Newcastle Christmas Market on Grainger Street, one of 13 festive markets featured in Great Park Gazette's guide to Christmas 2026 across the North East. Photograph: DS Pugh / Geograph
Christmas is fast approaching, and towns and cities across the North East are getting ready to welcome shoppers with festive markets, handcrafted gifts, seasonal food and plenty of Christmas entertainment.
From the wooden chalets around Grey's Monument in Newcastle to historic castles in Northumberland and bustling market squares in Durham, there is something for almost everyone this festive season.
For residents of Newcastle Great Park, Gosforth, Kingston Park, Wideopen and surrounding communities, the coming weeks offer plenty of opportunities to enjoy a festive day out, support independent businesses and discover Christmas presents that might be difficult to find on the high street.
Some markets will operate for several weeks, while others are special one-day or weekend events. Several are free to visit, although certain attractions and locations require tickets.
Great Park Gazette has put together a guide to 13 Christmas markets taking place across the North East during November and December 2026, including their dates, opening times, admission arrangements and what visitors can expect.
1. Riverside Sunderland Christmas Market
Thursday 12 November 2026 | 1pm–7pm
Location: Riverside Sunderland, Vaux area, including City Hall, The Beam and Maker Building, Sunderland, SR1 3AD.
One of the earliest festive markets in the region takes place at Riverside Sunderland, bringing independent businesses and local makers together for an afternoon and evening of Christmas shopping.
Visitors will find stalls selling handcrafted items, gifts, homeware, artisan food, seasonal treats and products from local traders.
The market will be spread across several venues within the Vaux development area, making it an opportunity to explore a part of Sunderland that has undergone significant regeneration.
It is particularly suitable for anyone who enjoys shopping directly from small businesses and independent producers.
Admission: MySunderland advertises free entry. Sunderland BID's separate listing flags an entry fee but does not state an amount, so visitors should check the latest arrangements before travelling.
Official information: https://www.mysunderland.co.uk/article/41643/Riverside-Sunderland-Christmas-Market
2. Gateshead Stadium Christmas Market
Sunday 15 November 2026 | 11am–3pm
Location: Gateshead International Stadium, Neilson Road, Gateshead, NE10 0EF.
Gateshead International Stadium will host a special Christmas shopping event featuring more than 100 stalls, according to the organisers.
The market promises a mixture of festive gifts, food, drinks, Christmas decorations and seasonal entertainment.
Visitors can browse independent sellers, pick up presents and enjoy the atmosphere created by Christmas trees and decorations around the venue.
For families looking for an affordable festive outing, admission is relatively inexpensive.
Admission: £1 per person, with children under 12 entering free.
Event details and tickets: https://www.skiddle.com/whats-on/Gateshead/Gateshead-International-Stadium/Gateshead-Stadium-Christmas-Market/42648478/
3. Newcastle Christmas Market
Thursday 19 November – Wednesday 23 December 2026
Opening times: Monday to Saturday, 10am–8pm; Sunday, 10am–5pm.
Location: Grey's Monument, Grey Street, Grainger Street, Nelson Street and Old Eldon Square, Newcastle city centre.
Newcastle's Christmas Market is one of the region's biggest and most popular festive attractions.
The market is returning with more than 70 traders and an expanded selection of food, gifts and independent businesses.
Traditional wooden stalls will line several of the city's best-known streets, creating a festive shopping route through the city centre.
Visitors can expect handmade jewellery, artwork, clothing, seasonal decorations, local produce, sweets, hot food and Christmas gifts.
The organisers have emphasised the importance of supporting regional businesses, with the majority of participating traders based within approximately 20 miles of Newcastle city centre.
Christmas Village at Old Eldon Square
The Christmas Village is also returning to Old Eldon Square, offering additional attractions for families.
Activities include a vintage carousel, a larger Ferris wheel, festive stage shows, Santa's storytelling sessions and Mrs Claus' Bakery.
