Looking for Christmas markets in the North East? Whether you’re planning a day out for the whole family or just for you and your partner, there’s lots of festivities happening up and down the region.
Christmas markets in the North East are known and loved for promoting independent brands and suppliers, selling everything from handcrafted gifts and home décor to festive treats and artisan jewellery. You can also indulge in some delicious food and drinks, taking advantage of the many food vendors.
It’s a great way to kickstart the festivities and embrace the season! So wrap up, get ready for some festive cheer, and find a Christmas market near you.
From indoor markets at Beamish to the Richmond Christmas Fair, there’s something for all ages – including the occasional visit from Santa!
Below is a list of Christmas markets across the North East including when they’re on.
Your List of Christmas Markets North East
There’s a whole host of Christmas markets happening across the North East, so pick a date and location that best suits you and get yourself along for the festivities.
Alnwick Christmas Market
When: 21st November
Where: Alnwick Castle
Alnwick Castle and its gardens are beautiful all-year round so it’s difficult not to feel festive when you step through those gates. The location really comes to life at Christmas, and the castle, which is usually closed during winter, opens its doors especially for the market.
Inside the Guest Hall, you’ll find lots of different items from drinks and spirits, to fragrances and homeware, so if you’re struggling with Christmas gifts, this is the one for you! Take the whole family along and enjoy a great festive day out.
Wynyard Hall Christmas Fair
When: 21-23rd November
Where: Wynyard Hall
As we head into the festivities, Wynyard Hall is transformed into a real winter wonderland. With food suppliers, craft makers, and designers, you’re not going to be leaving empty handed. There’s so many unique gifts to choose from, whether you’re treating yourself or a loved one.
The website does highlight that part of this event is outdoors so make sure you wrap up warm.
Prices for admission vary, and we’ve listed them below:
- Adult – £7.00
- Concession – £6.00
- Children (4-13 years) – £6.00
- Under 4’s – Free
Belsay Christmas Market
When: 22-23rd November
Where: Morpeth
There’s so much to love about Belsay Christmas market, particularly the stunning location! With walking trials such as the circular Crag Wood Walk and the gardens, it really feels magical.
It’s also accessible for all ages and wheelchair users so after visiting the stalls, everyone can take in some winter air. Inside the market, you’ll find items of every sort from home decor to jewellery. If you’re an English Heritage Member (you can also sign up here if not), entry is free. If you’ve got children, Santa Claus will also be visiting every Saturday from the 29th November to the 23rd December so make sure to take the little ones along.
Hexham Christmas Market
When: 21-23rd November
Where: Hexham
Hexham Christmas market is always a popular date in people’s diaries. With stalls offering up delights from local bakers and with a variety of drinks available, you can enjoy a mulled wine or two while doing some Christmas shopping.
Lined all the way up to Beaumont street and into the Abbey, this event is a must-visit that feels truly festive. Take the family along to soak up the atmosphere as it’s transformed into a magical village with sparkling lights and decor.
Admission to the market is free.
Christmas Market Whitley Bay
When: 21-23rd November
Where: Spanish City
For one weekend only, Spanish City in Whitley Bay becomes a festive hub of activity with a variety of stalls and hand-crafted gifts. There’s also lots of festive treats and sweets to enjoy – which also makes browsing the stalls more enjoyable!
Spanish City also has a festive themed afternoon tea available, so you could continue to indulge after looking for your gifts. It’s a beautiful venue, and one that’s sure to get you in the Christmas spirit.
Ticket prices vary depending on when they’re purchased:
- £3.00 Early Bird (Book online before 1st November)
- £10.00 Early Bird Group Ticket (x4 People) (Book online before 1st November)
- £4.00 In Advance (Book online or over the phone after 1st November)
- £6.00 On The Door
Ford & Etal Christmas Market
When: 29-30th November
Where: Ford & Etal Estate, Northumberland
Ford & Etal Christmas Market has to be a date in your fairy this upcoming festive season. Taking place the last weekend of November, you’ll find plenty of food, entertainment, and for the whole family (dogs included!).
