Christmas Markets are BACK for 2026 and the good news is that there are plenty of markets to choose from in Newcastle and Gateshead this year. Do your Christmas shopping with independent businesses in Newcastle and enjoy a festive day out while you're at it.
What do you love most about a Christmas market? Is it the pervasive aroma of mulled wine or perhaps the festive music? Whether it is the draw of great food and indulgent drinks or a chance to browse stalls by local creators, makers and artisans - start your Christmas shopping in Newcastle at one of the region's top markets.
Newcastle is a great, Christmassy day out - and with a chance to explore the city as well as the local neighbourhoods, choose from a range of markets and artisan fairs popping up in Jesmond, Ouseburn and along the Quayside.
Discover where you can buy unique gifts, support local creatives and produces as well as tuck into tasty treats at Christmas markets in Newcastle...
Newcastle Christmas Market returns this year from Thursday 19th November until Wednesday 23rd December!
Wander through an extended Christmas Market full of local traders, or visit the Christmas Village at Old Eldon Square, now featuring Marshmallow Land, Festive Flix, The Ferris wheel and so much more. The little ones can enjoy Santa Stories, live shows on the Rockin’ Reindeer stage, and plenty of festive fun for the whole family. Cosy up in igloos at the North Pole Terrace and don’t miss the return of the ever-popular Moosenwirt alpine bar, adding a warming touch to Newcastle’s food and drink scene. Also, make sure to visit the Grainger Market, with extended openings and events to make your visit extra special.
The market will feature over 70 traders and will be located on Grey Street, Grainger Street, around the Monument and on Nelson Street. It continues to support local businesses, with stalls primarily run by traders from the region, including some of your favourite Grainger Market vendors. Whether you're shopping for Christmas gifts or simply soaking in the festive atmosphere, Newcastle’s Christmas Market is the perfect way to embrace the holiday spirit. So grab a mulled wine, enjoy the festive entertainment and make sure you visit the Christmas markets for an unforgettable day out with family and friends.
Travelling into Newcastle for the markets? Find them a nine minute walk from Newcastle Central Station, or head to the city via Metro and get off at Monument station.
On Thursday 12 November, the heart of Newcastle gets properly festive as the city’s Christmas lights switch on and everyone’s invited. From 6pm, expect live music, festive games, panto fun, special guests, Hits Radio, Steve and Karen, plenty of surprises and maybe even a certain man in a red suit… ho ho ho! Then at 7pm, the lights go on and Newcastle officially enters its festive era. Bring the kids, bring your mates and bring your loudest Christmas jumper. And (of course) bring your festive cheer! Get there early, grab a spot and get stuck into one of Newcastle’s biggest festive traditions.
Step out of the cold and into the festive spirit at the Christmas Market at The Glasshouse. On Saturday 12th December and Sunday 13th December, stroll between stalls filled with handmade gifts, artisan goodies, and creative pieces from local makers and designers. Whether you’re hunting for the perfect present or a little something for yourself (we won’t tell), you’re bound to find something special. The market is free to explore and it makes for a lovely way to spend a winter weekend.
Daytrippers and first timers to Newcastle who are Christmas shopping in Newcastle will no doubt already be browsing the many floors at Fenwick Newcastle. Don't miss the Fenwick Christmas Shop featuring a wide selection of trees, decorations, hampers, food and gifts. You can find the festive filled floor on the Lower Ground Floor. Make sure you go and have a look at this year's Fenwick Window display after you are done shopping, visiting the window is a festive tradition in the Geordie calendar.
Wander the aisles at Grainger Market and find stall after stall of local traders, butchers, fishmongers and bakers alongside artisan makers, retail and craft beer enthusiasts. The market is the perfect place to buy stocking fillers and support the local traders of Newcastle. There are gifts with a distinctly Geordie flavour - like Newcastle-themed Christmas cards, as well as unique items, one-off vintage fashion and personalised souvenirs that will make a thoughtful Christmas present. The market is also the perfect pit stop for hungry shoppers. The abundance of food stalls make it hard to resist a quick bite between Christmas shopping. Look out for Sunday shopping in Grainger Market throughout the festive period!
Kick off the Christmas season in style at Blackfriars' Christmas Market, which is back on Saturday 5th - Sunday 6th December. Stroll through the beautifully decorated Cloister Garden, where local vendors will be offering unique gifts perfect for the festive season. Stay cosy with a glass of mulled wine or hot chocolate, and treat yourself to Blackfriars’ festive street food while soaking up the amosphere. Browse stalls from local suppliers such as St Dominic's Brewery, Ad Gefrin, Bird & Blend Tea and more. The market is open from 10am to 4pm, and admission is free.
This November, Baltic are partnering with Endless Love Creative for a fun, and welcoming Winter Makers Market! With over 50 stalls featuring independent designers, you'll find a curated selection of unique, handcrafted treasures - perfect for sparking your Christmas gift inspiration.
