A dog in a jumper on a walk in a park. Dog owners are being invited to dress their pets in festive outfits for a Christmas charity walk and social in Newcastle. Stock photo: RDNE Stock project / Pexels
Dog owners across Newcastle, including residents of Newcastle Great Park, are being invited to get into the festive spirit this December with a special Christmas jumper charity dog walk and social event, raising money for Newcastle Dog and Cat Shelter.
The popular annual fundraiser will return on Sunday 6 December 2026, bringing together dog lovers, families and their four-legged companions for an afternoon of festive fun, Christmas outfits and activities.
Participants are encouraged to wear their favourite Christmas jumpers, with dogs also welcome to dress up in seasonal outfits for the occasion.
This year's event will begin at Heaton Park before heading to The Biscuit Factory in Shieldfield, where a Christmas-themed social gathering will feature competitions, entertainment, festive refreshments and plenty of treats for both humans and their canine companions.
Tickets cost just £5 per dog, plus a booking fee, with proceeds going towards supporting the work of Newcastle Dog and Cat Shelter.
Christmas Jumper Dog Walk to Begin at Heaton Park
The festivities will get underway at 1.30pm on Sunday 6 December, when participants gather at the Hill Field area of Heaton Park in Newcastle.
Dog owners are invited to bring their pets along for a group walk, with Christmas jumpers, festive hats and seasonal dog accessories encouraged.
The event has become a popular annual tradition, providing an opportunity for local dog owners to meet one another, enjoy time outdoors and support a worthwhile cause.
This year's walk is being organised in collaboration with Newcastle-based dog-walking business Jess Fox & Hound and independent pet retailer The Dog Grocer.
Following the gathering at Heaton Park, participants will make their way to The Biscuit Factory, an independent contemporary art gallery and events venue on Stoddart Street in Shieldfield.
The venue represents a new home for the event's post-walk celebrations, bringing a fresh setting to an established Christmas fundraising tradition.
Festive Dog Social at The Biscuit Factory
Once the walkers arrive at The Biscuit Factory, the afternoon will continue with a festive social event running until approximately 5pm.
The organisers are planning a range of activities designed to entertain dogs and their owners, creating a welcoming atmosphere for families, friends and fellow animal lovers.
One of the highlights will be a Christmas jumper catwalk, giving participants and their pets the chance to show off their festive outfits.
There will also be a best-dressed competition for both dogs and their owners, with plenty of opportunities for imaginative Christmas costumes.
For the dogs, entertainment will include search-and-sniff games, homemade dog biscuits and festive 'pup cup' treats.
Meanwhile, visitors can enjoy Christmas films shown on large screens, along with seasonal food and drinks.
Refreshments are expected to include:
Mulled wine and boozy hot chocolate for adults.
Hot festive sandwiches.
Traditional mince pies.
A selection of drinks from the bar.
Special treats for participating dogs.
The event is intended to be family-friendly, offering an opportunity to enjoy an afternoon together while supporting a local animal welfare charity.
Visitors should check the organisers' event instructions regarding where dogs are permitted within The Biscuit Factory, as the venue's normal gallery policy only allows assistance dogs.
Raising Vital Funds for Newcastle Dog and Cat Shelter
At the heart of the Christmas celebration is an important charitable cause.
All proceeds from the dog walk and social are being donated to Newcastle Dog and Cat Shelter, which provides care and support for unwanted, abandoned, neglected and abused animals across the North East.
The charity works to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome animals, offering them a second chance at finding safe and loving homes.
Based at Benton North Farm in Longbenton, the shelter is particularly well known to residents across Newcastle and North Tyneside.
Its work includes providing accommodation, food, veterinary treatment and ongoing care for animals while suitable permanent homes are found.
Fundraising events play an important role in helping the shelter meet these costs and continue supporting vulnerable pets.
As more animals require assistance, contributions from community events can make a meaningful difference to the charity's work.
For Newcastle Great Park residents, the event provides an opportunity to support a charity located relatively close to home while enjoying a festive afternoon with their own pets.
Anyone wishing to learn more about the shelter, its animals available for adoption or other fundraising opportunities can visit www.dogandcatshelter.com.
Local Businesses Coming Together for a Good Cause
Another important aspect of the event is the involvement of independent Newcastle businesses.
Jess Fox & Hound, a local professional dog-walking service, is helping organise the festive gathering alongside The Dog Grocer.
The businesses are joining forces with The Biscuit Factory to create an occasion that combines community spirit, animal welfare and Christmas celebrations.
The event demonstrates how local businesses can work together to support charitable organisations while bringing people together.
For dog owners, it also provides an opportunity to meet others who share their enthusiasm for animals, exchange experiences and enjoy activities that might not normally be available during an everyday dog walk.
How Much Are Tickets and Where Can You Book?
Tickets for the Christmas jumper charity walk and social are priced at £5 per dog, plus an additional booking fee.
The event is scheduled for Sunday 6 December 2026, with the walk beginning at 1.30pm and the social gathering continuing until 5pm.
Event details:
Event: Jess Fox & Hound x Biscuit Factory Christmas Charity Walk & Social
Date: Sunday 6 December 2026
Start time: 1.30pm
Meeting point: Heaton Park Hill Field, Newcastle upon Tyne
Social venue: The Biscuit Factory, 16 Stoddart Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 1AN
Finish time: Approximately 5pm
Ticket price: £5 per dog, plus booking fee
Charity: Newcastle Dog and Cat Shelter
Tickets can be booked through Eventbrite:
Book Tickets – Christmas Charity Dog Walk & Social
Those planning to attend are encouraged to check the booking page for the latest information, including ticket availability and any event-specific instructions.
A Festive Day Out for Newcastle Great Park Dog Owners
Newcastle Great Park is home to many dog owners, with its extensive network of walking routes, green spaces and nearby countryside making it a popular area for people who enjoy spending time outdoors with their pets.
For residents looking for something a little different this Christmas, the charity walk offers an opportunity to venture into Newcastle, meet other dog lovers and take part in a community fundraising event.
With Christmas jumpers, fancy-dressed dogs, festive treats and a chance to support animals in need, the afternoon promises to be an enjoyable way to celebrate the season.
Owners should ensure their dogs are comfortable around other animals and larger groups before attending, and bring suitable leads, water and weather-appropriate clothing.
Any festive costumes should also allow pets to move comfortably without restricting their breathing or causing distress.
Above all, the occasion is about bringing people together while making a positive difference to the lives of animals that need help.
Have Your Say
Will you be taking your dog along to the Christmas jumper charity walk this December?
Does your four-legged friend already have a festive outfit ready, or would you like to see more dog-friendly community events organised around Newcastle Great Park?
We would love to hear from local dog owners.
Join the conversation in the Great Park Residents Group on Facebook and let us know whether you plan to attend.
Further Information:
