The year in Newcastle
The big moments of the year in Newcastle: Christmas lights switch-on, Newcastle Christmas Market, New Year's Eve on the Quayside and more, with their dates.
Christmas lights switch-on
The switch-on of the city centre's Christmas lights, which opens the festive season ahead of the market.
Newcastle Christmas Market
Over 70 traders on Grey Street, Grainger Street, around the Monument and on Nelson Street, with the Christmas Village in Old Eldon Square, which has a Ferris wheel and a vintage carousel.
New Year's Eve on the Quayside
Howaymanay, the Quayside's New Year's Eve: a ticket-only party village from 8:30pm with live music on two stages, roaming performers, food and bars, and a firework display over the Tyne at midnight. A separate free family firework display is on the Quayside at 6pm.
Lunar New Year in Chinatown
A parade from Grey's Monument along Blackett Street and Gallowgate, through the Chinese Arch and down Stowell Street, followed by celebrations in Chinatown and on Bath Lane until the afternoon.
The Late Shows
An after-hours night when more than 50 museums, galleries and heritage venues in Newcastle and Gateshead open their doors free in the evening, and you plan your own route between them.
The Hoppings
The fair that bills itself as Europe's largest travelling funfair, on the Town Moor, with over 400 rides and attractions and the children's Artwork Alley.
Newcastle Pride
A citywide Pride with a march through the centre and a Pride Arena. In 2026 it was on 25 and 26 July.
Ouseburn Festival
A free community festival in the Ouseburn Valley, the creative quarter east of the centre.
Newcastle Mela
The North East's celebration of South Asian culture: Mela in the City at Grey's Monument and the main Mela over the August bank holiday weekend at Exhibition Park.
Great North Run
The half marathon from Newcastle across the Tyne Bridge to the seafront at South Shields. The weekend also has the junior and mini runs and a 5K.
