- Christmas
- 29th Oct 2026
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Northern Lights Newcastle 2026: here’s what’s lighting up Leazes Park
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Northern Lights Newcastle is back at Leazes Park from 20th November to 31st December 2026 for its fourth year, and this time it’s turning back the clock.
The mile-long Christmas light trail has been reimagined as A Christmas Time Machine, with 14 brand-new installations inspired by the toys, traditions and little rituals that made our childhood Christmases feel so magical.
The newly released trail map has given us our first proper look at what’s in store, and it’s a nostalgia hit from start to finish. Think lava lamps, Slinkys, nutcrackers and that catalogue you used to circle with a highlighter.
You’ll step in through the Christmas Time Machine itself, a radiant tunnel of light where everyday life slips away and Christmas starts to sparkle all around you.
LEAZES PARK’S BANDSTAND IS GOING FULL 60s
The park’s most recognisable landmark is getting a groovy makeover at Lava Lamp Lane. Molten waves of colour will ripple across the historic bandstand and spill along the path, turning the gardens into a sixties daydream of lava lamp glow, vintage charm and Christmas sparkle.
It’s one for the parents and grandparents, but we reckon the kids will be just as mesmerised.
TOY-BOX FAVOURITES, SUPERSIZED
A giant rainbow Slinky will tumble above the trail while neon-wrapped trees spiral off into the woods. Further along, huge mirrored kaleidoscope arches burst into swirling colour and pattern, a dazzling nod to the toy you’d hold up to the light for hours.
Don’t forget to look up. There are 65 UV-lit mini cubes twisting and shimmering in the branches, a glowing tribute to the Rubik’s Cube. Thankfully, nobody’s asking you to solve them.
Then there’s Nutcracker Salute, where a battalion of giant nutcrackers stands to attention. Illuminated commands underfoot will have you hopping, twirling, skipping and jumping your way through, so go on, give in to it. Look closely, though, because a few of them seem suspiciously gnome-shaped.
THE PARTY STARTS AT DISCO WONDERLAND
Halfway round, you can cosy up under the festoon lights by the flickering fire pits and toast a marshmallow or two. Once you’ve thawed out, it’s time to get moving.
Disco Wonderland is where things get lively. Expect a burst of colour, music and movement that’ll have you stopping to dance and soak it all up before you twirl on through the trail.
Consider this your official permission to bust out your best moves in a public park.
REMEMBER CIRCLING YOUR CHRISTMAS WISH LIST?
Be honest, you had a highlighter and a dog-eared Christmas catalogue every November. This year, young patients from the Great North Children’s Hospital are bringing those pages back to life, filling them with their own brilliant drawings and takes on classic toys.
It’s easily one of the most heart-warming stops on the trail.
Tucked away in the woods, you’ll also find a giant illuminated edition of The Night Before Christmas. Take a seat, settle in and watch the pages glow to life as the much-loved tale unfolds.
Elsewhere, Walkway of Wonder lights the path beneath your feet with jewel-bright stained-glass panels, while a parade of oversized candy canes lines Candy Cane Crossing, Newcastle’s biggest peppermint dream. Towards the end, the glowing gift boxes at A Present Surprise sit wrapped and waiting for Christmas morning.
KEEP YOUR EYES PEELED FOR SQUABBLING ELVES
At North Pole Parcel Post, you can peek inside a bustling world of post boxes, workshops and an overflowing postal van, where the North Pole’s smallest workers are busy crafting, wrapping and sorting presents ahead of the big night.
Fair warning, you might catch a squabble or two over which elf lost the sticky tape.
A TRAIL THAT’S MADE FOR EVERY GENERATION
The idea behind this year’s trail is simple: it should feel like opening a much-loved toy box after dark. It starts with playful pockets of childhood nostalgia and builds into something far livelier, finishing with the light, music and movement of Disco Wonderland.
It isn’t about recreating one particular decade, either. The route has been designed for different generations to enjoy together, so grown-ups get a proper trip down memory lane while younger visitors still find plenty to surprise them.
Expect to smile, reminisce and probably dance at least once.
WHAT’S COOKING AT THE CHRISTMAS VILLAGE?
Before or after the trail, the Christmas Village is the place to refuel, and this year’s line-up is a proper celebration of the North East’s independent street-food scene. There are two newcomers to get excited about, too.
Davey’s is making its Northern Lights debut with NYC-style smash burgers, taco sliders and thick ice cream shakes. BagHead, the newest concept from the team behind Parm-o-Rama, is bringing the viral spice bag to Leazes Park, while Steak Freaks is serving big steaks with big flavour.
They’re joined by some familiar faces. Acropolis returns with its Greek street food, fresh from being named Independent Retailer of the Year at Metrocentre’s Top of the Shops awards. Parm-o-Rama has its Parmo in a Bun and Mother Clucker on the menu, and Truly Madly Pizza is firing up wood-fired pizzas.
Got a sweet tooth? Doughvine Desserts is dishing up Spanish churros, funnel cakes and bubble waffles, and Monument Coffee has hot drinks and bakes covered. The village bar is pouring beers and warming mulled wine, with vintage fairground rides and plenty of cosy spots to thaw out your fingers.
Our advice? Don’t eat before you go.
A CALMER, MORE ACCESSIBLE CHRISTMAS NIGHT OUT
Northern Lights Newcastle is hosting dedicated neuro-inclusive evenings on Wednesday 2nd and Wednesday 9th December. Visitor numbers are cut by 75% and audio levels are lowered throughout the trail for a calmer experience.
The mile-long route is fully accessible, with wheelchair-friendly paths, ramp access points and seating along the way. Access time slots and queue jump wristbands are available for visitors with additional needs too.
HOW TO BOOK YOUR TICKETS
Tickets start from £19.50 for adults, £13.50 for children aged three to 16 and £60 for families, plus a £1.75 transaction fee per booking. Under-twos go free.
The trail opens from 4:30pm to 8:15pm between 20th and 26th November, then from 4:15pm to 8:15pm from 27th November until 31st December. Flexible booking is free, so you can change your date or time up to 24 hours before your visit.
If you’re hunting for things to do in Newcastle at Christmas, this is the one to pencil in. Wrap up warm, bring your best disco moves and get ready to feel about eight years old again.
Rachael Ellis
Head of Content
After gaining a first in her BA Media and Journalism degree at Northumbria University, Rachael worked at Newcastle’s leading regional newspaper with her stories being picked up in national and global newspapers. She spent two very successful years giving a voice to those communities across the North East who otherwise…
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