What To Do After Visiting Fenwick's Window in Newcastle

This is a question that pops up a lot in our Facebook groups so I thought I would share a few ideas for festive things to do in Newcastle which are ideal to extend your annual visit to see Fenwick's Window.

Before we jump in, just a quick note to say that the window reveal will once again be a virtual and take place on Sunday 7 November at 7:30pm. Here is the official FB event where you can watch online.  From Monday 8 November, you are free to visit Fenwick's Window at your leisure. It is free to visit, simply join the queue on Northumberland Street and enjoy. 

I will update this post as more events and activities are announced - I am sure there are more to come so please do check back. 

Some of these ideas are suitable for adults only so please do check for age restrictions when making plans. 

If you are looking for other ideas for festive days out across the North East, you can find my Guide to North East Christmas Events here. 


Visit Rudolph's Restaurant 

Rudolph's Restaurant is located in the heart of the Christmas department in Fenwick's itself. This festive themed restaurant serves festive afternoon tea, cakes, drinks, meals and snacks. Booking is recommended but walk ins may be accommodated depending on availability. Find out more, browse the menus and book here. 

Watch The Polar Express at St James' Park 

On 21 December, St James' Park will host a special screening of The Polar Express with hot chocolates, a visit from Father Christmas and a special delivery of magic bells. Find out more and book here. 

Ice Skating at Life 

Ice Skating at Life is always a lovely activity and you can enjoy hot chocolates from the centre's cafe afterwards too. Booking is recommended but walk ins may be available. Find out more and book here. 

Winter Lights at Life 

Life Science Centre is hosting a special Winter Lights event available from 13 November. Activities include a Lumiere Light Show, Magical Light Play and a Lantern Trail. You can book ahead or walk in for this event. Buy a combo ticket with ice skating to save a bit of cash. Find out more here. 

Pop into Seven Stories 

Walk down / catch the bus down to Ouseburn and pop into Seven Stories. Check out this blog post for what to expect from their free areas which do not need to be pre-booked. Their coffee shop and children's bookshop is the perfect place to stop for a hot chocolate and purchase a special Christmas book. 

Alternatively, you can pre-book one of their special Christmas events including The Night Before Christmas with the story catchers, Breakfast with Mrs Claus, Afternoon Tea with Santa or an Audience with Santa (bookable here under 'catered events' near the bottom). 

Christmas at the Victoria Tunnel 

Sticking with Ouseburn, Christmas at the Victoria Tunnel sounds lovely. Families will discover how local families celebrated Christmas in WWII, take a walk down the tunnel and meet Father Christmas. Find out more and book here. 

Hadrian's Tipi 

Hadrian's Tipi at Stack is just along the street from Fenwick's Window. Children are allowed inside during the day and you can usually just walk in. Expect fire pits, twinkly lights, mulled wine and hot chocolates for sale. 

Visit Newcastle Christmas Markets 

Newcastle Christmas Market will take place around monument from 2 -23 December. This year you can expect around 30 stalls with a focus on local businesses. Sounds good! 

Nil Living 

If you are looking for a more sustainable Christmas this year, pop into Nil Living in the Grainger Market. This zero waste and refill shop stocks essentials as well as gift ideas. You can weigh out the ingredients for your christmas cake too. Find out more here. 

Hot Chocolate Stop

There are lots of places specialising in festive hot chocolates this year and a hot chocolate break after Fenwick's Window seems like a good idea. Proven Doughnuts, Cake Stories, the Dispensary, the Great British Cupcakery & Rudolph's Restaurant are all good places to start. 

Visit Fenwick's Toy Department 

I used to love doing this as a child and taking my own children when they were little too. It's always exciting walking around the toy department in the run up to Christmas. 

Festive Mac n Cheese from Redheads 

There is no word yet but previously, Redheads Mac n Cheese have released a Christmas special and it looks so good! Find them in the Grainger Market. Keep an eye on their socials here. 

Hunt out Newcastle's Independent Shops 

Show extra support to our local small businesses this year and hunt out Newcastle's independent shops for your Christmas shopping. I highly recommend Tian's Gifts in the Grainger Market & Glamorous Owl which is surrounded by beautiful shops in Old George Yard. 