Visitors will also be able to book screenings of popular Christmas films, including Home Alone, Elf, Frozen, The Polar Express and The Grinch.
The popular Moosenwirt Alpine bar will return, alongside the North Pole's bookable heated igloos near Grey's Monument.
With Fenwick's Christmas window, the city-centre Christmas lights and other festive attractions nearby, visitors can easily make a full day or evening of their trip.
Admission: Free to browse the Christmas Market. Some Christmas Village attractions, rides and activities require paid tickets.
Official market information: https://www.newcastleschristmas.com/
Christmas Village bookings: https://www.christmasvillagenewcastle.co.uk/
For Great Park residents, Newcastle's main market is likely to be one of the most convenient options because it can be combined with a regular city-centre shopping trip.
4. Spanish City Christmas Market, Whitley Bay
Friday 20 – Sunday 22 November 2026
Opening times:
Friday 20 November: 12pm–8pm
Saturday 21 November: 10am–5pm
Sunday 22 November: 10am–5pm
Location: Spanish City, Spanish City Plaza, Whitley Bay, NE26 1BG.
The iconic Spanish City building in Whitley Bay will welcome shoppers beneath its magnificent dome for a three-day festive market.
The event promises a wide selection of handcrafted presents, independent traders, seasonal food and treats.
Among the businesses taking part are local producers of candles and home fragrances, artisan soaps and other gift products.
The indoor setting makes it a particularly attractive option for visitors who want to enjoy Christmas shopping without spending the whole day outdoors in potentially cold or wet weather.
Visitors could also combine their trip with a walk along Whitley Bay's seafront.
Admission:
£3 per person when booked in advance.
£5 per person on the door.
Advance group ticket for four people: £10.
Group ticket for four on the door: £15.
Advance bookings close at 5pm on the day before the intended visit.
A festive afternoon tea package priced at £33 includes market admission.
Official information and tickets: https://spanishcity.co.uk/christmas-fair/
5. Greek Christmas Market, Newcastle
Saturday 21 November 2026 | 10:30am–4pm
Location: St John the Baptist Church, Grainger Street, Newcastle, NE1 5JG.
Newcastle's Greek Christmas Market returns for its third year, bringing Mediterranean flavours and traditional products to the heart of the city.
Organised by Pegasos Events, the market will showcase Greek food, desserts, speciality ingredients and gift ideas.
Visitors can expect products such as olive oil, honey, balsamic vinegar, homemade sweets, pottery, jewellery, books, crafts and Christmas decorations.
The event is intended to celebrate Greek culture and traditions while welcoming people from the wider community.
Its central location means it could easily be combined with a visit to Newcastle's main Christmas Market, which will already be open.
Admission: £1 for adults, free for children.
Event information: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/greek-christmas-market-tickets-2002654738232
6. South Causey Inn Christmas Markets, County Durham
Tuesday 24 November; Tuesday 1, 8, 15 and 22 December 2026
Opening times: 10am–8pm on each date.
Location: South Causey Inn, Stanley, County Durham, DH9 0LS.
For people who enjoy a traditional countryside Christmas atmosphere, South Causey Inn is hosting a series of markets throughout the festive season.
The markets take place in the venue's Durham Suite and bring together independent traders offering handcrafted goods, gifts, decorations and seasonal treats.
Visitors can also purchase food and drinks from the hotel, making it an option for those who would like to combine Christmas shopping with lunch or refreshments.
Unlike several of the other events in this guide, South Causey Inn's markets take place on multiple Tuesdays, providing more opportunities to attend.
Admission: Free.
Official information: https://southcausey.co.uk/christmas/
7. Alnwick Castle Christmas Market
Wednesday 25 November 2026 | 9:30am–2:30pm
Location: Guest Hall, Alnwick Castle, Alnwick, Northumberland, NE66 1NQ.
Visitors looking for a Christmas market in a historic setting may want to consider Alnwick Castle's festive shopping event.
