December 2024: 10 Unmissable Events in Newcastle
We round-up this December’s unmissable events in Newcastle.
The Christmas markets are up, the Christmas Village is open, and at least three people you know are already sick of hearing Mariah Carey over the shop speakers.
Yes, Christmas has well and truly arrived in Newcastle! So as ever, here’s our round-up of the best bits happening this month, from festive feasting to Christmas comedy.
Paul Heaton @ Utilita Arena
If you need an escape from the festivities, why not catch Paul Heaton at the Utilita Arena this December? The singer-songwriter will be performing hits from the Housemartins and The Beautiful South, as well as fan favourites from his incredible career. The Zutons will also be supporting, and all tickets are £35 (plus booking fees) so there’s no need to worry about breaking the Christmas budget to catch him live.
Monday 9th December 2024, From £35
Northern Lights @ Leazes Park
Northern Lights was a huge hit over at Leazes Park last year, so of course they’re back for 2024! This year they’re bigger and better than ever, with new instillations like The Lily and Mycelium Network to enchant and captivate guests. Oh, and that’s not forgetting that there’ll be a Christmas village and vintage fairground rides to explore too. Better than your usual winter walk? It might just be…
Friday 22nd November – Tuesday 31st December 2024, From £21.50 (adults/16 and over) / From £14.95 (children 3-16 years) / Free (childen 2 and under) / From £59.50 (family ticket)
Jools Holland and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra @ O2 City Hall
The man behind the legendary Annual New Year’s Eve Hootenanny, Jools Holland. brings his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra to O2 City Hall. The musical maestro will be accompanied by special guests Marc Almond and Toby Lee, making this perfect pre-Hootenanny party!
Thursday 5th December 2024, Prices vary
Christmas Specials @ The Stand
For guaranteed festive fun, The Stand has three Christmas Specials on throughout the month. Talented comics from across the UK and beyond will be arriving at this Newcastle icon with plenty of Christmas crackers to entertain all night long.
Thursday 12th, Friday 13th, Saturday 14th December 2024, Prices vary
Christmas at the Cathedral @ Newcastle Cathedral
The hugely popular Christmas at the Cathedral returns this year, its seventh year raising money for The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation. As usual, not only will your ticket be going towards a fantastic cause, but offers the chance to catch a surprise celebrity line-up perform. There’s James Bond levels of secrecy behind who’ll be there on the night, but previous celebs include Tim Healy, Melanie Hill, Denise Welch and Maximo Park’s Paul Smith. Expect comedy highs, sing-a-longs, readings, carols and much more!
Thursday 12th December, From £34.50
It’s a Wonderful Life @ Tyneside Cinema
Arguably the ultimate Christmas film, Tyneside Cinema has It’s a Wonderful Life pretty much on repeat throughout December, so there’s no excuse to miss it! Whether it’s your absolute favourite, or you’ve never watched it before (if so, where have you been?!), it’ll give you all those festive feels in no time.
Multiple dates throughout December 2024, Prices vary
The Whole Hogmanay: A New Year’s Eve Celebration @ Wylam Brewery
Okay, New Year’s Eve might feel like a world away right now, but it’s closer than you think! So if you’re wondering how to ring in 2025, why not head to Wylam Brewery for their annual Hogmanay celebration? There’ll be food from the likes of Thali Tray, Parmorama, Dou_h & Co Pizza, Shawarma Town, and of course the legendary Wylam Whole Hog Roast. Add Wylam’s beers, Newcastle Gin and some top-notch DJs into the mix, and the night’s a guaranteed good’un.
Tuesday 31st December 2024, £22
Festive Lunch with Brass Band @ The County Newcastle Hotel
Christmas wouldn’t really be Christmas without the delicious food we all associate the season with, and this year The County Newcastle Hotel is going one step further! They’ll be hosting a festive two-course lunch where you can dine on the likes of roast turkey crown, nut roast, caramel and chocolate tart, and lemon cheesecake – all while enjoying the incredibly talented tunes of Westoe Brass Band Ensemble!
Thursday 12th December, From £29.95
Medieval Christmas Evening Tours @ Newcastle Castle
Just because the shortest day of the year falls in December, doesn’t mean that there’s less to do! In fact, Newcastle Castle are hosting a Medieval Christmas Evening Tour in celebration of the winter solstice, offering the opportunity to explore the historic venue after-dark and learn the secrets of its past, before enjoying refreshments in the Great Hall, and the breathtaking views over Newcastle from the roof of the Keep.
Saturday 21st December, From £16
Candlelight Concerts: Christmas Movie Soundtracks @ The Assembly Rooms
The Assembly rooms is transformed into a winter wonderland with Candlelight Concerts – Christmas Movie Soundtracks this December. You’ll enjoy tunes from all your favourite festive films (we’re talking the likes of Love, Actually and The Polar Express) performed by the Aurora String Quartet under the peaceful candlelight glow. Almost like a scene from a movie!
Saturday 21st December, From £25
So there you have it. The last unmissable events article for 2024! Make the most of December in the Toon, and we’ll see you in 2025 with even more Newcastle goodness to enjoy. Now where did I put the wrapping paper…
Get the whole family involved this Christmas with our round-up of Festive Fun for Families in Newcastle. Or maybe you still need to plan the office Christmas party? Sorry if we reminded you. But don’t sweat it, here’s 8 Nights Out for Unique Festive Fun.
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Featured image: Sarah May
