Christmas Markets & Northumberland Village Shopping in December 2025
If you’re joining us for a Wooden Star Cottages winter break this December, you’ll find plenty of ways to enjoy the lead-up to Christmas. From atmospheric markets to independent village shops, December is a great time to explore Northumberland. Whether you’re hoping to pick up a few thoughtful gifts, try some local food and drink or simply enjoy a festive day out, there’s lots to see and do right on your doorstep.
Here are some of our favourite market trips and festive shopping ideas for December 2025.
Hexham Christmas Market
Saturday 13th December 2025 – 9am- 3.30pm
Hexham’s Christmas Market is one of the most popular markets in December and is a great choice for guests staying with us. The event usually brings together more than 130 traders spread across the Market Place, the Abbey Grounds and inside Hexham Abbey itself. You can expect a good mix of local food and drink, handcrafted items, festive decorations and unique gifts from independent makers.
The market is free to attend, and Hexham is easy to reach from most of our cottages. Wentworth Car Park is generally the most convenient option, offering free parking with a disc. Hexham is well served by regular public transport links too.
While You’re There
Hexham is a lovely town to explore at any time of year, but it feels especially welcoming in December. Hexham’s independent retailers are a huge part of its charm, and the recent collaborative video from local businesses (which is shown below) is a great reminder of the quality and variety on offer — making the town just as appealing for festive shopping as it is for its Christmas market.
There are also plenty of cafés and restaurants—ideal for warming up after browsing the stalls—and the Forum Cinema often shows festive favourites throughout the month. If you’re visiting with children or simply fancy something different, the leisure centre’s ten-pin bowling can make the trip into a full day out.
Newcastle Christmas Market
From November 15th to December 23rd 2025
For a larger market experience, Newcastle’s Christmas Market is a great option and easy to reach by car or train. Usually centred around Grey’s Monument, the market spills along Grey Street, Grainger Street and Old Eldon Square, with a wide range of local and international stalls.
There’s always plenty to sample: street food from around the world, artisan chocolates, winter drinks, handmade jewellery, wooden toys, crafts and seasonal decorations. With the market located right in the heart of the city, it’s simple to combine your visit with Christmas shopping in Eldon Square or sightseeing.
While You’re There
A visit to Newcastle at Christmas wouldn’t be complete without seeing the Fenwick Christmas Window on Northumberland Street. It’s a well-loved annual display with a different theme each year and is particularly popular with families. This year, the display is themed around A Christmas Carol and is always worth making a detour for.
To explore the full list of traders at the market visit the Newcastle Christmas Market website below for more information.
Exploring Independent Shops and Local Villages in northumberland
Alongside the larger markets, Northumberland’s villages offer a relaxed and enjoyable festive shopping experience—and many guests tell us it’s one of the nicest parts of their December stay. Independent shops, artisan producers and small cafés create a warm atmosphere, perfect for finding a few extra gifts or simply enjoying a gentle winter day out.
Corbridge
Corbridge is a beautiful village which is well known for its stylish independent shops. You’ll find boutiques, galleries, bookshops, homewares, clothing and speciality food stores dotted around the village. St Andrew’s Church also hosts the annual Christmas Tree Festival, with dozens of decorated trees creating a lovely backdrop to a seasonal festive visit.
Bellingham
Close to several of our cottages, Bellingham offers a quieter pace, with a handful of independent shops and small food retailers perfect for picking up local produce or unique gifts. After browsing the village stores, you could stretch your legs with a short walk to Hareshaw Linn, which is particularly atmospheric in winter. Combining a stroll with a stop at a local café makes for a relaxed and enjoyable day out.
Alnwick
Alnwick offers a growing collection of indie retailers alongside Barter Books, which is particularly cosy in winter with its open fires and café. The town often hosts small festive activities or pop-ups in December.
Enjoying the Festive Season During Your Stay
Whether you’re visiting a city market for a full day out or browsing independent shops in one of our nearby villages, December is a lovely time to explore Northumberland. Christmas markets and local businesses offer the chance to find unique gifts, try regional produce and enjoy the season at a relaxed pace.
If you’d like directions, parking advice or recommendations for places to eat near any of the locations mentioned, we’re always happy to help.
We hope you enjoy discovering Northumberland in December 2025 and have a wonderful festive break with Wooden Star Cottages.
Wooden Star Cottages offers the perfect base to experience the beautiful county of Northumberland. Book your stay at Wooden Star Cottages today and prepare for an unforgettable escape into the heart of one of England’s most beautiful regions.