The castle will host independent traders selling handcrafted presents, local products, artisan goods and seasonal refreshments.
The market forms part of a two-day Christmas Fair, with a separate preview evening on Tuesday 24 November.
One of the most important aspects of the event is its charitable purpose.
Ticket proceeds will support Smile For Life, a North East charity working with disabled and disadvantaged young people.
This gives shoppers an opportunity to support a local cause while enjoying a festive visit to one of Northumberland's best-known landmarks.
Admission: £5 per person for the Wednesday market.
Official information: https://www.alnwickcastle.com/whats-on/alnwick-castle-christmas-fair-2026-market-day
8. Baltic Winter Makers Market, Gateshead
Saturday 28 November 2026 | 11am–5pm
Location: Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art, South Shore Road, Gateshead Quays, NE8 3BA.
The Baltic's Winter Makers Market is aimed particularly at shoppers searching for individual, creative and unusual Christmas gifts.
Organised by Endless Love Creative, the event will bring together more than 50 independent makers from across the UK.
Items on offer will include artwork, prints, ceramics, jewellery, stationery, textiles, glasswork, clothing, homeware and accessories.
Rather than focusing on mass-produced Christmas products, the market celebrates independent artists, designers and craftspeople.
Visitors will have an opportunity to meet the makers and learn about the processes behind their work.
The event takes place inside the Baltic, making it another good option during colder weather.
Admission: £2 for adults; visitors aged 18 and under enter free. Booking is required for paid admission.
Official information: https://baltic.art/whats-on/vgF-winter-makers-market-by-endless-love-creative/
9. Ford & Etal Christmas Market, Northumberland
Saturday 28 – Sunday 29 November 2026 | 10am–4pm each day
Location: Ford, Etal, Heatherslaw and Ford Castle, Northumberland.
Ford & Etal's Christmas Market offers a different experience from the usual city-centre stalls.
The event is spread across several historic locations in rural Northumberland, with more than 120 traders expected to take part.
The four main locations include Ford, Etal, Heatherslaw and Ford Castle.
Visitors can explore stalls selling local food, cakes, gifts, pottery, seasonal decorations, sweets and handmade crafts.
The event also offers entertainment, activities and a Christmas Tree Trail.
Vintage double-decker buses will transport visitors between the different locations, giving the market a distinctive atmosphere.
At Heatherslaw, planned attractions include circus skills workshops, storytelling, activities for children and opportunities to post letters to Santa.
Important date correction
Ford & Etal's official organisers confirm that the event is on Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 November, not Sunday 29 and Monday 30 November.
Visitors should therefore use the confirmed weekend dates when making plans.
Admission: Paid tickets are required, with admission covering the participating venues, vintage bus transport, entertainment, activities and parking. Check current ticket prices through the official booking page.
Official information: https://www.ford-and-etal.co.uk/events/ford-etal-christmas-market-2026/
Tickets: https://ford-etal-christmas-market.sumupstore.com/
For Great Park residents, this is one to consider as a longer day out in Northumberland rather than a quick shopping trip.
10. Durham Christmas Festival
Friday 4 – Sunday 6 December 2026
Festival hours:
Friday 4 December: 9am–6pm
Saturday 5 December: 9am–6pm
Sunday 6 December: 9am–5pm
Location: Durham city centre, including Palace Green, Market Place and Durham Market Hall.
Durham Christmas Festival is one of the biggest festive shopping events in the region.
Rather than operating from a single location, it combines three markets across the historic city.
The Craft & Producers' Marquee on Palace Green will feature more than 120 stalls selling handmade gifts, clothing, artwork, festive decorations, homeware, food and drink.
An additional outdoor market in Durham Market Place will offer further shopping opportunities, while the city's permanent indoor market will also take part in the festival.
The organisers expect more than 200 additional independent traders to participate across the city during the three days.
Visitors can also enjoy seasonal entertainment and music.