Hotel Chocolat Christmas Cocktails at All Bar One 

Wow these just look incredible and I can't wait to try. All Bar One is a lovely bar in Newcastle and they have a kids menu. We've visited during the day with kids and it's been nice. Definitely one to try if you wish to sneak in a festive cocktail over lunch. Find out more here. 

Boiler Shop Made Up North Winter Market 

Team your visit with 14 November and you can also enjoy the Made Up North Winter Market at the Boiler Shop which shares the work of local potters, jewelers, soap makers and other creatives. Find out more here. 

Pick Out a Cheese Board from Matthew's Cheese

Matthew's Cheese Shop in the Grainger Market have the best selection of Christmas cheeses with hundreds of varieties. You can order cheese boards or pick a few selections up from their counter. I recommend their Mince Pie Wensleydale. Find out more here. 

Watch a Christmas Film at Everyman Cinema 

A trip to Everyman cinema is such a treat with their luxury seating and food and drinks served to your seat. They usually run a programme of Christmas films during the festive season. You can see what's on and book here. 

Alpine Roof 39 at Fenwick 

Credit : Fenwick

Fenwick's rooftop restaurant has been transformed into a rooftop alpine bar this festive season. It looks lovely but is pretty expensive so probably best saved as a treat (£7 for a mulled wine for example). Find out more and view the menu here. 

Donate to a Newcastle Food Bank 

Christmas is all about giving so why not turn your trip to Fenwick's window into just that and donate your time or some food to one of Newcastle's food banks. West End Food Bank are currently accepting donations. 

Christmas Cocktails at Christmas on Pilgrim Street (Market Lane) 

Maybe one just for the grown ups, but there is a Christmas Pop Up Bar on Pilgrim Street serving up delightful festive cocktails. Find out more here. 

Book Festive Afternoon Tea 

There are a few options in Newcastle including Rudolph's Restaurant in Fenwick and the Vermont Hotel  which both offer children's menus alongside grown up options. 

Movies for Juniors at Cineworld, The Gate 

Movies for Juniors are just £2.49 and generally available in school holidays and weekends. In the run up to Christmas, they usually show older Christmas films as part of this deal so it's worth checking their website here to see what's on.  Please note, often films are released with just a week's notice. 

Christmas Cocktails and Mocktails 

Lots of bars in Newcastle will release Christmas cocktails and mocktails and I will update this post with ideas when they do. Stopping at a bar for a festive tipple or two is a good option depending on the age of your kids. The Botanist, W.C and All Bar One usually have a good range. 

Enjoy a Festive Burger from Fat Hippo 

The festive burgers from Fat Hippo never disappoint and this year's offerings look as fantastic as ever. Available from 16 November.  Find out more and book your table here. 

Book Sunday Lunch with Santa 

Sunday Lunch with Santa is available at St James' Park (includes Stadium tour and a visit to Santa's grotto) and the Vermont Hotel in Newcastle this year. Both are easy enough to walk to before / after a visit to Fenwick's Window. 

Christmas Bath Bomb from Lush 

It is a bit of a festive tradition that we pick out Christmas bath bombs from Lush in the run up to Christmas. There is usually quite a bit of choice and they generally keep well. 

Christmas Pizza at Pizza Punks 

We are recent converts to Pizza Punks after visiting over Half Term. You can order unlimited toppings from a vast selection for one standard price of £11. There is a reduced kids option for £7 too. No details yet, but in the past, Christmas toppings have been available in the run up to the festive season. A christmas pizza sounds delicious! Keep an eye on their socials for announcements here. 

Catch a Christmas Show

In Newcastle we have: 

• Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at Theatre Royal
• The Sorcerer's Apprentice at Northern Stage 
• Elf the Musical at Tyne Theatre and Opera House 
• Santa Must Die at Alphabetti Theatre (ages 14+)
• Bonny & Fanny's Christmas Spectacular at Live Theatre (ages 16+)
• A Huge Programme of Christmas Events at the Sage 
• Sleeping Beauty at Tyne Theatre and Opera House 

Visit Newcastle Winter Wonderland at Newcastle Racecourse 

Newcastle Winter Wonderland will feature an open air ice rink, street food and stalls, mulled wine stalls, churros, a Christmas Tree maze and more. Winter Wonderland Newcastle is just a short drive / bus journey from the city centre.  Find out more here.