Not Covid, not the economy, and certainly not the weather – nothing can stop the tradition of family outings to the Newcastle Christmas markets of Newcastle Upon Tyne, Northumberland in England.
Here’s a complete guide to the best Christmas markets for 2023 – opening hours, locations, parking, unique gifts, street food, and local produce to get in the mood for a merry Newcastle Christmas!
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Newcastle’s three main Christmas markets open in 2023
Newcastle Gateshead has the largest Angel sculpture in the world, and the Northumberland countryside is full of folk festivals and old New Year’s Eve traditions.
If you’re headed to the north this festive season, support the local businesses and artisan makers of handcrafted goods by doing some of your Christmas shopping at the 3 biggest Christmas markets.
The tradition of coming out on gloomy days and dark afternoons to see the city lit up with lights and carnival attractions helps transform the city center into a bustling and vibrant winter wonderland during the holiday season.
The three main Christmas markets open in 2023 are the Newcastle Christmas Market, the Grainger Market, and the Quayside Market. Here’s everything you need to know about each Christmas market.
Newcastle Christmas Market
When
2 December until Christmas Eve (24 December) 2023
CHRISTMAS OPENING HOURS
| DAY | TIME |
|---|---|
| Monday | 9 am – 6 pm |
| Tuesday | 9 am – 6 pm |
| Wednesday | 9 am – 6 pm |
| Thursday | 9 am – 7 pm |
| Friday | 9 am – 6 pm |
| Saturday | 9 am – 6 pm |
| Sunday | 10 am – 5 pm |
| Christmas Eve | 9 am – 4 pm |
Where
Grey’s Monument, Grainger Street, Blackett Street, and Northumberland Street, Newcastle City.
What to See, Do, and Buy
This largest and best-known Christmas market is simply known as Newcastle’s Christmas Market.
In 2023 it will not only spread around Grey’s Monument and Grainger Street but will include Blacket and Northumberland Streets. There will be at least 30 stalls.
This market has a focus on local products (and it incorporates the Farmer’s Market).
You’ll find a brilliant range of locally brewed beers, locally made Christmas cakes, and handmade gifts such as jewelry and pottery.
Christmas choirs mulled wine, and street food, including roasting chestnuts, add to the festive atmosphere.
See also: 12 Best Cultural and Historical Places in England to Visit
Grainger Street Christmas Market
Although the stalls of the Newcastle Christmas Market spill over into Grainger Street, if you step inside the Grainger Market, you’ll find another Christmas market.
The Market won “Britain’s Favourite Market” in 2020 and it gets into the Christmas spirit in November and December each year.
Grainger Market Santa’s Grotto
The Grainger Market Santa’s Grotto is a major drawcard again in 2023 and Santa himself will be making a special appearance as Christmas approaches.
GRAINGER MARKET SANTA’S GROTTO OPENING HOURS AND ADMISSION COSTS
November 25 to December 24, but opening hours change according to the date.
The cost to enter Santa’s Grotto in 2022 was £13.37 with no optional add-ons.
Tickets can be purchased on the Eventbrite website where you can also see the upcoming events for the Christmas and New Year period.
Visits are restricted to 4 minutes. There is a North Pole Post Box if your kids would like to post a letter to Santa.
And inside Santa’s Grotto, they can meet Santa’s elves and receive an early Christmas present from Santa who will be there from November 15 until Christmas Eve.
Quayside Market
Where
Newcastle Quayside, Swing Bridge to Gateshead Millennium Bridge, Newcastle Upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear, NE1 3DE
When
Christmas opening hours: for 5 weeks leading up to Christmas Eve – from about the middle of November, until December 24, Saturday and Sundays, 9 am to 4 pm.
What to See, Do, and Buy
The origins of the weekly Quayside market go back almost 300 years when it first opened as a fair (and you’ll still find a fortune teller selling readings).
It is a local market held every Sunday and as Christmas nears, you’ll find it becomes very Christmassy on both days of the weekend.
Independent traders from across Northumberland come to sell handmade crafts and products including toys, jewelry, ceramics, and clothing so it’s a good place for some Christmas shopping.
There are dozens of food trucks and stalls where you’ll find locally produced conserves, sweets, and baked goods.
You’ll find Geordie Bangers, the Northumberland Cheese Company, and many other regular vendors at the Quayside Market.
There’s a lot of emphasis on northeastern culture – you’ll find vintage books on football, Newcastle United shirts, Angel of the North drawings, and even a pop-up pub.
Parking
There is limited paid on-street parking near Grey Street, free after 6.30 p.m. The John Dobson paid car park can be booked online in advance and is close to the Christmas markets.
Parking for the Quayside market is difficult on the street but there are two multi-story car parks. The Quayside Multi-Storey Car Park has a £3.20 fixed charge on Sundays between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. It’s close, cheap, and is always my parking place in Newcastle.
Parking in Newcastle is a website that is the easiest way to find the closest car park, its opening hours, and prices, and you can book your slot before you set out.
Final Thoughts
I hope this roundup of the best Christmas markets has inspired you to support Newcastle’s local traders by stopping by a Newcastle Christmas market, picking up some Christmas gifts, and enjoying the city center transformed for the Christmas season.
Keep Planning Your Trip to the UK
- 10 Best Northern Ireland Landmarks for History and Culture
- Self-guided day trip to Down Cathedral and Saint Patrick’s Grave
- 12 Best Cultural and Historical Places in England to Visit
- Best Scotland Landmarks for History and Culture
- Why You Should See Newcastle’s Angel of the North Statue
- Why You Should See Newcastle’s Angel of the North Statue
- Top 12 Things to Do in Allendale Northumberland
- Amazing Standing Stones of Callanish
- Isle of Lewis: Mystery and History
- Guide to the 3 Best Newcastle Christmas Markets for 2022 in Newcastle UK
