Fenwick’s Christmas Windows 2017 and Grainger Christmas Market

Fenwick’s Christmas windows 2017 have just been unveiled and this year the theme is Paddington Bear. Have you been along to see them yet?

You always know that Christmas is on the way when Fenwick’s unveil their Christmas windows. Fenwick’s is one of the biggest department stores on Northumberland Street in the centre of Newcastle Upon Tyne. The magical window display has a different theme every year and are a firm favourite with Newcastle’s families.

Every year the windows kept secret until the time comes for the big reveal in November. When the opening comes large crowds gather to see what the theme is for this year. We went a couple of days after the big opening to find out.

Fenwick’s Christmas Windows 2017

We went down early on a Sunday morning but there were still big queues. Visiting Fenwick’s windows is a family affair. There were plenty of younger children waiting in excitement as well as older teenagers all queuing up to find out this years theme. There was a sense of excitement in the air as people waited to see the windows.

As you approach the windows the music gets you into a festive mood. Expectations run high as you look into the first window. This year the theme is Paddington Bear and well known scenes from Michael Bond books come to life in front of your eyes.

We see the small Peruvian bear lost and alone in Paddington station and his meeting with the kindly Brown family.  He has tea with Mr Gruber in his shop and also manages to get into mischief.  Finally he is helping to decorate the Christmas tree in time for Christmas. It is a great celebration of these childhood books.

Here are some pictures of this years Paddington Bear theme Fenwick’s windows:

It has been a tradition for me to take my son to see the windows since he was a baby. Now he is a teenager he pretends he is not interested but I know he is. There are some displays that we still talk about today. Do you have a favourite that you remember?

Have a look back at Fenwicks windows past and present:

• 2018
• 2016
• 2015
• 2014

Grainger Christmas Night Market

Christmas in Newcastle always brings plenty to look forward to.  This year I am looking forward to Grainger Christmas Market Night on December 1st. We went along to the Christmas market night last year and it was lovely to see the market open at night.

The Grainger market is a unique market in Newcastle that should be on your must visit list. This large indoor market is home to a wide range of stalls. You will find plenty of fresh produce with butchers, greengrocers, fishmongers and bakeries. You can also find stalls selling books, CDs, clothes and shoes, cards and much more. If you are hungry there are plenty of places to stop and eat.

Entering Grainger Market is like entering a slice of history. The Grade I listed building was the largest in Europe when it was built in the 1930s. You will find some of the history as you walk round the market, there is the worlds smallest Marks and Spencer store, the unique Marks and Spencer Original Penny Bazaar. Why not stop at the market weigh house and get weighed as you pass.

Last year the Grainger Christmas market night was pretty special with bands, entertainment and a light show. This year the event promises to be better than before. The event is free but you can also buy VIP tickets for a more special experience. Bronze VIP tickets include shop discounts and a festive drink. Silver VIP tickets include the discounts and a drink and you also get a history tour of the market and access to the viewing balcony. Gold VIP tickets include all of this as well as a tour of the underground air raid shelters. Get your tickets on EventBrite.

If that is not festive enough there is also a Christmas sing-a-long at 8pm. Mark the event in your diaries, Grainger Christmas Market Night December 1st from 5pm to 10pm.

Will I see you there?