As the evenings draw in, it means only one thing: Christmas is coming and it is, undoubtedly, the most wonderful time of the year! If you don’t have a trip a Beirkeller in Munich lined up then don’t despair as there are some superb festive options much closer to home.
It is no secret that Geordies know how to party! However, there is more to Newcastle than Geordie Shore lets on and I have taken a look at 5 things you can/should do in Newcastle before we collectively say goodbye to to the 10’s (is that what we are calling this decade?!).
1. Igloo Dining
“It’s cold up north” is the echo from the Londoners around you when you mention a trip up and beyond the M25 boundaries. With trains travelling from London Kings Cross to Newcastle, there is now no excuse to not broaden the horizons of Soho’s northern naysayers!
A quick response of, “well it is cold enough to eat in an igloo” will give you the upper hand in this (fictional) conversation while simultaneously bringing out your inner child who, since watching Pingu, has wanted to dine in an igloo. This is all possible in Newcastle! Make a reservation for your pod by the river in Wesley Square and feast on a menu over a 2 hour booking. Reservations can be made via email: [email protected]
2. Fenwick’s Christmas Window
Make a beeline for bustling shopping hub of Northumberland Street to see the famous Fenwick’s Christmas window. The spectacular decoration of the department stores window has become a feature of Christmas in Newcastle. And for good reason!
Previously having characters such as Paddington Bear and The Snowman are residents of the window, it will be exciting to see who makes the cut for the 2019 display! Whoever features, it should be a feature of your pre-Christmas festivities. Shopping lovers are likely to want to look beyond the window to the goods within and they won’t be disappointed!
3. ET in Concert
Christmas is a time for classic family films. This year, go one step further and watch the ever-popular E.T. in concert at the Sage Gateshead. Relive the magic of the film on a HD screen with the unique support of an award-winning orchestra. You don’t get that in your living room!
This is going to be in high-demand so book while you can and feel the magic of Christmas come over you! Mulled wine anyone?
4. Winter Beach
So you know the shopping centres that create large sandy beaches in the summer for kids to play in? This is the winter equivalent (and I think I prefer it). Very much an activity for kids which is a shame for young-at-heart adults but maybe you can “help them” make the snowman out of the artificial winter playground.
This is all taking place at Alnwick Garden and looks like a (snow) blast! This attraction opens up on the 16th November and runs right through to 5 January 2020. You have plenty of time to build your Pingu igloo!
5. See out the decade in style
I’m not going to pretend that a decade ending New Years Eve is anything like that of a millennium. However, we doesn’t mean we can’t party like it’s 1999!
On the big night, the sky will be lit up at midnight by fireworks from the quays. Take in the festivities earlier in the evening in the city centre before finding a comfortable viewing spot to watch the display and see in 2020. The illuminated bridges and reflective water below create a stunning backdrop. A night to remember (if you haven’t had one too many by then!).
This is a sponsored post by Southern Railway. All reviews and opinions expressed in this post are my own.
