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- 5th Dec 2025
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Festive weekends: 6 itineraries for when family and friends come to visit
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Welcoming visitors to the North East this December?
Consider this your stress-free cheat sheet. Whether you’re planning a cosy weekend with parents, a catch-up with the girls or a culture-packed trip for extended family, we’ve partnered with NewcastleGateshead Initiative on six festive itineraries, complete with the best places to stay, eat, shop and soak up the festive magic.
From luxury countryside escapes to sleek city breaks, Christmas markets to festive film screenings, and long lunches to late-night cocktails, here’s how to make your festive weekend in one they’ll talk about for years.
THE CLASSIC NEWCASTLE CHRISTMAS WEEKEND
Perfect for: Parents, couples, mixed age groups.
Stay: Crowne Plaza Newcastle. Right by Central Station with a spa, the Crowne Plaza puts you a minute from everywhere, ideal when you’re hopping between festive plans.
Lunch: Start with lunch at Blackfriars, Britain’s oldest dining hall, for an impressive (and delicious) welcome to the city. Stroll into town for a festive wander through Eldon Square and pick up some gifts (or a new outfit, no judgement here).
Christmas Market time: Head up Northumberland Street for mulled wine, Yorkshire pudding wraps and local makers.
Evening: What could be more fitting to end the night than a festive meal overlooking the Tyne? SIX Baltic is perfect, with options for a Christmas Prix Fixe menu or a seasonal tasting menu. Round off the day with a cosy cinema trip to Tyneside Cinema for a classic Christmas film.
THE ART, CULTURE AND COSY VIBES WEEKEND
Perfect for: Culture lovers, groups of friends, anyone who wants something more ‘grown-up, but make it festive.’
Stay: Hilton Newcastle Gateshead. With picture-perfect Tyne Bridge views, this is the dream base for a culture-packed weekend.
Morning: Explore The Biscuit Factory, the UK’s largest independent art gallery. It’s a gorgeous place to pick up unique gifts or just get lost in creativity for a couple of hours. Plus, they have a gorgeous café for coffee and pastries.
Lunch: Try Dakwala for vibrant Indian street-food-inspired plates, then wander down to the Quayside for festive photos in front of the bridges. On the Gateshead side, Sapori is a great shout – serving up authentic Italian food with a relaxed, fun vibe.
Evening entertainment: Book a show at Theatre Royal, it’s always a crowd-pleaser in December, and this year’s panto is not to be missed.
THE LUXE GIRLS’ WEEKEND
Perfect for: Girls’ trips, sisters, uni friends, work Christmas meet-ups.
Stay: Dakota Newcastle. Ultra-sleek, super stylish and perfectly placed for walkable festive fun.
Morning: Visit Fenwick for an iconic beauty hall, designer gifting and the ultimate Christmas shop. Even if you just want to browse, you’ll leave with three bags.
Lunch: Head to Gaucho for a long, leisurely, meal. Perfect if your group does Secret Santa or end-of-year treats.
Evening: Get glammed up for cocktails and dancing at Manahatta. Festive, fun and very Instagrammable.
THE COSY COUNTRYSIDE ESCAPE
Perfect for: Parents, couples, anyone wanting a luxurious winter sanctuary.
Stay: Matfen Hall. For visitors who want something quintessentially English (and completely indulgent), Matfen Hall delivers log fires, spa time and country-house magic.
Time to explore: As Northumberland’s only 5 star hotel, Matfen Hall is a true retreat. Start your stay off slowly with coffee in 1832 overlooking the golf course, before a couple of hours in the spa to wind down. For golf-lovers, there’s a championship golf course to enjoy, or for a relaxing stroll, there are acres of woodland right on the doorstep.
Afternoon: Book the festive afternoon tea – think mince pie scones, a delicious selection of savoury treats, and pastries meticulously crafted by the Head Pastry Chef, Laurèns Le Gal. Glass of Champagne? Of course.
A cosy evening: Think fireside cocktails and a slower pace that feels like the ultimate December reset.
THE AFFORDABLE, FUN AND FESTIVE CITY BREAK
Perfect for: Friends on a budget, students, younger siblings.
Stay: Motel One. Stylish, affordable and brilliantly located. Perfect if your guests want the city on their doorstep.
Morning: Coffee at neighbouring Laneway & Co. before exploring at hidden gems that Grainger Market has to offer.
Afternoon: Head to Metrocentre for big-name shops and plenty of entertainment for all ages. Bonus: it’s warm, easy to get to, and great for last-minute gifting. Don’t leave before trying out the latest restaurant opening, Maki & Ramen.
Evening: Worked up an appetite? Sorella Sorella is a great pitstop on the way home. A neighbourhood Italian that won North East Restaurant of the Year in the North East Food Awards 2023. Back in Newcastle, pop into Mother Mercy for cocktails and a little speakeasy-style sparkle before heading back to the hotel.
THE NATURE-LOVING FESTIVE BREAK
Perfect for: Older relatives, couples, anyone who appreciates beautiful surroundings.
Stay: Jesmond Dene House. Nestled in the trees, this is the perfect base for visitors who want peace and greenery, while still being just minutes from Jesmond and the city.
Morning: A frosty walk through Jesmond Dene (magical in winter), followed by coffee in one of Jesmond’s many cute cafés.
Afternoon: Metro to Gateshead for a wander around the Baltic art gallery, before a walk along the River Tyne to Staithes Cafe – an independent cafe, bar and local store with great quality coffee, fresh food and local produce. On the way back, check out Victor Indigo November – a wine shop and bar where you can pick up some thoughtful (and always appreciated) gifts, with a glass of wine, of course.
Evening: Walk across the High Level Bridge into Newcastle and check out FIRE – the new cocktail lounge at Hotel Gotham. They have a DJ playing every weekend bringing all of the vibes.
Need more inspo? Head to NewcastleGateshead.com for hotels, dining ideas and the latest events across the city – experience real magic this winter, with NewcastleGateshead Initiative.
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