Where to celebrate New Year's Eve in NewcastleGateshead

As the clock ticks closer to midnight on December 31st, Newcastle and Gateshead come alive with a dazzling array of events to help you celebrate the arrival of 2026. With fireworks, roaming performers, bars and plenty of restaurants to enjoy, there is plenty going on for you to raise a glass to. Read on to discover how you can make the most of your New Year’s Eve in NewcastleGateshead...

One of the most iconic ways to ring in the New Year in Newcastle and Gateshead is by witnessing the spectacular fireworks display over the River Tyne. The famous Quayside provides a stunning backdrop, with the Tyne Bridge, The Glasshouse, and the Millennium Bridge illuminated against the night sky. Make sure to grab your tickets for HowayManay, as the Quayside transforms into a ticket-only party village with live music across two stages, roaming performers and tasty food stalls throughout.

If you’re with family, the early-evening fireworks at 6pm are perfect for enjoying the festivities without staying up too late. For night owls, the midnight show is a breathtaking crescendo to the evening's celebrations. Arrive early to secure a prime viewing spot, and don’t forget to wrap up warm!

Many of the region’s finest restaurants offer exclusive New Year’s Eve menus. Head to Six at BALTIC and indulge in a luxurious Prix Fixe menu along with special add-ons including fresh oysters and champagne to kick off a relaxed early celebration. The evening service invites guests to toast the night with a celebratory welcome drink before savouring either a 6-course tasting menu or an indulgent 9-course menu, both offering land and sea, alongside plant-based options too. Book here.

Dine in style at Blackfriars this New Years Eve, where you can enjoy a selection of starters ranging from young goats’ cheese with candied walnuts to indulgent options like Scottish scallops with truffle beignet. Main courses include hearty dishes like turkey with all the trimmings, lentil & nut roast, herb-crusted sea trout, and beef Wellington, with premium upgrades available. Book here. 

Or if you're after some medieval entertainment and food, enjoy Blackfriars New Years Eve Medieval Banquet! The candle-lit hall which houses long convivial oak tables and chairs will be draped with wall hangings and tapestries and decorated with candles and fruit. Arrive in your best  medieval costume and to feast on everything from pottage and pies, roasts, cheese and pudding, all whilst being entertained. Book now.

Grab your friends and family and book into Dakwala Bombay Canteen and finish 2025 with a stunning meal to remember. Bringing all the flavours of Bombay to life, as the restaurant offers a perfect culinary experience for you to reflect on 2025 and look forward to 2026. Find out more here.

Gaucho is serving up a luxurious three-course set menu that showcases their signature blend of high-quality Argentine flavours and indulgent seasonal touches. Guests can kick things off with dishes like truffle-laden empanadas or tasty beetroot and orange salad before choosing from mains such as rump steak with truffle butter, classic turkey ballotine, or rich pumpkin and ricotta ravioli. The experience wraps up with decadent desserts, from their dulce de leche cheesecake or their indulgent sticky toffee pudding. It’s a stylish, steak-focused festive treat ideal for end-of-year celebrations. Book now.

If you’re looking for glitz and glamour and a party like no other, Hilton NewcastleGateshead is offering the full party package this December. You’re cordially invited to the annual Midnight NYE Ball at Hilton NewcastleGateshead which carries a cherished legacy of New Year’s Eve celebrations and is always a night to remember. Dust off your best black tie outfits and begin your evening with a glass of champagne on arrival, dance the night away with the in-house DJ and raise a toast to 2026. Book your stay and celebration today!

Celebrate the arrival of 2026 at Hotel Gotham, Newcastle’s first five-star hotel where the city’s modern glamour meets a relaxed and stylish New Year’s Eve. A bottle of Taittinger Champagne awaits in your room before you head down for dinner at SIREN, to enjoy their stunning menu. As midnight draws closer, you’ll make your way to FIRE with VIP access, where live music and DJs set the tone for a stylish countdown. It's an evening designed for tasty food, good music and a memorable start to the year ahead. Book your stay here.

Located beside Newcastle’s historic Castle Keep, The Vermont Hotel is one of the city’s most elegant spots - all Art Deco charm and classic luxury. This New Year’s Eve, it hosts the Black & Gold Ball, a glamorous celebration where sequins and sparkle are very much encouraged. Guests can enjoy champagne and canapés on arrival, followed by magical entertainment, a three-course dinner and dancing with the resident DJ. With a black-tie dress code and a midnight countdown in stunning surroundings, it’s an ideal way to welcome the New Year in style. Book your place.

Raise a glass to 2026 in the many bars and pubs in NewcastleGateshead. Head to one of Newcastle's most celebrated cocktail bars, Mother Mercy and enjoy a drink from their extensive menu. Tucked away in Bigg Market, the chic bar is the perfect place to enjoy a creative cocktail with your loved ones, all while looking forward to an exciting year in 2026. For an extra touch of spontaneity, why not try out their Twist of Fate game, and let the bartenders craft whatever cocktail destiny delivers.

Head into Ouseburn for a laid-back alternative to Newcastle's city centre. Known as Newcastle's cultural quarter, Ouseburn is home to cosy pubs, quirky bars and live music venues, making it the perfect stop for a unique New Year's Eve celebration. Enjoy craft beers at Donzoko Brewery & Taproom, groove to live performances at The Grove, sip cocktails in Kiln or have a quiet pint in local favourites like The Cumberland Arms or Tyne Bar. Or even venture to the area's newest bar Wren for a sophisticated NYE evening. Head to The Free Trade Inn for an unbeatable view of the fireworks over the Quayside.

The celebrations continue over the river at Gateshead's Railway Quarter. Tucked between Gateshead’s iconic railways and bridges, the Railway Quarter is home to bars and pubs that are perfect to have a drink or two for the New Year. Axis, Microbus, The Central and V.I.N are all perfect stops for a celebratory drink.

There is fun for all the family this New Year's Eve in NewcastleGateshead! Ring in the New Year with a delightful spin on the best open air ice rink. Head to Life Science Centre's outdoor skating rink, set against a backdrop of twinkling lights and glide your way into the new year. Don't forget to also grab yourself a hot chocolate to warm up and toast some marshmallows on the fire during your visit too!

Ring in the New Year in NewcastleGateshead with a family-friendly panto treat at Theatre Royal. Enjoy the wonders of Aladdin, set in the magical Kingdom of Pantomania, this family-friendly panto features flying carpets, fairytale twists, and laughs for all ages. With dazzling sets, costumes, and a star studded cast from Chris Hayward as Mother Goose to Joe McElderry as The Spirit of the Ring, it’s pure panto magic you won’t want to miss.

For a family-friendly celebration, catch the early-evening fireworks on the Quayside at 6 pm, they're perfect for little ones and anyone who doesn’t want a late night. It’s a great way to welcome the New Year with a spectacular sky display over Newcastle and Gateshead. Make sure to arrive early to soak up the atmosphere with live entertainment an hour before the display.

Want to make 2026 truly unforgettable? Plan a stay with us next year and immerse yourself in everything NewcastleGateshead has to offer. Whether you’re looking for thrilling events, world-class attractions, or hidden gems, the region has it all. NewcastleGateshead is the perfect destination, not just for New Year’s but all year round, offering something special in every season. Don’t just visit - make memories that will last a lifetime. Find your accommodation here.