Last updated: 11 November 2024
Enjoy the festive charm of Gateshead with our detailed event guide. Whether you're rediscovering Gateshead or falling in love with it for the first time, our guide maximizes your festive experience.
Popular during the holiday season, the Fenwick Christmas Window Reveal showcases beautifully designed displays that enchant visitors of all ages. With a delightful twist on festive décor, Santa on the Roof at Fenwick Newcastle offers an interactive and heartwarming experience as families enjoy the sight of jolly Santa delivering Christmas cheer. And the Newcastle Christmas Market is something you definitely don't want to miss, featuring local crafts, tasty treats, and a vibrant atmosphere. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Gateshead Holiday Light Displays
Laser Light City
- What to Expect
- Awe-inspiring laser and pyrotechnic display with a bespoke soundtrack.
- Description
- Laser Light City is a spectacular light and music show featuring dynamic lasers, huge projections, and stunning pyrotechnics projected onto the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Arts, accompanied by a bespoke soundtrack.
- Where
- Newcastle | More Info : Laser Light City
Metrocentre - Magical Christmas Experience
- What to Expect
- Immersive interactive projection experience of the North Pole.
- Description
- At Metrocentre, immerse yourself in an immersive interactive projection experience that transforms the North Pole into a dazzling Christmas lights show. Meet Father Christmas and receive a gift while enjoying festive songs and interactive elements.
- Where
- Gateshead | More Info : Metrocentre - Magical Christmas Experience
Fenwick Christmas Light Switch On
- What to Expect
- Iconic light switch-on event kicking off the festive season.
- Description
- The Fenwick Christmas Light Switch On is a cherished tradition where the community gathers to illuminate the city with festive lights, marking the beginning of the holiday season.
- Where
- Newcastle | More Info : Fenwick Christmas Light Switch On
Gateshead Holiday Markets and Shopping
Newcastle Christmas Market
- What to Expect
- Family-focused Christmas village with local traders and unique hospitality offers.
- Description
- Newcastle Christmas Market features a bustling Christmas village in Old Eldon Square with family-friendly activities, local traders, and unique hospitality offers around Grey's Monument.
- Where
- Newcastle | More Info : Newcastle Christmas Market
Gateshead Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Step Into Christmas Concert
- What to Expect
- Family-friendly Christmas concert with a diverse range of festive tunes.
- Description
- Step into Christmas is a heartwarming concert featuring a talented cast of singers, dancers, and specialty acts performing beloved Christmas songs like "All I Want for Christmas is You," "Last Christmas," and "Jingle Bell Rock."
- Where
- Newcastle | More Info : Step Into Christmas Concert
Christmas at Gibside
- What to Expect
- Traditional decorations and live music in a historic Georgian landscape garden.
- Description
- Gibside transforms into a winter wonderland with traditional decorations, live music, and a giant star installation. The grand pillars of the Chapel are wrapped in winter foliage and sparkling lights, while the stone arches glow warmly with flickering candles and Georgian-inspired garlands.
- Where
- Rowlands Gill | More Info : Christmas at Gibside
Stephenson Steam Railway – The Elf Express
- What to Expect
- Interactive Christmas performance with Santa and his elves.
- Description
- Join Santa and his elves on a festive train ride featuring live entertainment, Christmas music, and special presents for every child.
- Where
- North Shields | More Info : Stephenson Steam Railway – The Elf Express
Gateshead Other Holiday Activities
Fenwick Christmas Window Reveal
- What to Expect
- Iconic festive window display with a live reveal and ticket ballot.
- Description
- Fenwick Christmas Window Reveal is a cherished Newcastle tradition featuring an annual festive window display, with this year's theme unveiled on November 3rd. The event includes a live reveal streamed on social media and a ticket ballot for families to win admission to the in-person event.
- Where
- Newcastle | More Info : Fenwick Christmas Window Reveal
Santa on the Roof at Fenwick Newcastle
- What to Expect
- Interactive rooftop experience with Santa and his elves.
- Description
- At Santa on the Roof at Fenwick Newcastle, families can meet Santa and his elves on the rooftop, enjoy interactive workshops, and savor hot drinks and snacks while taking in panoramic views of the city.
- Where
- Newcastle | More Info : Santa on the Roof at Fenwick Newcastle
Ice Skating at Life Science Centre
- What to Expect
- Real ice rink in Times Square.
