Newcastle kicks off Christmas season with giant gift and festive activities

Festive fun for all the family at Newcastle's Christmas Village

Newcastle upon Tyne is gearing up for the festive season with a packed programme of events and activities for all the family. The Newcastle Christmas Village is back in the city centre, offering a festive shopping experience with over 40 traditional wooden chalets selling a range of gifts, food and drink.

The village will be open from 10am to 8pm daily from 17 November to 23 December on St Nicholas Square, next to Grey's Monument. Visitors can browse a range of festive goodies, including Christmas decorations, stocking fillers, unique gifts, and festive food and drink.

Giant gift box takes pride of place in Newcastle city centre

There will also be festive activities for all the family to enjoy, including a giant gift box, a Christmas carousel, and a helter-skelter slide. Visitors can also meet Santa Claus in his grotto and enjoy live music and entertainment.

The Newcastle Christmas Village is just one of a number of festive events taking place in the city centre this Christmas. Other highlights include the Christmas Lights Switch-On, the Festive Food Market, and the Winter Wonderland ice rink.

Festive events galore in Newcastle this Christmas

Newcastle is pulling out all the stops this Christmas with a packed programme of festive events and activities. There's something for everyone to enjoy, from Christmas markets and ice skating to festive shows and pantomimes.

The festive season officially kicks off with the Christmas Lights Switch-On on 17 November. The event will see Newcastle city centre transformed into a winter wonderland, with twinkling lights and festive decorations. The switch-on will take place on Grey's Monument at 6pm, and will be followed by a fireworks display.

The Festive Food Market will return to Newcastle from 18 November to 24 December. The market will be located on Grainger Street and will offer a range of festive food and drink from local traders. Visitors can enjoy everything from mulled wine and mince pies to hog roasts and cheese toasties.

The Winter Wonderland ice rink will be open from 18 November to 8 January. The rink will be located on Newcastle Quayside and will offer a festive skating experience for all ages. Visitors can also enjoy a range of festive food and drink at the rink-side cafe.

There will also be a number of festive shows and pantomimes taking place in Newcastle this Christmas. The Theatre Royal will be staging a production of Cinderella, while the Newcastle City Hall will be hosting a production of Jack and the Beanstalk. There will also be a number of smaller-scale festive shows taking place at venues across the city.

So if you're looking for a festive day out this Christmas, Newcastle is the place to be. With a packed programme of events and activities, there's something for everyone to enjoy.