Believe it or not, Christmas is almost upon us and with this comes time with friends, chilly weather, and all the magic of the season. If you live in Newcastle, it’s a good idea to start planning ahead for your Christmas activities. Luckily, the city has no shortage of activities to suit your preferences.
We’ll explore a couple of different options to enjoy Newcastle this Christmas and enter 2026 with the best possible memories with your loved ones. Whether you’re a homebody or want to go out, consider some of these:
- Gaming
Many of us love gaming of different kinds, and the winter season is perhaps one of the best times to do this. Because it’s cold outside, few things are more enjoyable than popping open a laptop and enjoying our favorite games in the comfort of our home. And if you live in Newcastle, there are several different options for this. You can set up a video game console and play video games like Mario Kart, Call of Duty, and many more. If you’re lucky enough to get some of these consoles as a Christmas gift, even better.
If casino games are more of your speed, this is an option as well. The best UK sites for 2025 feature everything from poker and slots to Plinko and Crash games. Your best bet would be to set up an indoor gaming night where you can explore these different options. Luckily, these casinos also give generous bonuses, and during the Christmas season, they are especially generous. This means that you can get more value for your money and truly feel the holiday magic.
- Visit the Christmas Market and Village
One of the most popular activities in Newcastle during Christmas is the Christmas market on Grey and Grainger Streets, as well as the new Christmas village in Old Eldon Square. Spanning a considerable walking distance, these offer everything from craft stores where you can buy Christmas baubles and socks to food stalls featuring some of the best hot chocolate and bratwurst you can find to rides. You can go ice skating with friends, go on Ferris Wheel rides, and much more. These Christmas markets can be a full-day outing and are especially recommended for visitors to the city.
Visiting the stalls also means you can do some gift shopping for yourself and others while taking in all the city sights.
- See the Northern Lights
The Northern Lights trail in Leazes Park and the Winter Wonderland at the Utilita Arena have some of the most beautiful light displays you’ll see anywhere. From classic white Christmas lights to impressive Christmas-themed structures, there are great options for a night out with friends and family, a romantic walk, or to get into the Christmas spirit. These will be set up from November 27, 2025, to December 31, 2025, so you’re best planning a trip around that time to take advantage of it. Naturally, these make for a fantastic picture backdrop so you can document all the memories of Christmas 2025.
- Santa on the Roof at Fenwick
It wouldn’t be Christmas if you didn’t see Santa Claus, would it? Luckily, Santa on the roof at Fenwick can help you meet this need. At only £25 per ticket, you’ll be escorted from the entrance to Santa’s workshop, where your kids can give their wish list to Santa in person and then decorate their very own toy reindeer. Not only do they get the magic of meeting the big man himself, but they get a decoration to take home.
There’s also a gift shop where parents can find cute keepsakes, stocking fillers, and much more. This experience ticks several boxes, as it allows children to have their in-person Santa experience, gives parents a day out, and provides an opportunity for some shopping.
- Host a Christmas Party
While there are numerous options to go out in Newcastle, some of us prefer to simply stay in. And what better way to enjoy the Christmas season at home than to throw a party? The joy of hosting a Christmas party is that you can customize it in whichever way you want. You can have a larger affair with dozens of people in your home or an intimate dinner with just your closest friends. Decorate your house as you see fit and make sure to send out invitations on time.
Luckily, there are tons of options online for entertaining guests, such as party kits, sing-along playlists, and much more. After all, the joy of Christmas is to spend time with loved ones, and so, a party might just be the best option.
- Go Dining
Every Christmas season, some of the top food spots in Newcastle create custom menus that you might want to explore. From chains like Miller and Carter to city favorites like The French Quarter, you can have a small outing with your immediate family or a large group meeting. The good news is that virtually every cuisine is catered for in Newcastle and so, there’s something for everyone. Be sure to book well in advance, especially if you’re planning a Christmas Eve or Christmas Day dinner, as many of these are sold out months in advance.
Conclusion
Christmas in Newcastle is far from boring, as there are so many options regardless of budget, tastes, and much more. From exploring the Northern Light trail to hosting a party at home, you have endless options to connect with your loved ones and feel the magic of Christmas. Consider some of the options we’ve noted and ensure you book well in advance to avoid disappointment.