- Description
- Ice skating at Life Science Centre offers an open-air rink in Times Square, suitable for all ages and abilities. Sessions last approximately one hour, and skates are provided. Annual science centre members enjoy discounted rates.
- Where
- Newcastle | More Info : Ice Skating at Life Science Centre
Afternoon Tea with Santa at Fenwick
- What to Expect
- Santa visit and early Christmas gift for children
- Description
- Join Fenwick for an unforgettable Afternoon Tea with Santa, featuring delicious sandwiches, scones, and festive treats. Enjoy Christmas-themed activities and a special visit from Santa, complete with an early Christmas gift for the children.
- Where
- Newcastle | More Info : Afternoon Tea with Santa at Fenwick
Metrocentre - Santa’s Elf Academy
- What to Expect
- Interactive elf training with laser maze and gifting techniques.
- Description
- At Metrocentre's Santa’s Elf Academy, children join Santa and his helpers to master essential elf skills through interactive activities like Northern Lights Laser Training and Stealthy Present-Placing Practice. Each session includes a personal visit with Santa and a special gift.
- Where
- Gateshead | More Info : Metrocentre - Santa’s Elf Academy
Grainger Market Santa’s Grotto
- What to Expect
- Traditional Christmas setting with Santa and North Pole postbox.
- Description
- Visit Santa's cozy grotto at Grainger Market, where kids can meet Santa and receive an early Christmas gift, and parents can capture cherished photos. The grotto features traditional Christmas decorations and a North Pole postbox for children to post their wish lists.
- Where
- Newcastle | More Info : Grainger Market Santa’s Grotto
Fenwick: Afternoon Tea with Santa
- What to Expect
- Special visit from Santa with an early Christmas gift for children.
- Description
- Join Fenwick for an unforgettable Afternoon Tea with Santa, featuring delicious sandwiches, scones, and festive treats. Enjoy Christmas-themed activities and a special visit from Santa, complete with an early Christmas gift for the children.
- Where
- Newcastle | More Info : Fenwick: Afternoon Tea with Santa
Santa on the Rooftop: Meet Santa
- What to Expect
- Interactive workshops and panoramic views.
- Description
- Meet Santa on the rooftop of Fenwick Newcastle, where you'll encounter cheerful elves, festive crafting, and a cozy cabin with Santa himself. Enjoy hot chocolate and treats at Café Claus while taking in panoramic views of the city.
- Where
- Gateshead | More Info : Santa on the Rooftop: Meet Santa
Hall Hill Farm – Santa and Dasher Visit
- What to Expect
- Interactive farm experience with Santa and talking reindeer.
- Description
- Meet Santa and Dasher at Hall Hill Farm, where children can enjoy an Elves workshop, make their own decorations, and take a Santa's Tractor Ride. See the animals in their winter stables and engage in various activities.
- Where
- Lanchester | More Info : Hall Hill Farm – Santa and Dasher Visit
Kielder – Winter Wonderland
- What to Expect
- Interactive family activities with Father Christmas and his festive friends.
- Description
- Kielder Winter Wonderland is a full-day event featuring activities like helping Mrs. Christmas prepare for Christmas, visiting the elves workshop, and walking through the forest to find Father Christmas. The event includes making wooden keepsakes, meeting reindeer, and discovering the true meaning of Christmas with the beavers.
- Where
- Kielder | More Info : Kielder – Winter Wonderland
RedFox Gardenworld – A Journey to Santa’s Toy Shop
- What to Expect
- Interactive journey to Santa's toy shop with a special gift for children.
- Description
- RedFox Gardenworld offers a festive journey to Santa's toy shop, where children can meet Santa and enjoy a special gift. The event is designed for families and includes interactive experiences.
- Where
- South Tyneside | More Info : RedFox Gardenworld – A Journey to Santa’s Toy Shop
Tanfield Railway – North Pole Express
- What to Expect
- Steam train journey with festive activities and Father Christmas visit.
- Description
- Embark on a festive journey aboard Tanfield Railway's North Pole Express, where you'll meet the ticket conductor, enjoy an elf show, and visit Father Christmas in his grotto.
- Where
- Gateshead | More Info : Tanfield Railway – North Pole Express