Last checked: 1 November 2026. Please confirm times, availability and event status with the organiser.
November 2026
Ongoing until 31 December: Beacon Films: Unearthed Treasures
On now until Thursday 31 December 2026, during museum opening hours | Film display | Great North Museum: Hancock, Barras Bridge | Free entry; donations welcome.
Watch a series of films exploring the meaning of treasure, made by Beacon Films filmmakers. Each contributor asks what counts as treasure and who gets to decide, offering different personal perspectives within the museum's wider collections setting.
7 November: Diwali Celebration at the Hancock
Saturday 7 November, 11am to 2pm | Community celebration and family activities | Great North Museum: Hancock, Barras Bridge | Free drop-in event.
Celebrate the Festival of Lights with Newcastle Hindu Temple, GemArts and the museum. Activities include lantern making, printmaking, sensory patterns and henna, with a National Literacy Trust book pop-up and the chance to hear the story of Diwali. Everyone is welcome.
From 7 November: Ice Skating at Life
Saturday 7 November 2026 to Sunday 3 January 2027 | Outdoor ice skating | Times Square, outside Life Science Centre | Standard adult £15.75; age 17 and under £14.50; opening weekend £10 per person; 24 December has separate rates.
Choose a timed session on the real-ice rink, allowing around an hour including skate fitting and approximately forty-five minutes on the ice. Check current slots and relaxed sessions before booking. The advertised season excludes Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day.
12 November: Newcastle Christmas Lights Switch-On
Thursday 12 November, entertainment from 6pm; switch-on 7pm | Live music and festive celebration | Grey's Monument, Newcastle city centre | Free.
Join the city-centre countdown with music, games, pantomime appearances and Hits Radio's Steve and Karen. Arrive before the switch-on to find a viewing spot and enjoy the entertainment around the Monument before the Christmas lights are illuminated.
From 19 November: Newcastle Christmas Market
Thursday 19 November to Wednesday 23 December | Crafts, gifts and seasonal food | Grey's Monument, Grey Street, Grainger Street and Nelson Street | Monday to Saturday 10am to 8pm; Sundays 10am to 5pm.
Browse local makers and independent traders in the streets around the Monument, with food, jewellery, art and winter gifts. The wider Christmas Village on Old Eldon Square offers separate family attractions; check its own dates, tickets and prices if you want to add an activity.
From 20 November: Northern Lights Newcastle
Friday 20 November to Thursday 31 December | Illuminated outdoor trail | Leazes Park, Newcastle upon Tyne | Timed tickets required; prices and operating evenings vary.
The 2026 Christmas Time Machine theme takes visitors through a kilometre-long trail of light installations and seasonal music. A Christmas Village offers food, drink and fairground activities. Select an actual trail date and entry slot, and check access guidance before visiting.
From 24 November: Jack and the Beanstalk
Tuesday 24 November 2026 to Sunday 17 January 2027 | Family pantomime | Theatre Royal, Grey Street | Times and seat prices vary; book a specific performance.
Danny Adams, Clive Webb, Chris Hayward and Joe McElderry lead the Theatre Royal's giant adventure. December access options include a relaxed show on 6 December at noon, audio description on 8 December at 7pm, and captioned and signed performances on 10 December at 2pm and 7pm.
December 2026
10 December: William Morris and the Poetic Interior
Thursday 10 December, 1pm; doors 12.45pm | Illustrated art-history talk | Laing Art Gallery, New Bridge Street | £4 plus booking fee; advance booking essential; around fifty minutes plus questions.
Co-curator Esme Whittaker explores connections between poetry, decorative art and the interiors of William Morris and his associates. The talk accompanies Pre-Raphaelites: Art and Poetry, but admission to that exhibition requires a separate ticket.
From 19 December: The Great Festive Dinosaur Show
19 to 23 and 28 to 31 December | Family show, especially ages 3 to 7 | Exhibition Hall, Great North Museum: Hancock | £12 per person, including adults; all guests need a ticket; around forty minutes.
See dinosaurs and museum exhibits brought to life in a festive show, followed by a meet-and-greet and photo opportunity. Sessions are listed at 10am, 11am, noon, 1.30pm and 2.30pm; on 20 December the first show is at 11am. Choose and book your session in advance.
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