Plans for Christmas in Newcastle have now been unveiled, as the city prepares for another packed festive season following the record-breaking success of last year's celebrations.
Newcastle City Council will again be working with NE1 to deliver Newcastle’s Christmas Market which will also include the return of the Christmas Village on Old Eldon Square in partnership with EVNT Inspirations.
New figures from the 2025 Christmas Market have revealed its growing importance to Newcastle's economy, culture and visitor offer, with an estimated £92.8 million generated in additional visitor spend from 2.17 million visits made to the market across the festive period.
Feedback from visitors was equally positive, with 94% rating it as ‘Good’ or ‘Very Good’, while 96% said Newcastle's Christmas celebrations are important to the city.
The figures underline the continued growth of Newcastle's festive offer in recent years, and particularly since the introduction of the family-friendly activities on Old Eldon Square, and the city’s Christmas activity has become a major attraction for both residents and visitors, supporting city-centre businesses during one of the most important trading periods of the year.
This year, the Christmas Market runs from Thursday 19th November until Wednesday 23rd December 2026 and will feature over 70 traders, with more than 86% of businesses being based within 20 miles of Newcastle city centre, reinforcing the event's stated commitment to celebrating and showcasing the best of the city and region.
Newcastle’s Christmas Market will again be located on Grey Street, Grainger Street, around the Monument and on Nelson Street, which this year will feature even more traders and a broader mix of food, gifts and festive products.
The Christmas Village will return on Old Eldon Square, bringing back Santa Stories, Mrs Claus’ Bakery, the Rockin’ Reindeer stage shows, alongside family favourites including the vintage carousel and Ferris wheel.
The festive season will begin on Thursday 12 November with Newcastle's annual Christmas Lights Switch-On, bringing the city centre to life ahead of the return of the Christmas Market and a programme of festive activity across the city.
Cllr Rob Austin, Cabinet Member for Culture, Communities and Youth Services at Newcastle City Council, said: "The success of last year's Christmas programme shows just how much these events mean to people in Newcastle and beyond.
"The fact that more than two million visits were made to the market, alongside the exceptionally positive feedback we received, is a real vote of confidence in the work that has gone into developing Newcastle's festive offer in recent years.
"Christmas provides a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the city's culture, support local businesses and showcase Newcastle to visitors from across the UK.
"At the same time, it is essential that our festive programme remains welcoming, accessible and enjoyable for local people. Whether it's attending the Christmas Lights Switch-On, visiting the market with family and friends, or supporting local traders, we want everyone to feel part of the celebrations.
"We're looking forward to building on last year's success and delivering another memorable Christmas for the city."
Stephen Patterson, Chief Executive of NE1 Ltd said: “We’re delighted to partner with Newcastle City Council again this year and to play our part in creating an outstanding festive offer in the city.
“Last year’s festivities well attracted over 2 million visits, and we’re excited to build on that success to help bring even more people into Newcastle at a crucial time for businesses, particularly across the retail and hospitality sectors.
“Christmas is an increasingly competitive market across Europe and we are working hard to put Newcastle firmly on the festive map. By creating a unique offer that celebrates the very best of the city and the wider North East, we’re giving families more reasons to visit, stay longer and enjoy everything the region has to offer.
“Excitement is already building, and it is only August!”
More details including information on this year’s market traders and plans for New Year’s Eve will soon be available at www.newcastleschristmas.com.
Bookings are now being taken for Newcastle’s Christmas Village on Old Eldon Square - https://www.christmasvillagenewcastle.co.uk/
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