Ford Castle, which is usually closed to the public, will also feature stalls, so there’s lots of room for everyone to browse without the hustle and bustle of the high street. With over 70 stalls, you’ll be spoilt for choice! Enjoy some delicious food and drink, as well as local crafts, gifts, and much more.
Aside from the market, you can also buy tickets to ride on Heatherslaw Light Railway between Heatherslaw and Etal, or enjoy a journey on vintage double-decker buses running between Etal, Heatherslaw and Ford.
Durham Christmas Festival
When: 5-7th December
Where: Durham City Centre
Durham Christmas Festival is back! Taking place the first weekend in December, this market will feature lots of independent business and unique gifts that make the perfect stocking filler.
Whether you’re doing some Christmas shopping or just soaking up the festive atmosphere, it’s a great way to get into the season. Durham is also a beautiful city with lots of shops, restaurants, and pubs to take advantage of so you can really make a day of it.
Adding to the festive vibes will be Christmas carolling on the street making this a real winter wonderland. On Sunday 7th December, the Children’s Lantern Parade will also return which features hundreds of children walking through the city to the Cathedral for the St Nicholas Service.
North Shields Christmas Market
When: 6-7th December
Where: North Shields
Thousands of people will be visiting North Shields to explore this year’s Christmas market in the square. Featuring a mix of festival food stalls and drinks, it’s a real cosy atmosphere as you can browse what’s on offer with a mulled wine! This market is located outside so make sure to wrap up when you visit.
There’s also live entertainment, keeping the whole family cheerful from start to finish.
Thousands of people visit North Shields Christmas Market each year to enjoy a great mix of festive stalls, food, drink and entertainment!
Opening times are below:
- 10am – 5pm on Saturday
- 10am – 4pm on Sunday
Admission to the market is free.
Christmas Markets South Causey Inn
When: 2nd, 9th, 16th December
Where: South Causey Inn, Stanley
Step into Christmas with South Causey’s indoor Christmas market taking place across various weekends in December. Browse hundreds of unique, hand-crafted gifts and find something for everyone on your Christmas list (or maybe just treat yourself).
Located in the Durham Suite of the South Causey Inn, you can feel the magic of the season with festive decor and lights.
You’ll of course find delicious bakes and festive treats along the way, giving you some much needed fuel whilst you’re browsing. There’s also a festive tipple or two to be enjoyed as you can warm up with a mulled wine and a mince pie.
Admission to this market is free.
Derwent Manor Christmas Market
When: 6-7 December
Where: Derwent Manor Hotel
Get into the festive spirit at the Derwent Manor Hotel Christmas Market, taking place from 10 am to 3 pm on the 6th and 7th of December. Entry is free, making it the perfect place to take the whole family. You can sift through a variety of unique stalls, offering gifts, treats, and festive goodies.
But there’s more! The hotel is full of festive cheer throughout December, with Santa Claus Sunday Lunch, complete with a visit from the big man himself, and festive afternoon tea, perfect for catching up with friends and family.
Berwick Christmas Market
When: 7th December
Where: Berwick High Street
Take a trip to Berwick’s High Street for the festive Christmas Market, where you’ll find lots of stalls brimming with gifts, festive treats, and delicious food. This market is set in the heart of Berwick, a beautiful coastal town that’s perfect to explore while you’re there.
Once you’ve wandered the market, you can also pop into some of the charming shops and cosy coffee spots around the town. And for the little ones, there are usually rides and attractions to keep the kids entertained while you soak up the festive atmosphere.
Admission to the market is free.
Christmas Markets North East: Dates You Can’t Miss
And that’s your list of Christmas markets in the North East. From homeware, to jewellery, to food and drinks, there’s lots of goodies for the whole family to enjoy.
Some are free which is ideal if you’re on a budget whereas others charge a small admission fee so it’s always best to check. The North East is a beautiful part of the country and aside from the christmas markets, there’s lots to explore.
At Meridian Parks, we have lodges across the North East from the North York Moors to Northumberland. Whether you prefer the country or coast, we have sites across some stunning locations with plenty of on-site amenities for a real home-from-home experience. Why not visit one of the markets listed in this blog then return to a cosy lodge where you can put your feet up?
Book a park visit here to explore any of our locations and a member of the Meridian Family will be happy to show you around.
