Christmas holidays in Northumberland

If you’re spending the Christmas holidays in Northumberland you are in for a treat!  Here’s our guide to the most magical festive days out near Burradon Farm on the lead up to Christmas 2026.

Ice Skating in Newcastle:  From 7 November 2026

An outdoor ice rink returns to Times Square – a fantastic festive activity for families, couples and groups.

Brocksbushes Christmas Fayre:   12 – 15 November 2026

One of the North East’s biggest festive shopping events!  Brocksbushes is packed with local makers, festive food stalls and Christmas gift inspiration.

Newcastle Christmas Lights Switch-On:   12 November 2026

The official start of Christmas in Newcastle upon Tyne.  With festive entertainment and the city centre transformed by thousands of Christmas lights.

Hexham Abbey Christmas Fair:   12 December 2026

Held within the magnificent abbey, this traditional Christmas fair combines festive shopping with a stunning historic setting.

Hexham Farmers’ Christmas Market:  12 December 2026

A fantastic opportunity to pick up local produce, artisan food and handmade gifts.

Bamburgh Castle Christmas Events:  14 November 2026 – 3 January 2027

A magical festive experience combining one of Northumberland’s most iconic castles with seasonal entertainment.

Newcastle Christmas Market 2026:   19 November – 23 December 2026

Less than 30 minutes from Burradon Farm, Newcastle Christmas Market is one of the largest festive events in the North East. The market boasts more than 70 traders so there’s something for everyone!

Highlights:  Traditional Christmas market stalls, local artisan gifts, festive street food, mulled wine and hot chocolate.  Family entertainment, the popular Moosenwirt Alpine Bar, Ferris wheel and Christmas Village at Old Eldon Square

Northern Lights Newcastle:  20 November – 31 December 2026

Step into Leazes Park in Newcastle as it is transformed into a magical Christmas wonderland.

Winter Lights at The Alnwick Garden:   20 November 2026 – 3 January 2027

One of the region’s most spectacular festive light trails, transforming the gardens into a magical winter wonderland.

Perfect for:  families, couples, Christmas photography and festive weekend breaks.

The Alnwick Garden Christmas Fair:   21-22 November 2026

Two days of festive shopping in beautiful surroundings, with local crafts, food and gifts available throughout the fair.

Belsay Hall Christmas Fair:   21-22 November 2026

Browse specialist crafts and gifts in the grounds of one of Northumberland’s most beautiful historic estates.  Don’t miss their Father Christmas Weekends from 5-20 December 2026.

Whitley Bay Late Night Shopping:  26 and 27 November 2026

Soak up the fantastic community atmosphere right in the heart of Whitley Bay. Shopping local, supporting local!

Christmas at Cragside:   28 November 2026 – 3 January 2027

Explore beautifully decorated gardens and festive displays at one of Northumberland’s most famous National Trust properties.

Ford & Etal Christmas Market:   28-29 November 2026

This magical Christmas market festive event spreads across Ford Village, Ford Castle, Etal and Heatherslaw, creating a unique Christmas experience. Browse artisan gifts, local food producers and seasonal crafts while exploring some of Northumberland’s most picturesque villages.

Aln Valley Railway Christmas Fair:   29 November 2026

A charming event combining Christmas shopping with heritage railway nostalgia, making it particularly popular with families.

Christmas Shopping at Grainger Market

Throughout November and December, Newcastle’s historic indoor market offers extended festive trading with independent local retailers, artisan food producers and seasonal gifts.

Our guests love a festive day out near the North East coast too – all just 20 minutes drive from Burradon Farm! 

Whitley Bay is a great place to enjoy some fab independent shopping and artisan delights!

Or head down to the famous Tynemouth Market, held within the Victorian Metro Station.  Running every weekend throughout the year it is particularly festive in the weeks leading up to Christmas.  Why Guests Love It:  Independent Christmas shopping, handmade gifts from local makers, festive atmosphere, easy Metro access from Newcastle, fantastic cafés nearby

If you are all shopped out why not try a festive coastal walk instead?!  One of the hidden advantages of staying at Burradon Farm is that guests can combine Christmas shopping with some of the North East’s most beautiful winter coastlines.

Popular festive walks include:

  • Tynemouth Priory / King Edward’s Bay
  • Longsands Beach
  • Cullercoats Bay
  • St Mary’s Lighthouse
  • Whitley Bay Promenade
  • Blyth/Seaton Sluice Beach

Afterwards, visitors can warm up in seasonal favourites such as:

  • Riley’s Fish Shack on King Edwards Beach
  • The Boatyard or Sea You There in Cullercoats
  • Dil & The Bear in Whitley Bay
  • The View or Crusoes on Longsands Beach
  • Links Art Café on Whitley Bay Promenade
  • Valeries at the Spanish City
  • Castaways at Seaton Sluice harbour
  • Breeze Lounge at Blyth Beach

Christmas holidays in Northumberland with a stay at Burradon Farm means you can enjoy the best of both worlds.  Discover magical Christmas markets in Northumberland, festive light trails and castle events before heading into Newcastle for one of the North East’s biggest Christmas markets.  Finish the day with a winter walk along the beautiful Tynemouth and Whitley Bay coastline before returning to your cosy countryside cottage!