4 Budget-Friendly Festive Activities in Newcastle

Fenwick Window and Christmas Markets

Fenwick’s Window is the highlight for the Geordies at the start of Christmas. With its now 47-year tradition of displaying a creative masterpiece in the windows, each year with a different theme attached, it’s a must-see to tell the people of the city its unique Christmas story. Why not take a leisurely stroll past as you pick up your Christmas gifts this year?

Whether you’re picking up your stocking fillers in Eldon Square, or looking for something a little more unique, Newcastle will cover itself with the most beautiful Christmas Markets for you to get your little bits and bobs from. There is honestly so much to choose from too; stalls selling unique crafts and quirky gifts to some amazing food and drink options – we love it. From our favourite Dutch Waffles to a good old German Bratwurst, why not get a taste of some international cuisine in the heart of the city over the seasonal period – we will be, for sure.

Winter Wonderland – Newcastle Racecourse

On your marks, get set, GLOW! Why not head up to Newcastle Racecourse for their famous Winter Wonderland – the biggest winter attraction in the Northeast – and is a brilliant way to spend an evening in the ‘toon. This popular student event is just a stone's throw away from the heart of the city centre and it’s a no-brainer to visit for some festive fun.

With a range of food and drink, fairground rides, and a mixture of entertainment to suit everyone – we love coming up here with friends to spend a night under the lights. Entry to the event is less than a tenner (this year’s prices are unconfirmed) but honestly, this is something we totally recommend doing this winter.

Watch a Traditional Christmas Film at Tyneside Cinema

Throughout December the beautiful Tyneside Cinema screens a range of our festive favourite flicks to watch. From modern classics like Home Alone to oldies but goldies like It’s A Wonderful Life, this cinema will help you satisfy all your festive film needs to get you into the Christmas spirit. Or, if you’re like us and unconventional Christmas movies are your guilty pleasure, then Tyneside Cinema have got you covered too with showings of Die Hard and the likes throughout December.

Why not get your friends down for a budget-friendly festive movie night, and treat yourself to some popcorn in the Tyneside cinema for a cosy evening watching your festive favourites? You could even treat yourself to some Christmassy food and drinks in the Tyneside bar after the film – it would be rude not to have a mulled wine, don’t you think?

Ice Skating at The Centre of Life

What will make you feel more like you are in New York than Newcastle than a huge ice-skating rink? We mean Newcastle is just as good, right?

The Centre of Life is due to host their annual ice rink and Christmas stalls this year, which always attract so many people across the city (us included!). Right under the city's biggest Christmas tree, the rink is the perfect place for a date with your friends, or if you fancy it, why not just watch and grab a drink whilst you embrace the Christmassy culture in the city?

You’re in luck – if you don’t skate like Bambi of course – as the rink is open from November until February, giving the professionals time to show their skills off and have some festive fun and us newbies to perfect our two-step on the ice. So, why not head down with your friends and see who can give us the best twirl on the ice? Something for the memory book, and believe us, it’s ‘snow’ much fun…

This year why not get in the Christmas spirit and have some festive fun from your head to your mistletoes? We love Newcastle in the winter and what a perfect way to dance on the ice with your friends in the heart of the city.

Let us know of your favourite festive places in the ‘toon and tag us on socials if we’ve missed any crackers.