The holiday season in Newcastle Gateshead is a community and international event with outdoor entertainment, lights,Christmas markets, caroling, contests and family fun.

Newcastle Christmas Lights Switch On

Thursday November 22nd at 6:30 pm marks the lighting of the Christmas lights on Grey Street. The special guest is Newcastle United’s Shay Given who will be pulling the switch.The festivities begin at 5:00pm with local radio personalities hosting an entertainment venue with a sing-along.There will also be a preview of the Glowmobiles that will be on parade New Years Eve.

During this ceremony, the four winners of the Christmas Lights School Competition will be announced and presented their prizes.

Newcastle City Christmas Tree Lighting

On Thursday November 29th at 5:00pm, the Lord Mayor will host the lighting of the Christmas tree at the Civic Centre. The tree is a gift from the people of Bergen Norway and it’s a 20-foot high Norwegian spruce. This year the tree will be a stunning sight with all white lights.

There will be a carol service at the grand entrance at the Civic Centre and seasonal music from Norway

Newcastle Outdoor Ice Skating

The Open Air Ice Rink will open Saturday November 10th and will remain open until Sunday February 24th 2008. The rink is located at Center for Life, Times Square Newcastle.

Newcastle Gateshead Glow 07

From Tuesday December 4th to Monday December 17th, from 5:00 – 9:00pm, the cityscape will come alive with illumination at various locations around Newcastle and Gateshead. These unusual displays are in the form of projecting light against buildings. Some of the displays include animated buildings, shadow plays, starry skies and lunar exploration.

Newcastle Gateshead Enchanted Parks

In Newcastle's Leazes Park and Saltwell Park in Gateshead, there will be a unique display of light, sound and performers such as candlelit choirs and ice skaters to create a haunting atmosphere with touch of enchantment. Performances will be conducted five times per evening. Although the event is free, tickets must be ordered in advance.

Newcastle: Friday December 7th to Sunday December 9th

Saltwell Park Gateshead; Friday December 14th to Sunday December 16th

Performances are at 7:00pm, 7:15pm, 7:30pm, 7:45pm, and 8:00pm

Continental Market Newcastle

This popular market features goods from European countries such as France, Germany, Holland,Belgium and Spain. Items for sale include plant bulbs, hand made gifts, Belgian chocolate, and German sausages. Open Monday November 26th to Saturday December 8th in the Grey’s Monument, Granger Street and Grey Street area.

Winter Christmas Market Newcastle

This market features 40 stalls selling hand crafted goods, jewellery, clothing, glassware, jams and Christmas cake. Open Wednesday December 12th to Sunday December 16th in the Grey’s Monument, Granger Street and Grey Street area.

Farmers Market and Grainger Market Newcastle

The monthly Farmers Market will be held on Friday December 14th. Grainger Market will host a Fairtrade Festival on Saturday December 1st featuring the sale of fairtrade goods plus music and dancing.

Grainger Market’s Arts & Craft Market will be held on Saturday December 8th, 15th, and 22nd. There will be a wide offering artwork and crafts presented by local artisans.

Newcastle Gateshead New Years Eve Glowmobiles

The public will be able to see illuminated and decorated Art Cars known as Glowmobiles at several locations in both cities. Some of the vehicles will offer some surprises like making music, emitting flames and exploding with fireworks.

The Glowmobiles will be located at Saltwell Park, Times Square, Baltic Square and Monument with a parade of all vehicles starting at Grey’s Monument at 5:30pm and ending at Newcastle Civic Center at 6:30pm

The grand finale and a fireworks display brings the Winter Festival to a remarkable close.

Sources:

• Newcastle City Council
• Newcastle Gateshead Initiative
• Newcastle Government

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• Haunted Newcastle Upon Tyne
• Things to do in Newcastle
• Visit Newcastle Upon Tyne

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