Take a look around Newcastle's Christmas Market 2021
This year's festive market is putting an emphasis on supporting North East businesses
Newcastle's traditional Christmas market is back at Grey's Monument, in the heart of the city centre, for 2021.
Launching at the start of the month, it runs all the way through to Christmas Eve and is perfect for any last minute shopping where you can pick up unique gifts, or for anyone wanting to get into the Christmas spirit ahead of the big day.
Up to 30 wooden chalet market stalls feature at this year's market, which is back after a hiatus in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. As ever, it has a regional focus, showcasing a wide range of businesses from across the North East, from a wide range of food stalls including Churros and cuisines such as Caribbean, Chinese and Greek, as well as breweries, cosmetics and of course somewhere to grab a mulled wine!
Although the market is a little smaller than usual, it still has a variety of stalls with local businesses at the forefront.
Molly Carr, from the GrateMate stall that sells garlic grating plates, said: ''The atmosphere has been really nice. It felt busier [in 2019] because there were more stalls but this year it has felt a little quieter, but it's much busier on weekends.''
Kim White, founder of Daint Jewellery who are a part of the Eco Morpeth stall, praised the council's organisation of this year's Christmas stall and said that it's nice that a local approach has been taken, adding: ''It's really nice that it's more of a small local business approach, it feels nice that we're a part of a local community this year.''
She also spoke about how business has been at this year's market: ''My most popular item has been The Northumberland Sea Glass items.''
''It's all sea glass that I find on Northumberland beaches and I make them into one of a kind keepsake jewellery like earrings, necklaces and rings'' White adds.
The theme of this year's market is 'Winter Wonderland', and it definitely captures that festive spirit, with lights and decorations and the captivating Bratwurst 'grilling tower' with lights and nativity figures.
Adam Sanderson from the Firebrick Brewery stall, which sells a variety of locally brewed beers, spoke about the absence of last year's market, adding: ''It's nice to see people out and about shopping again, there's been a nice atmosphere and I think everyone is enjoying it.''
Talking about their most popular item, Sanderson added: ''Our best selling product so far has been our year in beer packs for each season, where you get a blonde, ruby, best bitter and spiced dark ale. That's our two biggest seller at this time of year usually.''
One thing all the people we spoke to had in common was their favourite stalls to visit, and those were the food and drink!
''I've eaten a lot of food'' Kim from the Eco Morpeth stall joked. ''The churros are really good, as well as the mulled wine.'' Adam from Firebrick Brewery added: ''There's a nice selection of food stores, a great range to try from.''
Popular on the menu are £5 mulled wines and spiced ciders and £4 liqueur hot chocolates. If you're after a bite to eat, a gyro will set you back £8, with bratwurst and churros costing £6.
Fenwick's Window
If you’re looking for another festive activity once you’ve browsed the markets, don’t forget to stop by at this year’s Fenwick’s window!
Situated on Northumberland Street and iconic to the North East and even further afield, the annual Fenwick’s window is unveiled in the heart of Newcastle City Centre every year and is watched by many, marking the beginning of Christmas. This year marks the 50th year of the display.
It isn’t the same every year, either. This year the Fenwick’s window has adopted a theme centred around Shaun the Sheep, where those that visit can see Shaun as well as his friends across the full display. And that’s not all! There’s even a mystery to help Shaun find Timmy who has gone missing.
Obviously, Fenwick’s is more than just the window. Pop inside to see their take on the Christmas Market, an extensive Food Hall or even just get a spot of Christmas shopping in ahead of the big day.
Where the Fenwick's window begins...
Where the Fenwick's window begins...
The first part of the Flight Before Christmas window - no more spoilers!
The first part of the Flight Before Christmas window - no more spoilers!
