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- Eight Festive Experiences to...
Eight Festive Experiences to Enjoy in NewcastleGateshead this Winter
December 4, 2018 
The dark nights have crept in, the temperature has plummeted and the festive season is well and truly in full swing across the North East. Despite not being able to leave the house without a brolly and my big coat I am loving the atmosphere and excitement across the region at the moment as everyone prepares for Christmas.
This year in Geordieland there seems to be more festive events and experiences on offer than ever before! From local markets to big nights out and quirky family experiences. You could do something different every day of advent and still only scratch the surface! I’ve picked out eight of my faves to share with you…
Fenwick Window
Fenwick Window 2018: The Snowman. Image Credit: Fenwick
It’s an oldie but a goody and I’m sure every other resident of Newcastle would agree that Christmas just wouldn’t be the same with the magic and tradition of the beautiful display in Fenwick’s Window. This year’s theme brings to life The Snowman, to celebrate 40 years since the original picture book was published. There are so many intricate details to admire, my favourite scene is the Snowman in the freezer!
Enchanted Parks
The intriguing trailer above might not give too much away but having experienced Enchanted Parks in previous years I can tell you that this unique, after-dark, arts adventure is a magical and mysterious event which will capture your imagination and leave you in awe.
Me and Mrs Cupcake at Enchanted Parks 2015
There’s something special about Saltwell Park at anytime of year but as the setting for Enchanted Parks it is transformed in to a mythical wonderland.
This year, the six night run of events is also accompanied by an array of food and drink stalls from By the River Brew Co.’s HWKRMRKT, as well as a bumper Craft Market and pop up BALTIC shop for last minute Christmas shopping!
The House of Lost and Found takes place from Tuesday 4 – Sunday 9 December 2018. Tickets are £9 for adults, £4.50 for kids, children 3 and under go free.
Book at www.tickettailor.com/events/enchantedparks
Skating at Life
Image Credit: NGI
Heading out on to the ice hand in hand with someone you love is without doubt one of the most magical experiences you can have in Winter. The area in front of Life Science Centre on Times Square in Newcastle plays host to a huge outdoor rink every year from mid November till the end of February and is always a good giggle for all ages!
This year there’s also a Christmas Village, complete with authentic Bavarian beer hall and full-size carousel at Times Square. It’s definitely somewhere I plan on whisking away my other half to for a day out this Winter.
www.life.org.uk/events/skating
Newcastle Christmas Market
By combining the International market and the local market that usually happens a few weeks later, the Christmas market in Newcastle is bigger and better than ever this year! The tempting food traders and unique gift stalls sprawl out from Grey’s Monument on to Grey Street and Grainger Street. The gourmet delights are utterly scrumptious, I can never resist mulled wine and churros but there are lots of other exotic and instagrammable options to choose from too! The market will be around till 16th December so catch it while you can.
Christmas Cocktails at Miracle on Grey Street
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A brand new pop up bar has opened on Grey Street in Newcastle. I love Christmas and I love insta-worthy cocktails so something tells me this is set to be my favourite bar during the festive season! I’ll be popping in over the party season so will let you know what I think but if the picture above from New Girl in Toon is anything to go then I am going to be a big fan!
www.facebook.com/events/1973668202700990/
Dine by the Tyne Winter Igloos
Remember a couple years ago when I dined by the Tyne suspended 100ft in the air? Well, it was a pretty epic experience and one that has been hard to beat, but this winter another new and exciting dining experience is on offer that might just give it a run for its money… a five course meal in an igloo with views of the Tyne!
The igloos will be positioned on Baltic Square beside the river from December 1st till New Year’s Eve with prices from £199 for ten diners.
www.newcastlegateshead.com/winter-festival/whats-on
The Polar Express Journey to the North Pole at Life Science Centre
This magical, six minute film is based on the inspiring story about a young boy who takes an extraordinary train ride to the North Pole but it’s been specially adapted for the 4D Motion Ride at Life Science Centre so you can experience it like never before! The ride is included in your entrance fee, you have to be over 1.2 metres tall to enjoy it and it’s available till 7th January.
www.life.org.uk/events/the-polar-express
Hadrian’s Tipi at Stack
Hadrian’s Tipi has returned for another year and this time it’s positioned in the heart of Newcastle at Stack, the container village on Pilgrim Street. This winter pop-up retreat offers everything a hardened Christmas shopper would want on a cold day… a warm log fire, snug seating areas and the most delicious festive tipples! It’s child and pet friendly too so bring your clan and get cosy. Hadrian’s Tipi is in Toon till the 1st of January.
We have ticked off a few of those already but the girls are desperate to do ice skating which we have put off for a few years!! maybe this year ‘Ill relent!
NewcastleGateshead seems to have it going on this year! So much to see and do. I’ve taken the kids to the Christmas Market, Theatre Royal Panto, Santa on the Rooftop at Fenwick, Hadrian’s Tipi and Snowman Cafe at Fenwick so far – all fantastic! Oh and we went wreath making in STACK which was so much fun x
I love that there is so much more going on for Christmas in Newcastle this year, we’ve managed to fill all our weekends with fun activities and there’s still more to do! Can’t wait to go for a ride on the ferris wheel to take in the views down Northumberland Street and I’m yet to make it to the new Christmas experience on the Gateshead Quayside!
Them igloos look mint, seen similar ones online but didn’t think we had them in the Toon. Glad you mentioned Fenwick’s window, it wouldn’t be christmas in Newcastle without it.