Five Reasons Why You Need to Visit Living North's Christmas Fairs
Plan a fantastically festive day out at Living North's Christmas Fair this year
Living North’s always-popular Christmas Fairs are back and better than ever, and we’ll be bringing a whole heap of festive joy to Newcastle Racecourse from 23rd–26th October and York Racecourse from 20th–23rd November. Brand new for 2025, Living North is also bringing the magic of the Christmas Fair to the North West at Haydock Park Racecourse from 6th–9th November. Check out five great reasons to visit below.
1. Find All Your Christmas Shopping Under One Roof
With more than 250 carefully-selected stands, from artisan designer-makers, local food producers and fashion retailers to homewares, gifts and accessories, and of course special Christmas decorations, Living North’s Christmas Fairs are the biggest and best seasonal shopping events in the North. Our exhibitors have been working hard to bring you the best unique gifts you just can’t find on the high street and plenty of bespoke gifts for everyone. Indulge in the amazing range from Natural Beauty Skincare, whilst fashion fans in Newcastle will love Kimono & Co’s colourful collection and adorable childrenswear from Fable & Bear. In York, Bedroom Athletics will be selling luxury sleepwear and slippers, while Holly Bright’s greeting cards, prints and personalised Illustrations make an artsy and thoughtful present. At Haydock Park, we guarantee you'll love designer Harriet Eccleston's one-of-a-kind tailored pieces.
2. Food, Glorious Food
Our renowned Food Halls are back, packed with delicious goodies from producers you know and love, as well as some exciting new faces. From baked goods to pantry preserves, there’s a huge selection of fun foodie treats to help make your Christmas Day an extra special one. For the perfect end to your Christmas dinner, pick up an award-winning pudding from Burtree Puddings, and to help celebrate the season, stock up on boozy tipples with artisan spirits and brews from local favourites. Plus, our much-loved Chef’s Demonstration Kitchen returns to Newcastle and York for another year. Showcasing the best regional talent, watch as our chefs whip up dishes on our live kitchen stage and share their tips and tricks for how you can shine in your own kitchen. This year, head to Newcastle to join Dobson and Parnell’s Chef Kyle Bowman, or see Neil Bentinck of Michelin-recommended Skosh in York. At all three Fairs, why not make a day of it and unwind in the bar or head to one of the on-site cafés to refuel if you get a little peckish?
3. Enjoy Live Music
What better way to get into the festive spirit? Live performances from local choirs and musicians will be the soundtrack to your shopping experience at Living North’s Christmas Fairs. Expect fantastic performances from the always-popular Rock Choir, Alnwick Allstars and Liverpool's Royal Court Community Choir – the perfect soundtrack to start the festivities.
4. Support Good Causes
Our chosen charities for this year’s Christmas Fairs are Daft as a Brush in the North East, OSCAR’s Paediatric Brain Tumour Charity in Yorkshire, and North West Air Ambulance in the North West. Daft as a Brush Cancer Patient Care specialise in transporting cancer patients to and from hospital for their chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy treatment, free of charge. OSCAR’s Paediatric Brain Tumour Charity exists to support children facing brain tumours and their families, to raise awareness of children’s brain tumours and to fund new research to drive down diagnosis time, increase survival rate and improve children’s quality of life, in memory of nine-year-old Oscar Hughes from York. Covering eight million people from Carlisle to Crewe, North West Air Ambulance bring enhanced pre-hospital care directly to patients, with three helicopters and four critical care cars. They operate day and night, 365 days a year. By attending our Fairs, you can meet the charities, and help support them and their vital work in the North.
5. Booking Tickets is Easy!
Christmas Fair tickets are on sale now! Take advantage of our early-bird discounted ticket offer by booking in advance for a price of just £7 (usually £9 on the door). Book online or call 0191 261 8944.
