The Christmas market in Newcastle city centre is up and running until the 23rd of December, open from 10 am to 8 pm Monday to Saturday, and from 10 am to 5 pm on Sundays. This year, the market is bigger than ever before! It is located from the top of Grey Street and Grainger Street and into Old Eldon Square which has a 10-metre illuminated Christmas tree.
The vibrant market is positively packed with 50 local, independent traders and they offer unique Christmas gifts and lots of delicious food. This year, there is the giant Grill Tower as a landmark standing in place at the top of Grainger Street, where German sausages will be on sale under the tower which is topped with a display of Nativity figures. Geordie Bangers’ sausage comes with recipes from 3 generations, and they grill every sausage with coals which creates an amazing smell and adds extra flavour to it.
The second attractive stall is the Moosenwirt which resides in a giant yurt featuring a huge log wood bar and warming fire pits with live music. They also offer igloos for friends or family gatherings. This is the most suitable place to enjoy festival vibes with Mulled Wine. It's kid-friendly and dog-friendly and it is free entry. In the same street, there is a La Petite Creperie with long queues all the time. This vendor offers authentic French crepes, sweet or savoury, with various toppings.
My friend and I tried Redhead’s Mac & Cheese which is also popular in the market. We ordered the sticky rib flavour, and it was the best Mac and cheese we had before. Although it was covered with thick cheese, it was not greasy and the soy sauce and rib gave a unique taste.
The Grainger Market is also part of the Christmas market, and shoppers will be enticed into the festive market by decorated entrances, alongside the multitude of stalls and products on offer.
In the lead up to Christmas, a programme of street entertainment will also run at the weekends, and a new performance area around Grey’s Monument will host live music, choirs, and other entertainment, adding to the festive atmosphere.