The yuletide season is just around the corner. If you’re giving us a visit and spending Christmas in Northumberland, you’re in for a real treat. Whether you’re gift shopping at one of the fabulous Christmas markets Northumberland has to offer, or staying for a winter weekend holiday, here’s an insight into the region’s festivities.
Christmas Events in Northumberland
The Alnwick Garden Winter Light Trail
20 November 2026 - 3 January 2027 | The Alnwick Garden
The magical Alnwick Garden Winter Light Trail is back. Now in its 8th year, the idyllic festive family event in Northumberland 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.
Alnwick Castle Christmas Fair
25 November 2026 | 9am - 2.30pm | 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 in Northumberland to find a whole host of suppliers.
Christmas at Cragside
28 November 2026 - 3 January 2027 |
Usual opening: 10am - 4pm | Late evening days 10am - 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 Northumberland’s Cragside, before the grounds. You can also explore the decadent hall which will be decked for The Servants' Ball in colourful, festive chaos.
A Christmas Carousel at Bamburgh Castle
14th November 2026 - 3rd January 2027 excluding Christmas Day and Boxing Day | 10am - 4pm | Bamburgh Castle
What if your favourite Christmas songs became a winter wonderland you could explore? This festive season, Bamburgh Castle’s magnificent State Rooms are transformed for A Christmas Carousel, with each room inspired by a different much-loved carol or Christmas song. Wander through beautifully decorated spaces, discover magical scenes and look out for seasonal surprises around every corner, all set against the castle’s fascinating history. Best of all, A Christmas Carousel is included in general admission, so simply book your castle visit as normal.
Kielder Winter Wonderland
28th November - 23rd December 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 in Northumberland, 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.
Ad Gefrin Yule Tide celebrations
26th November - 3rd December 2026 | Ad Gefrin, Wooler
When you step into the world of Anglo-Saxon Northumberland at Ad Gefrin, it isn't Christmas, it's Yule. Join the candlelit Procession of the 6m Yule Straw Goat through Wooler on 27th November, then browse Northumbrian makers, bakers and distillers at the free Yule Gaderung winter market that weekend. Prefer something hands-on? Try a Bayeux Tapestry-inspired Yule Embroidery Workshop, or raise your voice with traditional winter songs at the Yule Song Streams Singing Workshop on 3rd December. While you're there, explore the immersive Great Hall, where 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 Northumberland Christmas Markets page for more information.
There are also some fantastic Northumberland wreath-making events to enjoy - just have a look at our Wreath-making Events Blog.
Other Christmas events in Northumberland
There’s no shortage of festive events in Northumberland. Here’s a sneak peek of what’s to come over the festive period:
Christmas Light Switch On | Blyth Market Place | 21st November
Brocksbushes Christmas Fayre | Brocksbushes Farm Shop, Stocksfield | 12th - 15th November
A Lilidorei Christmas | Lilidorei at The Alnwick Garden | 16th November - 3rd January 2027
Father Christmas at Belsay Hall | 5th - 20th December
Festive Tales | Woodhorn Museum | Saturdays and Sundays throughout December and 21st - 24th December
Places to visit
Are you planning a weekend in Northumberland, or a day trip? With plenty of Northumberland attractions and destinations, even a short visit can be packed full of merriment. But where to start?
Twice Brewed Inn Observatory
On a clear winter's night in Northumberland, there's nothing more magical than gazing at the stars. Set beside Hadrian's Wall in the Northumberland Dark Sky Park, Europe's largest area of protected night sky, Twice Brewed Inn Observatory is home to a 30-seat planetarium and powerful telescopes. Expert astronomers from Kielder Observatory host talks and guided stargazing sessions throughout November and December, and the inn's warm welcome, hearty food and local ales make it easy to turn your evening into a cosy winter getaway.
Winter walks across Northumberland
From beautiful Northumbrian walks around Hareshaw Linn to a wander along the Amble and Warkworth harbour sides, there are plenty of lovely winter walks in Northumberland 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 Northumbrian history to life and showcasing the local area’s dramatic landscape.
Housesteads Roman Fort at Haydon Bridge includes a fascinating interactive Northumberland 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 hearty Sunday lunches in Northumberland, 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 Northumberland pub offering delicious home-cooked meals — including a full Northumberland Sunday roast followed by sticky toffee pudding.
- If a roast dinner doesn’t take your fancy, you’ll find plenty of fabulous seafood restaurants in Northumberland. 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 Northumbrian 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 in Northumberland, snuggle up in a cosy cottage in Northumberland — 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! Extending your stay in the area for New Year celebrations? Take a look at our guide to New Year stays in Northumberland.
Celebrate all things Christmas in Northumberland
Northumberland is the top destination to be during the most wonderful season of the year - bursting with activities to enjoy all year round. Start planning your Christmas break in Northumberland and let the merriment begin, from Christmas shopping at Northumberland’s best Christmas markets, to winter walks to blow away the cobwebs and cosy places to eat this winter, explore all that Northumberland has to offer.
