Christmas Lights Switch On
Event Details
12 November - 12 November
Free
Grey's Monument
The most wonderful time of the year is nearly upon us, and the Toon is kicking off the festive season with the official Christmas Lights Switch On this November!
It's set to be a truly magical moment so grab the kids, your other half, or your pals and gather to witness our wonderful city as it officially welcomes Christmas!
Visit here to find out more.
Frequently asked questions
What is Howaymanay?
Howaymanay is Newcastle’s big New Year’s Eve celebration, taking over the iconic Quayside for one huge night of music, entertainment, food, drink and (of course!) fireworks. Expect live music across two stages, DJs, roaming performers, street entertainment, before the night culminates in a spectacular firework finale over the River Tyne at midnight
When is Howaymanay?
Howaymanay takes place on Thursday 31 December 2026, from 8.30pm until 12.15am. Last entry is 11pm
Is Howaymanay a ticketed event?
Yes. Howaymanay is a ticketed New Year’s Eve celebration on Newcastle Quayside, with limited capacity. Tickets are £8 plus booking fee, and advance booking is essential, as the event sold out last year
Where is Howaymanay?
The event takes over Newcastle’s iconic Quayside, with the event footprint stretching along the riverside.
Which entrance should I use?
There are three dedicated entrances, and you must use the entrance selected when you booked your ticket. You will not be admitted through a different entrance. This helps us manage capacity and keep entry running smoothly
What are the entrances?
- Entrance A: Sandhill / Guildhall –///vines.reds.slides
- Entrance B: King Street - ///rips.supply.fight
- Entrance C: East Quayside / Millennium Bridge - ///dime.sticky.pads
What happens if I go to the wrong entrance?
Entry is only possible through the event entrance you selected when purchasing your ticket. If you arrive at the wrong entrance, don’t worry, our friendly event staff will be on hand to signpost you to the correct entrance.
Can I move around once I'm inside?
Yes! Once inside the event footprint, you’re free to move around and enjoy the whole site. There are no set areas that you need to stay within.
Can I leave and come back in?
No. There is no readmission once you leave the event. Please make sure you have everything you need before entering (you will be able to purchase food and drink inside and there will be toilets)
Can I bring my own food and drink?
No. Food and drink cannot be brought into the event. There will be bars and food operators within the event, so you’ll have plenty of options once you’re inside. Operators will take both cash and card.
Will there be toilets?
Yes. There will be toilets located throughout the event site including accessible toilets and designated baby changing toilets. Please use the event toilets rather than trying to use toilets inside nearby Quayside businesses, which are for their customers.
Can I use the Quayside businesses?
Absolutely! A number of businesses will be operational throughout the night, but many do book up incredibly quicky.
Can I bring a bag?
Yes, but please keep it to what you genuinely need. Random bag checks will be in operation at the entrances, so travelling light will help you get into the event more quickly.
Can children attend?
The event is suitable for ages 8yrs+. Under-16s must be accompanied by an adult and require a ticket of their own.
What’s happening for younger children earlier in the evening?
If you’re looking for a family-friendly New Year’s Eve experience without staying up until midnight, head to Newcastle’s Quayside from 6pm for a free early-evening celebration, with festive entertainment, street food and a spectacular fireworks display. It’s designed with families and early birds in mind!
How should I travel to Howaymanay?
If you're using public transport, check directly with your transport provider before travelling. Services on New Year's Eve may run to reduced timetables or finish earlier than usual.
Can I drive? Where can I park?
Parking is available in public car parks across Newcastle city centre and Gateshead town centre. You can find the nearest car parks using Parkopedia or visiting Newcastle City Council and Gateshead Council websites. Please check opening hours before you travel, as some car parks may close before midnight.
If you decide to park in Gateshead, please be aware that Gateshead Millennium Bridge will close at 10:30pm and access across the bridge from this time will not be possible.
Will there be road closures?
Some road closures will be in effect to accommodate the event. Full road closures and travel information will be provided closer to the event and made available at the Council's NY Events travel information page.
Will Gateshead Millennium Bridge be open?
Gateshead Millennium Bridge will remain open until 10:30pm and will reopen after the midnight fireworks have finished.
Are dogs allowed?
Dogs are not permitted at Howaymanay, except for registered assistance animals.
I can no longer attend - can I request a refund?
Tickets are non-exchangeable and non-refundable once purchased.
What should I wear?
Howaymanay is an outdoor event, so please dress appropriately for the weather. Wrap up warm and come prepared for the Great British weather in December.
Who do I contact if I have a question about the event?
If you have any questions about Howaymanay, please contact Newcastle City Council’s Cultural Events Team via Howaymanay@newcastle.gov.uk
Who organises Howaymanay?
Howaymanay is part of Newcastle’s Christmas, delivered and funded by Newcastle City Council and Newcastle NE1.
Is the event accessible for wheelchair users and people with access requirements?
The event takes place on Newcastle’s Quayside, which is wheelchair accessible.
If you are in possession of a Blue Badge parking permit and are driving to the event, please see the information about parking above to find the nearest Blue Badge parking.
Please bear in mind that there will be thousands of people, and the event will include loud music and fireworks. We therefore advise using your own judgement regarding individual needs.
Are there accessible toilets?
Yes, there will be a number of accessible portable toilets positioned across the event site.
Is there a quiet space or welfare point?
There is no designated quiet space at this event. If you have any concerns, or need support during your visit, please speak to a member of staff, who will be identifiable in high-visibility vests.
What happens if the weather is bad?
The event will go ahead in most weathers and is unlikely to be cancelled in bad weather such as rain or light winds. Please ensure you are dressed for the weather, and if it does rains, we suggest wearing waterproofs and not bringing umbrellas, which may block the view of others.
