Clare
02 November 2025
Twinkling lights, the smell of spices and roasted chestnuts, excited young faces, and a hint of magic in the air; a visit to Northumberland in the throes of the festive season is sure to ignite that special Christmas feeling.
From late November right through to New Year, the county comes alive with festive markets, lantern parades, cosy winter trails, and family favourites I’ve loved returning to year after year. There’s something special about wandering through tiny villages decked out in handmade decorations or watching children’s faces light up as they spot the first reindeer of the season.
I’ve gathered some of the best Northumberland Christmas events that capture the season’s magic, along with a few ideas for seeing in the New Year the way locals do.
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Christmas markets in Northumberland
Alnwick Castle Christmas Fair
When: 21 November 2025
Few places capture the magic of the season quite like Alnwick Christmas market. Step inside Alnwick Castle, which is opening especially for the event and usually closed during winter, and find a whole host of local suppliers.
Christmas Fair at Belsay Hall
When: 22–23 November 2025
Get into the festive spirit with a visit to Belsay Hall’s Christmas fair where you’ll find a wide range of Christmas gifts at the stalls of specialist makers, all within the setting of Belsay’s Greek Revival-style hall. Not only that, but young ones can enjoy stories with Father Christmas at Belsay Hall on weekends during December.
Ford and Etal Christmas Market
When: 29–30 November 2025
Visitors to Ford and Etal Christmas Market can expect a range of 70 stalls packed with gifts, crafts, sweet treats and so much more. This year, the market is based in Ford, Etal and Heatherslaw, with a Christmas Tree Trail running between the sites. You can also enjoy a ride on the Heatherslaw Light Railway. The seasonal entertainment on offer also includes storytelling sessions.
Hexham Abbey Christmas Fair
When: 13 December 2025
Hexham Abbey’s cloister lawn provides the perfect location for Hexham Christmas Market. Browse the stalls with a glass of mulled wine in hand, stopping for an indulgent treat from one of the food stands and picking up all manner of unique gifts for your loved ones. Indoor stalls can also be found in the priory buildings of the abbey, while the main building is the setting for the abbey’s festive fair.
Christmas events in Northumberland
Alnwick Garden Winter Light Trail and Lilidorei
When: 20 November 2025–4 January 2026
Enjoy a wander through the glorious Alnwick Garden Winter Light Trail, illuminated by the Christmas lights that fill your heart with a joyful spirit. This is the perfect time of year to visit the magical kingdom of Lilidorei next door, which comes alive with festive activities. We’ve heard Father Christmas is going to be there too!
Kielder Winter Wonderland
When: 15 November–23 December 2025
During Kielder Winter Wonderland, the forest becomes a Christmas playground, where charming workshops nestled amongst the trees with reindeer and woodland critters bring the experience to life. Father Christmas and Mrs Christmas can be found here too. Magical events include a reindeer meet-and-greet, an elves’ workshop, and flying demonstrations at Kielder Water’s Birds of Prey Centre from Snowy Owl and friends.
Whitehouse Farm Santa's Enchanted Elf Journey
When: 22 November–24 December 2025
A sparkling selection of activities is on offer at Whitehouse Farm. The resident Father Christmas and his elves are on hand to spread the festive cheer, and the beautiful Winter Wonderland enchants little ones with its glitz and magic. Rides on Santa’s tractor and trailer add another element to the experience, and you can visit the farm animals at home in their Christmas stables.
Christmas at Wallington
When: Various dates throughout December
There is plenty to enchant everyone during Christmas at Wallington. The house itself is a festive feast for the senses, with the focal point being the stunning Central Hall Christmas tree. Father Christmas will be around to greet visitors, and Mrs Christmas will be holding storytelling sessions. Not only that, but there are Christmas craft workshops and seasonal afternoon teas on offer as well.
Treasured Tales at Bamburgh Castle
When: 8 November 2025–4 January 2026
This year’s theme of Treasured Tales transforms Bamburgh Castle into a tropical Christmas paradise, brimming with glistening gold and colourful jewels – plus a special visitor from colder lands. Follow an enchanted indoor trail where childhood stories unfold, beautifully crafted by the award-winning Charlotte Lloyd-Webber Event Design team, for a dazzling festive experience that delights all.
Christmas dinner in Northumberland
Whether you’re dreaming of a grand festive feast or a cosy pub lunch by the fire, Northumberland serves up some truly memorable spots for Christmas dinner. Here are some of the top places to tuck into a delicious festive meal this year.
Our top picks:
- Doxford Hall: This is the perfect spot to indulge yourself this Christmas, with lovely food and drink to make your festive break extra special. Reception rooms with log fires, an elegant dining room, a trendy bar, and festive fizz on arrival.
- The Amble Inn: As well as offering a mouthwatering three-course dinner on Christmas Day and festive feasting throughout December, the pub is hosting breakfast with Santa on select dates where you can meet the man of the moment.
- The Joiners Arms: This five-star luxury inn welcomes you to enjoy a memorable Christmas meal with your loved ones. Located in Newton-by-the-Sea, it has gorgeous views and wonderful winter walks from the door.
- The Olde Ship Inn: A cosy coastal pub in Seahouses offering Christmas dining and a festive-themed bar menu for a Christmas by the sea. Don’t miss the fabulous views out to the Farne Islands.
- Pleased to Meet You: Best for Christmas parties and festive get-togethers with livelier atmospheres. Combine your visit with a day of shopping in Morpeth, which is adorned with impressive Christmas lights.
New Year’s Eve events in Northumberland
Allendale Tar Bar’l
Steeped in history, Allendale Tar Bar’l is a magnificent way to welcome in the new year. Watch as 45 men in fancy dress carry whiskey barrels filled with hot tar through the streets of Allendale. The fun begins around 11pm, but head to town earlier in the evening for music and merriment ahead of the main event. At midnight, the barrels are used to light the ceremonial bar’l fire.
New Year’s Eve family party at Slaley Hall
Looking for a family-friendly way to see in the new year? Slaley Hall has you covered, with a New Year’s Eve family party involving a buffet, plenty of dancing, and fireworks at midnight. For an adults-only evening, they are also hosting an elegant gala party in a different suite.
The Alnwick Garden ‘Noon’ Years Eve Kids Party
Welcome the New Year a little early with a brilliant day of family fun. Expect plenty of dancing, energetic party games, and a big countdown to ‘Noon’ followed by a tasty buffet lunch. The party finishes at 2pm, but you’re free to wander The Alnwick Gardens afterwards.
The Black Bull in Corbridge
Pop into The Black Bull during the day for a bit of festive grazing with a ‘Festive Sips & Picky Bits’ offer to slip into the celebratory spirit. As evening settles in, get cosy and enjoy their New Year’s Eve three-course set menu followed by live music and a buzzing atmosphere.
Stay in Northumberland for the festive season
On a crisp winter night with magic in the air, what could be cosier than curling up in one of our beautiful Northumberland cottages, hot chocolate in hand and heart full of festive cheer? Features such as wood burners and hot tubs enhance your winter getaway and get you in the spirit for the celebrations to come.
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.