The yuletide season is just around the corner. And if you’re visiting Northumberland this Christmas time, you’re in for a treat. Whether you’re gift shopping at one of the fabulous Christmas markets Northumberland has to offer or staying for a winter holiday, here’s an insight into the region’s festivities.
Christmas Events
20 November 2025 - 4 January 2026 | The Alnwick Garden
The magical Alnwick Garden Winter Light Trail is back. Now in its 7th year, The Alnwick Garden Winter Light Trail will run throughout the winter period and is expecting another sell-out year so don’t hesitate to buy your tickets. Follow the incredible, twinkling trail around both The Alnwick Garden and Lilidorei and look out for an array of exciting new installations.
21 November 2025 | 9am -3.30pm | Alnwick Castle
This fantastic shopping event will certainly get you in the Christmas spirit and give you a head start on your Christmas shopping. Based in Alnwick Castle, which is opening especially for the event and is usually closed during winter, enter the festively adorned castle to find a whole host of suppliers.
Christmas at Cragside
29 November 2025 - 4 January 2026 |
Usual opening: 11am-3pm | Late evening days 11am-5pm - see their website for full details | Cragside House & Gardens
Cragside is quite literally going big this Christmas as they are installing the UK's Tallest Living Christmas Tree, a mammoth, 42m Giant Redwood dressed in over 2000 lights. Beautifully positioned near the house, you can admire this festive spectacle in the stunning setting of Cragside before the grounds. You can also explore the decadent hall which will be decked for The Servants' Ball in colourful, festive chaos.
8th November 2025 - 4th January 2026 excluding Christmas Day and Boxing Day | 10am - 4pm | Bamburgh Castle
The magical Treasured Tales at Bamburgh Castle is a magical experience where you can explore the castle whilst admiring Charlotte Lloyd Webber’s amazing installations as she takes you on a dazzling winter wonderland adventure through a tropical Christmas paradise. Meet characters along the way, enjoy festive tales and admire opulent Christmas decor that is irresistibly festive. Father Christmas will also be staying at Bamburgh Castle over the festive period, plus you must pop into Mrs Claus's workshop, and you can even explore Bamburgh Castle in the dark, every Thursday from 13-18 November, the castle will be open until 6.30pm.
14 November 2025 - 1 January 2026 | Kielder Water and Forest Park
Kielder Winter Wonderland is a full day out packed with festive activities to keep the family entranced all day long. You can help Mrs Claus prepare for Christmas, visit the elves in their workshop, walk through the forest to find Father Christmas and plenty more. The forest is home to Father Christmas and his festive friends you never know who you could bump into.
21 November 2025 - 31 December 2025 | Ad Gefrin
When you step into the world of Anglo-Saxon Northumberland at Ad Gefrin, it isn't Christmas, it's Yule. Ad Gefrin are hosting various festive events to celebrate, such as Yule Decoration Workshops, Yule Embroidery Workshops and Yule Wreath Workshops. Witness the alchemy of whisky-making in the incredible distillery and explore the immersive Great Hall while you're here, as stories from Northumbria’s Golden Age are brought to life.
Christmas markets and wreath making in Northumberland
There are a number of fantastic Christmas markets in Northumberland this winter. Have a look at our Christmas Markets page for more information.
There are also some fantastic wreath-making events to enjoy, just have a look at our Wreath-making Events Blog.
Other Christmas events in Northumberland
Northumberland is also home to a range of other festive events. Here’s a sneak peek of what’s to come over the festive period:
Christmas Light Switch On | Blyth Market Place | 22 November
A Christmas Carol | The Queen's Hall Art Centre, Hexham | 3rd - 4th December
Father Christmas in Hexham | Hexham Old Gaol | 6th - 23rd December
Meet Santa and Festive Afternoon Tea | Langley Castle | 13th December
Festival Tales | Woodhorn Museum | Saturdays and Sunday throughout December and 22nd, 23rd & 24th December
Places to visit
Are you heading to Northumberland for a weekend or day trip? With plenty of attractions and destinations, even a short visit can be packed full of merriment. But where to start?
Kielder Observatory
On a clear winter’s night, there’s nothing more magical than gazing at the stars. Located in the heart of Europe’s biggest dark sky park, Kielder Observatory offers an inspiring stargazing experience for all the family. With a range of events throughout November and December, you can explore the wonder of the cosmos.
Winter walks across Northumberland
From beautiful treks around Hareshaw Linn to a wander along the Amble and Warkworth harbour sides, there are plenty of lovely winter walks to keep you moving throughout winter.
To really blow away the cobwebs or walk off your Christmas lunch, go for a refreshing stroll through one of Northumberland’s most striking features — Hadrian’s Wall. Scattered with Roman forts, the impressive 73-mile stone wall will transport you back in time, bringing history to life and showcasing the local area’s dramatic landscape.
Housesteads Roman Fort at Haydon Bridge includes a fascinating interactive museum, while Chesters Roman Fort at Chollerford is home to a spectacular Roman Bathhouse. (Just make sure you check the museum’s Christmas holiday times to avoid disappointment!)
The best places to eat and drink this Christmas
From chocolate treats to Sunday lunches, food is a big part of Christmas celebrations. And if you’re looking for delicious places to eat in Northumberland, you’re in luck. Here are just a few of our favourite cafes, restaurants and eateries to explore:
- If you’re searching for a delicious Christmas Day lunch for your Northumberland stay, go all out with the luxurious menu at Eshott Hall. Enjoy an irresistible array of canapes, followed by your choice of Christmas dinner with all the trimmings and a decadent dessert. The best bit? No washing up!
- Planning a family get-together in the run-up to the big day? The Pheasant Inn near Kielder Water is a cosy 17th-century pub offering delicious home-cooked meals — including a full Sunday roast followed by sticky toffee pudding.
- If a roast dinner doesn’t take your fancy, Northumberland is home to some fabulous seafood restaurants. Head to the award-winning Potted Lobster in Bamburgh for fresh dishes made with locally sourced ingredients.
Christmas breaks in Northumberland: where to stay
With its incredible scenery and historical sites, Northumberland makes a wonderful Christmas destination. If you’re planning a Christmas weekend escape in Northumberland — either in the lead-up or for Christmas Eve, itself, you’ve got plenty of options to explore.
For a self-catering stay, snuggle up in a cosy cottage — such as Breamish Valley Cottages — or a petite but perfectly formed shepherd’s hut. If you prefer serviced accommodation, Wydon Farm B&B offers delightful rustic rooms. The working farm near Hexham is ideal for those looking for a slice of rural life. You can even collect free-range eggs from the resident hens for your traditional breakfast!
Celebrate all things Christmas in Northumberland
Northumberland is the destination to be during the most wonderful season of the year. Start planning your Christmas break in Northumberland and let the merriment begin, from Christmas shopping at Northumberland’s Christmas markets, walks to blog away the cobwebs and cosy places to eat this winter, explore all that Northumberland has to offer.