In the event of severe weather, such as storms or high winds, please check Newcastle’s Christmas social media channels in the first instance, where we will share up to date information and guidance, on the day and before you travel.
What happens if the event is cancelled?
In the unlikely event that we need to cancel, ticketholders will be contracted via email and notices will be posted via Newcastle’s Christmas social channels and on the website. Please check these areas before you travel, if you are concerned.
What is Newcastle’s Christmas Village?
It’s a festive pop-up area in the city centre featuring fun events, fairground rides and hot food traders that debuted in 2024 and is back for Christmas 2026. Put simply, it’s a one-stop shop for festive family fun in Newcastle and we can’t wait until it returns!
Where is Newcastle’s Christmas Village?
The Christmas Village is located at Old Eldon Square.
How long will the Christmas Village be in place for?
The Christmas Village will officially open on Saturday 21st November, with most events running until Christmas Eve. However, certain attractions will be open until New Year’s Eve apart from Christmas Day itself though, of course — namely, the carousel and Ferris wheel.
What will be happening at Newcastle’s Christmas Village?
Just like last year, there’s no shortage of fun to be had at Newcastle’s Christmas Village!
The popular Santa Stories – festive storytelling sessions with Father Christmas himself – will return, as will the Rockin’ Reindeer stage with a festive theatre experience like no other throughout the Christmas season. The stunning traditional carousel from last year will also return, with rides pre-bookable online available now.
Some of last year’s new additions will also be returning to the Christmas Village too. Little ones can decorate their own Christmas cookies with Mrs Claus’ Bakery and visitors can catch Christmas film classics including Home Alone and Elf with Festive Flix. And, for those wanting to see the city and Christmas Markets from a height, the Ferris wheel is returning too!
What else is happening around the Christmas Village?
Being located in the heart of the city centre in Old Eldon Square means that a trip to the Christmas Village is also the perfect opportunity to visit the Newcastle's Christmas Markets too!
With traders selling everything from food and fashion to art and unique gifts, it’s the ideal spot to get some Christmas shopping done. You can find a full list of traders, their location and which dates they’ll be trading on at the official Newcastle’s Christmas website and for even more info, read our article Everything You Need to Know About: Newcastle’s Christmas Markets.
The beloved Moosenwirt Alpine pop-up bar returns for another year in the Toon, as does The North Pole — a collection of luxury heated igloo pods located on a plinth around Grey’s Monument, available for hire from £30 throughout the festive season.
Who can I contact with further queries?
For further enquiries regarding Newcastle's Christmas Village, visit the official website here, or contact EVNT Inspirations at hello@evntinspirations.co.uk
Where is the Christmas Market located?
The market stalls are located around Grey’s Monument and on Grey Street, Grainger Street and Nelson Street - plus there's a selection of hot food traders at Old Eldon Square too.
How long will the Christmas Market be in place for?
The Christmas Markets officially open on Thursday 19th November and will be in place until Wednesday 23rd December. Plans are underway for a grand opening ceremony too - stay tuned for more information!
What time are the Christmas Markets open?
They’ll be open between 10am and 8pm from Monday to Saturday and from 10am to 5pm on Sundays.
What kind of stalls are there?
There’s a fantastic variety of traders at the Christmas Markets this year selling everything from food and drink to gifts, art, jewellery, and fashion.
For fashionistas, there’s North East inspired t-shirt designs at The Big River stall, unique cardigans at Cardi Craze and cosy hats and scarves at The Christmas Accessories Cabin — plus gorgeous accessories to buy at Konatsu Jewellery, Romanticise Jewellery and Sopharia Jewellery to complete the look.
Gift shopping for the foodie in your life? Pick up delicious preserves from The Cherry Tree, raw British honey produced in Northumberland from The Honey Store and a range of cheese, chutneys and condiments from Grainger Market favourite Matthews Cheese. If they enjoy a tipple or two, then why throw in some craft beer from Firebrick Brewery — brewed just up the River Tyne in Blaydon — or something a little stronger from Riverside Spirits, Foxdenton Estate or O’Donnell Moonshine?
Lovers of art will want to check out Elemental Photography, Raw Print Shop and Brian Eyler Fine Art Photography and there are more unique gifts to buy at the likes of Netoon Creative, Komono Accessories and Fatfinger Atelier.
After all that Christmas shopping, you’ll no doubt have worked up quite an appetite, but fear not as there are plenty of traders cooking up hoot food for visitors to enjoy on the go when hunger strikes. Stop by local favourites and market regulars like Redheads Mac ‘N’ Cheese, Acropolis and Geordie Bangers or try something tasty from a market newbie like Alpine Fondue, Lucca Pizza and The Big Banh.
For a full list of traders, their location and which dates they’ll be trading, click here.
What else is happening around the Christmas Markets?
So much! The much-loved Alpine pop-up bar Moosenwirt will return to its regular spot on Grey Street where visitors can cosy up with a drink or two after a shopping session at the markets, and The North Pole — the community of igloo pods around Grey’s Monument — is back too. Available to book for 1 hour and 45-minute slots from £20, the pods are perfect for festive gatherings with family and friends and boast gorgeous views of the markets and Christmas lights.
Joining the hot food traders over at Old Eldon Square is Newcastle’s Christmas Village, back for 2026 after two hugely successful years. A one-stop shop for festive family fun in the Toon, the village will once again host popular events like Santa Stories and Mrs Claus’ Bakery. The gorgeous traditional carousel is also returning, as is the Ferris wheel that made its debut in 2025 - but it'll be an even bigger version, measuring 22 metres high compared to last year's 15-metre high wheel!
