friendly products.
Recommended tour: If Christmas market food isn’t enough, take this Grainger Town street food tour to experience the best flavours of Newcastle.
Specialities: International street food stalls including German, Caribbean, Spanish and Greek food.
Where to stay: The Maldron Hotel is an extremely popular eco-friendly hotel near Grainger Street.
Christmas Lights Switch-On
Newcastle’s Christmas lights switch-on takes place on 14th November 2023 at Grey Street.
Hotels near Newcastle Christmas Market
To be near Newcastle Christmas Market, I would recommend staying in the city centre area. This puts you within easy walking distance of Grainger Street and the other market locations, and is also conveniently situated for exploring Newcastle’s other attractions.
An ideal accommodation choice in this area is the Maldron Hotel, known for its commitment to eco-friendly practices, as well as its prime location near the Christmas market. It’s only 1 minute to Grainger Street and less than 5 minutes to Grey’s Monument.
Location of Newcastle Christmas Market
Christmas in Newcastle
Christmas Specialties in Newcastle
Visit some of the UK’s larger Christmas markets with the help of this guide to the best Christmas markets UK. Discover where to go, things to do and the best ways to experience local food, history and culture.
Newcastle Brown Ale-infused foods: It’s hard to visit Newcastle without encountering its renowned Brown Ale, and the Christmas market is no exception. You’ll find a variety of foods cooked with this locally brewed ale, from meats to unique desserts. This gives you a taste of the city’s heritage as you wander around the market.
Stotties: You won’t want to miss the opportunity to try a Stottie, a traditional Geordie bread roll. These are often filled with hot roasted meats and served at various stalls across the market. If you’re vegetarian, you can usually find them filled with plant-based options as well.
Singin’ Hinny: A Northumberland classic, the Singin’ Hinny is a griddle cake made from a dough of flour, butter, sugar, currants and milk. Stall vendors usually cook these on the griddle until they sing (hence the name), and you can enjoy this tasty treat while you walk around the market.
Geordie Bangers: Another local favourite, Geordie Bangers are a variety of specialty sausages with exciting and creative flavours. You can expect to find vendors grilling these delicious bangers on open-air grills.
Roasted Chestnuts: This is a classic Christmas market snack, and Newcastle’s market is no different. Enjoy the aroma of chestnuts roasting on open fires as you navigate your way through the market.
Hot Spiced Cider: For a warming drink, look out for stalls selling hot spiced cider. This comforting beverage is often served at the market, sometimes with a local twist.
Gingerbread Cookies: Another international favourite found at the Christmas market in Newcastle are gingerbread cookies. These sweet treats are a hit among visitors, especially during the festive season.
International Food Stalls: Aside from local specialties, the Christmas markets in Newcastle hosts various international food stalls. From Spanish churros to German bratwurst, you’ll be able to sample a world of flavours in one location. Be sure to explore these to add a global touch to your Christmas market experience. Many of the international food stalls are located at the Grey Street Christmas Market.
Crow Events: Known for their authentic German sausages and currywurst, this vendor provides a taste of traditional German street food right in the heart of Newcastle.
Dipple Tripple & Co: This vendor sells an array of spirits and handcrafted liqueurs, adding an extra layer of festivity to your market visit.
Acropolis Street Food: Here you can savour authentic Greek street food, with delicacies that are sure to tantalise your taste buds.
Deli Churros: Deli Churros serves a variety of churros, a sweet Spanish treat that’s a delightful addition to any market experience.
Divine Caribbean Cuisine: This stall offers a taste of the Caribbean with their jerk chicken wraps and other delicious street food.
Geordie Banger Co: Based in North Shields, this business is a local favourite, selling an assortment of sausages and burgers.
Greens Hot Chocolate: Greens is the place to go for a range of hot chocolate flavours, including enticing options like Baileys and brandy.
Lewis Stokes: A traditional choice for festive market fare, Lewis Stokes offers roast chestnuts and mulled wine, perfect for warming up on a cold day.
Petite Creperie: Specialising in crepes, Petite Creperie brings a touch of France to the Newcastle Christmas Market.
Meat Stack: A well-loved burger bar, Meat Stack offers hearty comfort food to fuel your market exploration.
Redheads Mac ‘n’ Cheese: For comfort food with a cheesy twist, head to Redheads for their signature mac ‘n’ cheese.