Children's Lantern Parade
A highlight of the festival is the Children's Lantern Parade on Sunday 6 December, bringing colour and festive atmosphere to Durham's historic streets.
With Durham Cathedral overlooking Palace Green, the setting provides a particularly memorable backdrop for Christmas shopping.
Admission: Free to visit the outdoor market and permanent Market Hall.
The Craft & Producers' Marquee costs £4.50 in advance or £5 on the day. Separate charges may apply for some activities.
Official information: https://durhamchristmasfestival.com/
Festival market details: https://durhamchristmasfestival.com/markets/
11. Blackfriars Christmas Market, Newcastle
Saturday 5 – Sunday 6 December 2026 | 10am–4pm each day
Location: Blackfriars Restaurant, Friars Street, Newcastle, NE1 4XN.
Blackfriars will transform its historic Cloister Garden and Banquet Hall into a festive shopping destination for the first weekend of December.
The market brings together local businesses offering gifts, food, drinks and handmade products.
Visitors can expect chocolates, jewellery, home fragrances, jams, chutneys, dog gifts, seasonal decorations and other crafts.
Blackfriars will also serve festive street food, including hot roast sandwiches, alongside warming drinks and other refreshments.
The combination of an atmospheric historic setting and independent traders makes this a good option for people wanting a smaller Christmas market in the centre of Newcastle.
Admission: Free.
Official information: https://blackfriarsrestaurant.co.uk/event/blackfriars-christmas-market/
12. North Shields Christmas Market
Saturday 5 – Sunday 6 December 2026
Location: Northumberland Square and Howard Street, North Shields, NE30 1QU.
North Shields will welcome its annual Christmas Market with approximately 70 stalls spread across the town centre.
The market will feature handmade gifts, crafts, festive food, drinks and products from local traders.
Organisers also plan live entertainment, including choirs, schoolchildren's performances and fairground rides around Northumberland Square.
The event is expected to begin at 10am on Saturday with a short service involving local churches and the Salvation Army.
Further entertainment details are expected to be announced closer to the weekend.
This is an option for families who want to enjoy a traditional outdoor Christmas market in North Tyneside.
Admission: Free.
Opening times: The Saturday opening ceremony is advertised for 10am; check the organiser's website for final daily closing times.
Official information: https://www.visitnorthtyneside.com/events/event/north-shields-christmas-market/
13. The Glasshouse Christmas Market, Gateshead
Saturday 12 – Sunday 13 December 2026 | 10am–4pm each day
Location: The Glasshouse International Centre for Music, St Mary's Square, Gateshead Quays, NE8 2JR.
The Glasshouse will host an indoor Christmas Market across two days, offering an opportunity to shop for handmade gifts and products from regional makers.
Visitors can expect artisan treats, unique presents, seasonal decorations and creative products.
The event takes place on the venue's concourse, allowing visitors to browse indoors while enjoying the atmosphere of one of the North East's major cultural venues.
The market forms part of The Glasshouse's wider Christmas programme, which includes concerts and family entertainment throughout December.
It is also within walking distance of the Baltic and Gateshead Quays, making it possible to combine Christmas shopping with a visit to the waterfront.
Admission: Free. No ticket required for the market itself.
Official information: https://theglasshouseicm.org/whats-on/the-glasshouse-christmas-market/
Which Christmas Markets Are Free to Visit?
For families looking to enjoy the festive atmosphere without paying an entry fee, several markets provide free admission.
These include Newcastle Christmas Market, Blackfriars Christmas Market, North Shields Christmas Market, The Glasshouse Christmas Market and South Causey Inn's Christmas Markets.
Durham's outdoor and permanent indoor markets are also free, although the Craft & Producers' Marquee is ticketed.
The organisers' Sunderland city listing advertises free entry to Riverside Sunderland's market, although a separate listing contains conflicting information about an admission charge.
Other events have relatively small entry fees.
