We are now in December and with Christmas fast approaching it is the perfect time to start going on all those Christmas outings. Newcastle may be a small city but that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty to do around this time of year to kick start those Christmas feelings.
The most obvious place to go is the Christmas markets and although there are only a few stalls they will definitely get you into the Christmas spirit. They are located at Monument and offer a range of items, food and drink from all across Europe. Of course, shopping is not necessary but it is hard to resist the unique crafts on offer, and even harder to resist the food and drink. From the eleventh of December, more markets will be added to Grainger Street and these markets are run by people from much closer to home, run by the city council they feature homemade goods and even beers from local breweries. Be careful not to miss them though as these are only running from the eleventh to the seventeenth of December.
Another traditional favourite around this time of year is ice skating and the Centre for Life set up each year a temporary outdoor ice rink in Times Square. This runs from November- February and only costs £9 with skate hire included so it’s a very inexpensive way to get into that Christmassy spirit.
The Tyneside Cinema are showcasing It’s a Wonderful Life throughout December (up until the 27th) just for this Christmas period. If you haven’t seen this already now is your perfect opportunity. It’s a 1940’s Christmas fantasy film. Tyneside Cinema offer a range of different tickets specifically for the festive period. You can buy your ticket so it includes mulled wine and a mince pie and you can also watch the sing– a – long version. For £17.50 you can also enjoy a ‘festive afternoon tea’ at the Tyneside Bar Café before watching, this includes festive treats such as a Christmas stuffing sausage roll.
Christmas for many wouldn’t be complete without a pantomime, usually, we let our families take us but when you’re not at home we have to take ourselves. Peter Pan is showing at The City Royal & City Hall and tickets start from just £13 per person. In Times Square Jack and The Beanstalk is being performed throughout December (until the 27th) and tickets start from £18. Pantomimes are always associated with the festive period and around the city centre, you can grab some really inexpensive tickets.
At the Live Theatre, they are showcasing a ‘Mixtape: Christmas’ special throughout December. Sketches from popular songs and festive tunes are shown and the audience has to guess the song. A take on the classic quiz we all enjoy, for only £10 a ticket it is definitely a great thing to do to get you into the Christmas Spirit. Christmas fancy dress is also advised!