Winter in the North East brings a mix of atmosphere, heritage and seasonal energy that makes it one of the most enjoyable times of the year to explore the region.
Whether you want the buzz of the city, the glow of illuminated gardens or the charm of historic settings, there is a wide range of festive days out to choose from. These are some of the most exciting highlights for the coming season.
Newcastle Christmas Market and Moosenwirt Alpine Bar
Newcastle’s Christmas market continues to expand and now fills much of the city centre with traders, food stalls and seasonal entertainment. At the top of Grey Street, beside Grey’s Monument, visitors will find Moosenwirt, a pop-up Alpine bar that has quickly become one of the market’s signature features. With its timber-clad design, warm lighting and cosy seating, Moosenwirt feels like a mountain lodge dropped right into the middle of the city. Guests can enjoy mulled wine, winter cocktails, local beers and hot drinks, and the atmosphere becomes especially lively in the evenings when musicians perform.
Moosenwirt also offers bookable experiences, including heated glass igloos and a larger group lodge, which give the market a slightly more premium edge. The whole setting combines the fun of a busy Christmas market with the comfort of a winter retreat.
Aladdin at the Theatre Royal
A trip to the Theatre Royal remains one of the North East’s favourite festive traditions, and this year’s pantomime, Aladdin, has an impressive cast. Danny Adams and Clive Webb return for their twentieth panto season in Newcastle, and their familiar partnership is a major draw for returning audiences. Wayne Smith joins as Old King Cole, Rachel Stanley appears as the Wicked Witch, Billie Kay stars as Princess Jasmine and Mick Potts takes on the Genie of the Lamp. With fresh staging, vibrant costumes and a theatrical setting that always adds a sense of grandeur, this year’s production promises plenty of high energy fun for all ages.
Ice Skating Outside the Centre for Life
Those looking for a classic winter activity will be glad to see the return of the real-ice skating rink outside the Centre for Life in Times Square. Sessions run throughout the season and last around an hour, which includes time to get skates fitted. There are quiet morning sessions on selected dates for those who prefer a calmer atmosphere, and skating aids are available for younger skaters or anyone who needs extra support. With seasonal music, fresh air and plenty of space to glide around, the rink offers an easy and enjoyable way to add a bit of movement to the festive period.
Christmas at The Alnwick Garden
The Alnwick Garden’s illuminated trail is one of the North East’s most visually striking festive attractions. As evening falls, the garden becomes a landscape of glowing installations, reflective water features and atmospheric lighting that highlights the structure and design of the grounds. Paths guide visitors past colourful displays and illuminated trees, and the overall effect feels polished and contemporary rather than overly whimsical. It is a great option for families, couples and groups alike, and the garden’s scale means the experience never feels overcrowded.
Festive Dining and Creative Workshops at Blackfriars
Blackfriars Restaurant brings a sense of heritage and craft to its festive calendar. Set within a former friary, the space has a distinctive medieval character that lends itself naturally to winter dining. Seasonal banquets, candlelit dinners and hands-on workshops all form part of its December programme. Visitors can take part in wreath making, gingerbread classes or cooking sessions, and the combination of creativity, history and good food gives Blackfriars a strong appeal for those who want something more than a standard Christmas meal.
Treasured Tales at Bamburgh Castle
Bamburgh Castle’s Treasured Tales event transforms the interior of the castle into a series of themed rooms inspired by stories, legends and local heritage. Each space is styled individually, creating a sense of discovery as visitors move through the building. The rugged coastal setting and vast views add to the overall impression, and the castle’s size allows for a relaxed, exploratory experience. For families in particular, this is a festive day out that blends imagination with history in a setting that feels instantly dramatic.
Christmas at Cragside
Cragside stands out each winter thanks to its impressive living Christmas tree, a towering redwood that becomes a focal point when dressed with thousands of lights. The house is decorated in a Victorian style to evoke a fictional servants celebration, and the result is warm and atmospheric without feeling overly sentimental. On selected evenings, the grounds remain open into dusk, allowing visitors to explore lit pathways and enjoy the quiet beauty of the landscape. Cragside’s balance of architecture, design and natural surroundings makes it a consistently popular choice for winter visits.
Raby Castle’s Seasonal Programme
Raby Castle approaches Christmas with a sense of refinement. The castle’s rooms are decorated with festive detail, blending traditional touches with the building’s historic character. The walled gardens and wider estate form part of many of the seasonal ticket options, creating an experience that feels spacious and varied. It is an excellent choice for those who enjoy heritage settings and prefer a calmer, more measured festive day out.
Christmas by Candlelight at Hexham Abbey
Hexham Abbey’s Christmas by Candlelight concert remains one of the region’s most atmospheric festive events. Candlelight fills the historic interior, and the performance typically features a mix of classic carols and seasonal music delivered by professional vocalists. The simplicity of the setting, combined with the acoustics of the abbey, creates a memorable and reflective experience that stands apart from more commercial festive offerings.
Exploring the North East at Christmas
Winter in the North East brings a wide range of seasonal experiences, from large-scale illuminated trails to intimate musical performances. Whether you prefer the energy of city markets, the heritage of castles, the creativity of workshops or the fun of outdoor skating, the region offers plenty of ways to celebrate the season. This year’s programme showcases the diversity and character that make the North East such a rewarding place to explore throughout the winter months.
