Yuletide Newcastle & Durham Christmas Festival

It's time to wrap up warm and head north east for a festive weekend full of Christmas magic and seasonal cheer. Celebrate the run-up to Christmas with visits to bustling Newcastle and beautiful Durham. Durham Christmas Festival is one of the best Christmas shopping festivals in the country with three city centre markets giving visitors the chance to discover more than 200 stalls. Newcastle centre will be buzzing with activity along the avenue of stalls leading up Grainger Street, the top of Grey Street and Old Eldon Square.Weekend Highlights
- Hotel for 3 nights with breakfast & dinner- Porterage- Visit to Durham Christmas Festival- Entrance to Craft & Producers' Marquee- Visit to Newcastle Christmas Market

Festive Weekend in the North East
Day 1 After joining your holiday coach, travel north with suitable stops for lunch and refreshments. Arrive at the Holiday Inn Washington this evening for your 3-night stay DBB.\n\nDays 2 - 3 At leisure in the North East with two included excursions\n\nINCLUDED EXCURSIONS\nDurham Christmas Festival - Saturday\nWhether shopping for local treasures, the perfect gift, seasonal decoration or savouring traditional festivities, compact Durham at Christmas time promises an unforgettable winter destination. Every year the festival takes place on the first weekend in December when 200 small business can be found in three markets. Entrance is included to the Craft & Producers' Marquee with its unique backdrop of Durham Cathedral - perfect for gift ideas, seasonal food & drink, handcrafted decorations and collectibles. The Festive Outdoor Market is held on Durham Market Place and is the ideal spot for jewellery, artwork, plants and clothing. And just nearby you'll find the city's Victorian Market Hall, full of independent businesses.\n\n Credit: Durham Christmas Festival\nYuletide Newcastle - Sunday\nWander Newcastle's Christmas Market, with an avenue of stalls leading up Grainger Street, the top of Grey Street and Old Eldon Square where stalls and vendors are mainly from the local area. Step inside Newcastle's landmark Grainger Market to experience the build up to Christmas within the historic indoor market as it transforms into Santa's Grotto. The Grainger Market is a real gem at the heart of the city's celebrations with its annual festive overhaul. There is also a popular festive Sunday Market at Newcastle's Quayside. Expect a buzzing Christmassy vibe full of festive cheer, friendly locals and delicious seasonal delicacies. \n\nNB This itinerary was produced well in advance of the 2025 Festive Season and is subject to final confirmation of markets and festivals. We reserve the right to amend the itinerary accordingly\n\nDay 4 Breakfast and depart heading south with ample comfort stops on the way to interchange.Holiday Inn Washington
This modern 3* hotel offers an excellent base for the weekend, perfectly located between Durham and Newcastle, just off the A1(M). \n\nGuestrooms are of a good standard with WiFi, TV, hairdryer and tea/coffee making facilities. \n\nThe lounge, bar and restaurant from part of the open lobby concept - a great space to relax after a busy day. \n\nThere is a lift to all floors and 5 steps at ground level (also served by a stairlift if required)