The Greek Christmas Market costs £1 for adults, Gateshead Stadium charges £1, and the Baltic charges £2 for adults.
Spanish City, Alnwick Castle and Ford & Etal also operate ticketed admission.
Remember that free entry does not necessarily mean that rides, food, workshops or other attractions are free.
Planning a Festive Day Out from Newcastle Great Park
For residents in Newcastle Great Park, some of these markets can easily be combined with other activities.
Newcastle city centre offers the widest range of festive attractions in one location, including the main Christmas Market, Fenwick's Christmas window, the Christmas Village and nearby shops and restaurants.
The Greek Christmas Market and Blackfriars Christmas Market are also within the city centre.
Whitley Bay's Spanish City makes an appealing coastal day out, especially for families who might enjoy a walk along the seafront.
For those looking to explore Northumberland, Alnwick Castle and Ford & Etal offer attractive historic settings.
Durham Christmas Festival is another option for people wanting to spend a full day Christmas shopping in a traditional city-centre environment.
Anyone attending a weekend market should consider travelling earlier in the day, as popular festive events can become busy.
It is also worth checking public transport arrangements, parking availability and accessibility information before setting off.
Where tickets are required, booking in advance may save money or guarantee admission.
Supporting Independent North East Businesses
Christmas markets are about more than buying presents.
For many small businesses, makers and local producers, the festive season is one of the most important periods of the year.
Independent traders often rely on Christmas markets to introduce their products to new customers and generate income.
Shopping locally can help support artists, craftspeople, food producers and family-run businesses across the region.
It also gives shoppers an opportunity to find gifts that may be more personal or unusual than those available from large retailers.
Whether you're buying handmade jewellery, artwork, Christmas decorations, locally produced food or small stocking fillers, many of these markets offer a chance to support North East businesses.
Have Your Say
Which North East Christmas Market are you most looking forward to visiting in 2026?
Will you be heading into Newcastle city centre for the Christmas Village and festive stalls, or do you prefer smaller markets such as Blackfriars, Spanish City and North Shields?
Are you planning a family outing to Durham, Alnwick Castle or Ford & Etal?
And are there any smaller local Christmas fairs or markets around Great Park, Gosforth, Wideopen or Kingston Park that other residents should know about?
Great Park Gazette would love to hear your recommendations.
If you're organising a local Christmas event, you can also get in touch so residents can find out what's happening in their community.
Sources and Further Information
Newcastle Christmas Market: https://www.newcastleschristmas.com/
Riverside Sunderland Christmas Market: https://www.mysunderland.co.uk/article/41643/Riverside-Sunderland-Christmas-Market
Gateshead Stadium Christmas Market: https://www.skiddle.com/whats-on/Gateshead/Gateshead-International-Stadium/Gateshead-Stadium-Christmas-Market/42648478/
Spanish City Christmas Market: https://spanishcity.co.uk/christmas-fair/
Greek Christmas Market: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/greek-christmas-market-tickets-2002654738232
South Causey Inn: https://southcausey.co.uk/christmas/
Alnwick Castle: https://www.alnwickcastle.com/whats-on/alnwick-castle-christmas-fair-2026-market-day
Baltic Winter Makers Market: https://baltic.art/whats-on/vgF-winter-makers-market-by-endless-love-creative/
Ford & Etal: https://www.ford-and-etal.co.uk/events/ford-etal-christmas-market-2026/
Durham Christmas Festival: https://durhamchristmasfestival.com/
Blackfriars: https://blackfriarsrestaurant.co.uk/event/blackfriars-christmas-market/
North Shields: https://www.visitnorthtyneside.com/events/event/north-shields-christmas-market/
The Glasshouse: https://theglasshouseicm.org/whats-on/the-glasshouse-christmas-market/
Editorial note: Dates, opening times and admission details were checked against published organiser and official visitor information on 8 November 2026. Events, availability, prices and programmes may change. Visitors are advised to confirm arrangements directly with organisers before travelling.