Tel und Gins: Another vendor offering German delicacies, including the much-loved bratwurst.
Moosenwirt Bar: This pop-up Alpine bar serves both hot and cold drinks, providing a cosy spot to relax amidst your market wanderings.
Black Storm Brewery: For craft beer enthusiasts, the Black Storm Brewery offers a selection of locally brewed options.
The Brownie Bar: For a sweet finish to your market visit, The Brownie Bar serves chocolate brownies and blondies, a tasty indulgence for any chocolate lover. This Christmas stall is located at Monument Christmas Market.
Christmas Gifts and Stocking Fillers
Newcastle Brown Ale: One of the most recognisable products from Newcastle, this ale is a unique blend that any beer lover would appreciate. You can often find beautifully presented gift sets at the market.
Locally Roasted Coffee: With an increasing number of artisanal coffee roasters in the city, a bag of locally roasted coffee beans makes a delightful gift for caffeine aficionados.
Northumbrian Cheese: Known for its rich and varied cheeses, Northumberland, a region near Newcastle, produces delectable cheese which makes a lovely gift for any foodie.
Handcrafted Pottery: Artisanal pottery is a common sight at the market, ranging from beautifully patterned bowls to bespoke mugs. These pieces can provide a lasting memento of your visit.
Traditional Christmas Decorations: No Christmas market would be complete without a range of festive decorations. From classic baubles to locally-made ornaments, you’ll find something to spruce up any Christmas tree.
B Crafty: They sell a range of hand-crafted items, which includes slate signs and box-painted glass, for a homey touch or a unique gift. This stall is located at the Grainger Street Christmas Market, as are many of the stalls listed here.
Baliwood Workshop: This vendor specialises in handmade wooden and metal ornaments, providing a rustic and charming aesthetic.
Bcreative: Look for ceramic garlic grating plates among other gift items, perfect for the foodies in your life.
Calorie Balance: Sports clothing and accessories are available here, ideal for those who love to stay active.
The Eco Stall: This vendor sells plastic-free products, including toiletries, home products, and eco-friendly gifts. There are several eco-friendly Christmas stalls in Newcastle.
Little Crumbs: They sell children’s toys, making this stall a popular stop for families. You could find some fund stocking fillers for kids here.
No 11 Home Interiors: Discover home accessories and ornaments, adding a touch of elegance to any household.
Feel Pretty: This vendor specialises in dried flowers and accessories for a delicate and nature-inspired gift.
From the Olive Tree: They provide handmade carvings, adding a touch of artisanal craftsmanship to your gift list.
Julian Scott: Known for their cushions and metal signs, this vendor is a great choice for homeware enthusiasts.
Loose Thread Vintage: If you’re after vintage clothing, this is your stall. There are several vintage clothing stalls at the Christmas markets. This stall is located at Old Eldon Square Christmas Market.
Minimalist Accessories: Specialising in accessories and toys, this stall has a streamlined aesthetic with lots to offer.
Newcastle Gateshead is a great local resource for visitors if you need more trip-planning information. It’s especially useful for finding events and what’s on during your specific trip dates.
Sustainable Travel Tips
The choices we make have an environmental and social impact on the places we visit. Try to implement these responsible travel measures when visiting the Christmas markets.
- Shop mindfully. Only purchase what you really need.
- Walk, cycle and use public transport to get around.
- Stay in a sustainable hotel powered by renewable energy.
- Avoid using plastic or buying items made or packaged with plastic.
- Try to eat locally sourced organic food where possible.
- Limit your consumption of meat and dairy.
- Explore more than just the main tourist areas.
- Support the arts and attend local events.
FAQ
Newcastle Christmas Market is from 18th November to 23rd December 2023.
This year the Christmas markets are located throughout the city centre, at Grey’s Monument, Grainger Street, Grey Street and Old Eldon Square.
When do Newcastle Christmas lights get switched on 2023?
Newcastle’s Christmas lights switch on takes place on 14th November 2023 at Grey Street.
The Christmas markets open at 9am to 5pm daily.
If you would like to leave a review of Newcastle Xmas Market, feel free to comment below.
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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. This post contains affiliate links to hotels and tours in Newcastle upon Tyne, UK. This means I get a small commission from any bookings at no extra cost to you.
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