How to get into the festive spirit on a budget this Christmas.

As we all know, Christmas is a very expensive time of year, but there are some festivities which will get you in the Christmas mood without emptying your bank. Pick out your favourites to try this year, and save the list to finish next year!

Winter wonderland at Newcastle racecourse 

This is the biggest winter attraction in the Northeast and provides a range of food, drink and fairground rides. Entry to the event is less than a tenner!

Newcastle Christmas markets 

These will be running from the 18^th of November until Saturday 23^rd of December on Grainger Street open 10am to 8pm (Monday to Saturday) and 10am to 5pm (Sunday). Grey’s Monument will also see a new performance area for live music, choirs, and other entertainment this year. Check it out on your way to the Christmas markets!

Edinburgh Christmas Markets 

Only an hour and a half train from Newcastle, check out the Edinburgh markets which will be running from Friday 17 November to Saturday 6 January. These markets have been crowned the best in Europe and offer traditional Christmas Markets, funfair rides, live outdoor events, delicious food and drink, and more. Train tickets are around £20, and entry is free. 

The Northern Lights Trail.

Nothing quite compares to the magic of a festive light trail at Christmas. This will be running from 23^rd Nov to 1^st Jan and tickets are £19. Or, for a cheaper alternative, check out The Alnwick Garden Winter Light Trail. This will be running from Nov 13^th to Jan 7^th and tickets are £14.85.

Ice skating at Centre of Life 

Under the city's biggest Christmas tree, the rink is the perfect place for a festive date with your friends. This is open from November until February.

Day out to Durham 

The Durham city centre will host its Christmas festival this year, with more than 200 independent traders selling artwork, decorations, handcrafted gifts, homewares, clothing, and festive food and drink.

Grainger Market 

Newcastle's Grainger Market is the perfect place to experience the build up to Christmas as it transforms into Santa's Grotto.

Christmas film bucket list 

Get started on a November/December Christmas film bucket list and start making your way through them! If you’re feeling extra festive, why not bake some mince pies to snack on while you watch. 

Decorate a Christmas tree

Facebook marketplace is a great place for affordable second-hand trees, and B&M has plenty of budget friendly decorations to pick from. 

Secret Santa

Why not organise a low-budget secret Santa with your flatmates to exchange at a house Christmas dinner?