Christmas markets · North East England
Christmas Markets in North East England 2026
3 Christmas markets in North East England, in 3 towns and cities: 2 of them have 2026 dates announced; for the rest we show last season's dates, marked as such. Best known: the markets of Newcastle, Durham and Alnwick.
3 markets · checked October 2026
3
Christmas markets in North East England
3
towns where we list markets
3
towns with a full guide
2 / 3
markets with 2026 dates announced
In the North East, Newcastle has its city-centre Christmas market and Durham holds its Christmas Festival in the cathedral city. Alnwick Castle runs a one-day Christmas fair.
The best-known and prettiest Christmas markets in North East England
Picked by search interest, visitor reviews and our own verdict, the strongest market in each town. 2026 dates only where the organiser has confirmed them; otherwise last season's dates, marked as such.
Newcastle
Newcastle's Christmas Market
Christmas market
2026: 19 Nov – 23 Dec 2026
Great for kids who want to meet Santa — come for the buzz, not for gifts.
🧒 With kids🎉 With friendsDurham
Durham Christmas Festival
Weekend Christmas market
2026: 4–6 Dec 2026
Three of the best market days in the North East, in a World Heritage setting.
🎉 With friends✨ Date nightAlnwick
Alnwick Castle Christmas Fair
Weekend Christmas market
Last season: 21 Nov 2025, 9am–3.30pm
A one-day gift fair at the castle — wait for the 2026 date.
🎉 With friends
🧒 With kids
- Newcastle's Christmas Market · Newcastle
✨ Date night
- Durham Christmas Festival · Durham
🎉 With friends
- Newcastle's Christmas Market · Newcastle
- Durham Christmas Festival · Durham
- Alnwick Castle Christmas Fair · Alnwick
Christmas markets in North East England by town
All 3 Christmas markets in North East England: dates at a glance
Sorted by town, checked in October 2026. Each market links to its guide with opening times, how to get there and our verdict.
- AlnwickAlnwick Castle Christmas FairLast season: 21 Nov 2025, 9am–3.30pmSee website.
- DurhamDurham Christmas Festival2026: 4–6 Dec 2026Free outdoor markets; marquee entry ticketed (discount when pre-booked).
- NewcastleNewcastle's Christmas Market2026: 19 Nov – 23 Dec 2026Free entry; Santa experience ticketed.
Tips for your trip in North East England
- Newcastle and Durham are on the East Coast main line and about 15 minutes apart by train, so they combine into one day.
- Alnwick's fair is a single-day event: check the date on its guide, as the 2026 date is not yet published.
- Dress warmly: the markets are open air and December in the North East is cold.
How we check the dates
Dates, prices and travel details come from the organisers and councils; ratings are from Google, as a guide only. Where the 2026 date is missing we show last season's, marked as such. Last checked in October 2026: opening times can change, so check the organiser's website before you travel.
Questions about Christmas markets in North East England
- When do the Christmas markets in North East England open in 2026?
- Only 2 of the 3 markets in North East England have announced 2026 dates. Until they do, each guide shows last year's dates, marked as last season's. Most Christmas markets open in mid to late November, and we add new dates as soon as an organiser confirms them. Announced so far: Newcastle's Christmas Market: 19 Nov – 23 Dec 2026; Durham Christmas Festival: 4–6 Dec 2026.
- What is the best Christmas market in North East England?
- It depends what you like. Going by search interest, visitor reviews and our own verdict, the standouts in North East England are: Newcastle's Christmas Market – Stalls on Grey Street and around Grey's Monument; Durham Christmas Festival – Heated craft marquee of 180+ stalls on Palace Green; Alnwick Castle Christmas Fair – Gift suppliers at Alnwick Castle. For a quieter visit pick a smaller town; the «with kids, for two, with friends» tags on each market say who it suits.
- How many Christmas markets are there in North East England?
- Our list currently has 3 Christmas markets and festive events in 3 towns and cities in North East England, 3 of them with a full city guide. We list markets announced by the council, the organiser or the tourist board, not one-day school or church stalls, so the real number is higher.
- Do you have to pay to enter the Christmas markets in North East England?
- Mostly no: the markets in North East England are free to walk around, and each guide says whether rides, ice rinks, grottos, parking or park and ride cost extra.
- How do I get to the Christmas markets in North East England?
- Newcastle and Durham have mainline stations near their markets. Alnwick is reached by train to Alnmouth and then a bus or taxi, or by car. Check each market's guide for details.