Taking place on Saturday 28th November from 11am until 5pm, the market will be celebrating the creativity and craftsmanship of both emerging and established makers from across the UK. Explore a wide range of goods, including illustration, prints, stationery, ceramics, and more. Tickets are available for pre-booking here, or you can pay £2 at the door for entry.
Don't miss the Ouseburn Christmas light switch on and market on 13th November. After last year's success it's going to be such a special event! For all the last-minute shoppers out there, the market stalls afterwards are a great chance to pick up the last of your Christmas presents or make sure you haven't forgotten anyone - a great opportunity to shop local. There will also be live music, mulled wine and plenty of festive treats. It will run from 4pm until 9pm. The light switch on is free and it's £2 entry to the market (children go for free)
Head to Wylam Brewery on 29th November from 11am - 4pm for their annual Crafty Bazaar Christmas Makers Market. You can shop from unique gifts from local producers, makers, designers and small business owners all under one roof. Also, the first 25 visitors will receive a free tote bag, so make sure you get down for opening. Tickets are £2 (under 12's and access go for free)
Make your way to the picturesque Jesmond Dene House and kick off your Christmas shopping at their exclusive Christmas Market on 29th November in The Great Hall. Browse and purchase unique, artisan gifts from carefully selected stalls, featuring a variety of local food, drink, crafts, boutiques, and small businesses.This market is the perfect way to find special holiday treasures. With entry from 11am to 3pm, your ticket (£8) also includes a complimentary glass of mulled wine or a mocktail on arrival.
Ouseburn Open Studios is a firm favourite in Newcastle's Christmas event calendar. The annual winter event, held this year on 28th & 29th November is a brilliant chance to wander around Ouseburn and discover the creatives, makers, innovators and artists who have their studios in what has been dubbed Newcastle's Cultural Quarter. If you're in the market for unique jewellery, ceramics, paintings, prints, Christmas decorations and antique furniture - the Ouseburn Open Studios is for you and will span from The Biscuit Factory in the north of the region, right through the Ouseburn to Mushroom Works on the way to the Quayside. More than just a Christmas Market, Ouseburn Open Studios is an opportunity to see artists and creatives at work in their studios as well as chat to them about their process and products.
On 6th December, join Made Up North for the 5th annual Made Up North Winter Market. Held at Boiler Shop, just behind Newcastle Central Station, this event will feature two floors filled with over 60 independent artists, makers, artisan food vendors, and creative small businesses. Explore a wide variety of stalls offering everything from food, art, and homeware to stationery, jewellery, candles, ceramics, vintage clothing, plants, and much more. The market will be open to the public from 10am, and tickets are priced at just £2 per person.
Head to Whitley Bay and discover the magic of the Spanish City Christmas Market. With a wide variety of stalls, a brand-new outdoor marquee, and festive food stalls, it's the perfect spot to find unique, hand-crafted gifts for your loved ones and indulge in local delicacies. Enjoy live entertainment in The Champagne Bar while you shop and soak in the festive atmosphere. The market will run from Friday, 20th November (12pm – 8pm), Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd (10am – 5pm). Tickets are £3.00 in advance, or £10.00 in advance group tickets for four people (book online up until 5pm the day before the event) Or they are £5 for a single ticket on the door, and £15 for a group ticket on the door for four people.
The popular North Shields Christmas Market returns, featuring over 75 stalls offering a diverse range of goods, including gifts, homeware, crafts, and artisan products. Taking place on 5th & 6th December the market will help you get all the festive feels. In addition to shopping, enjoy entertainment, live music along with fun activities in the library and Beacon Centre. Head over to Northumberland Square, where a pop-up food and drink village will be set up with plenty of seating, offering mulled wine and a wide variety of delicious street food.
Step into a winter wonderland filled with twinkling lights, Christmas trees, festive decorations and plenty of seasonal cheer at Gateshead Stadium Christmas Market. Browse a fantastic selection of Christmas stalls, discover unique gifts and treats, and enjoy delicious food and drinks throughout the day. There’s plenty for the little ones too, with kiddie rides, Santa’s Workshop and food and drink stalls. Running from 11am - 3pm, entry is £1 per person and under 12's go free.
Jesmond Food Market is always a fantastic event. Greeted by a raft of friendly, knowledgeable and passionate local producers and creators - is there any wonder locals and visitors alike flock to the popular bi-monthly food market? Spanning Armstrong Bridge with views into leafy Jesmond Dene - the food market is a wholesome day out and this year, there are two special festive editions. then Hustle your way along Armstrong Bridge on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month to get a start on your festive food shopping. Keep an eye out for the Christmas special event dates.
The weekly Sunday Quayside Market is another brilliant location for a day out and a chance to buy some specifically North East gifts and products. Stroll beside the River Tyne, admire the seven bridges that cross the Tyne at the point of NewcastleGateshead Quayside and buy your Christmas gifts each weekend in the lead up to the 25th December.
There is so much going on in Newcastle that will fill you with festive cheer! Head to our Christmas events page to keep up to date with all things Xmas in the toon!
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