There’s no better way to get you in a festive mood than by visiting a Christmas market and, following a hiatus due to the pandemic, those in the Tyne Valley and surrounding area are back in force. Here’s our pick of where to find those quaint and quirky gifts that you won’t get elsewhere, plus what to expect at the jewel in the crown – Hexham Christmas Market.
Blue Sky Equestrian Centre
With around 80 stalls to browse, this indoor market truly has something for everyone. It’s running twice, in November and December, and admission is £1, with children going free and no need to pre-book. At the November event, there will be live animal handling sessions, children’s face painting and free Santa letters, while the man himself will be stopping by in December. Visits cost £5 per child, including gift and letter, and must be booked. You can also get your photo taken with a barn owl. There will be a raffle with more than 70 prizes, as well as hot food including wood fired pizzas. Visitors are asked to wear suitable footwear for the equestrian centre’s sand floor.
Potland Farm, Longhirst, Morpeth NE61 6PY, Sunday, December 5, 11-3pm
Brocksbushes Farm
Back by popular demand, this year’s Brocksbushes Christmas Fayre promises to be as enticing as ever, with craft stalls, local food and drink, Christmas decorations and gifts, along with the farm’s seasonal homemade produce. To ensure the event’s safety, Covid-secure measures will be in place, and pre-booking is required to manage numbers in the three marquees. For the most up to date information or to book, visit www.brocksbushes.co.uk
Corbridge NE43 7UB, Thursday, November 11 to Sunday, November 14
Dobbies
Wilde Farm Market is a regular fixture in the calendar at Dobbies and, as Christmas approaches, is sure to take on a festive slant. The market showcases local produce and crafts. Go through the entrance of Dobbies’ main building and turn left into the outdoor plant area. Free parking. Indoor cafe. Indoor toilets. Dog friendly.
Street House Farm, Ponteland NE20 9BT, every other Sunday
Jesmond Dene House
For an upmarket take on turkey and tinsel head to Jesmond Dene House, where the impressive Great Hall will be the venue for a festive afternoon. Stalls will feature food and drink, local crafts and boutique goods, and visitors will receive a glass of mulled wine or a mocktail on arrival. The event is being held in partnership with Jesmond Food Market and tickets, priced £4, must be booked in advance at www.jesmonddenehouse.co.uk
Jesmond Dene Road, Newcastle NE2 2EY, Sunday, December 5
Hexham Christmas Market
Christmas wouldn’t be complete without this festive favourite, which makes a welcome return this year with stalls set in the grounds of the beautiful Hexham Abbey and Market Place. The much-loved market, run by Hexham Community Partnership, will fill the town with Christmas spirit, with a range of stalls selling gifts, arts, crafts, decorations and artisan goods. From unique homewares to locally produced food and drink, along with clothing, handcrafted jewellery and more, shoppers are guaranteed to find something special.
In the Market Place, the Farmers’ Market will join in the festivities, with around 25 stalls selling products from within a 50-mile range of Hexham – a perfect opportunity to pick up that Christmas tipple and Boxing Day cheese and chutney. The market will also feature a selection of charity stalls selling their wares to raise funds for great causes across Hexham.
Soak up carol singing and live music in the Abbey and indulge in the delicious food and drinks available. You’ll find the full programme and timings at www.visithexham.net
Hexham Abbey and Market Place, Saturday, December 11, 10am-3pm
Who’s coming to Hexham Christmas Market?
North Chocolates
As former Artisan Business of the Year and Fenwick Hero Producer 2019, this company certainly has all the credentials. Specialising in seasonal, small batch, award-winning gourmet chocolate bars, they use only the finest couverture – which means less sugar – no vegetable fats and ethically sourced cocoa and cocoa butter. From the unusual to the classic, including their “Icon & Innovation” range celebrating the North-East’s heritage, there’s something for every chocoholic, www.northchocolates.co.uk
Oakwood Soaperie
This is a small, real soap making company based in the heart of the Tyne Valley. Their handmade, natural soaps are made with pure olive oil, sunflower oil and coconut oil, along with cocoa butter, shea butter and treatment oils such as rosehip, hemp and jojoba. The soaps also include natural clays and botanicals such as flower petals and buds, dried herbs and seeds. They have superior cleansing and conditioning properties, without stripping the skin’s natural moisture, and some are specifically designed for dry or problem skin, www.oakwoodsoaperie.co.uk
LollaMac
Handmade by LollaMac is a range of contemporary jewellery, all designed and handcrafted in Northumberland using traditional silversmithing hand tools and techniques. You’ll find pieces in sterling silver, copper and brass, with mixed metals being a signature of the brand. The style is simple, clean and minimalist, www.lollamac.co.uk
The Travelling Bee Co.
A family-run business that specialises in producing raw, natural and unprocessed honeys in an ethical way. As well as supplying their own, they sell those of other ethical beekeepers from across the world and also produce honey-infused balms, soaps and gifts, www.travellingbee.co.uk
David Lawson Ceramics
David specialises in producing hand-thrown, hand-carved stoneware pottery. He has recently been developing more work in porcelain and large-scale, hand-built pieces. He draws inspiration from nature and the variable effects of the wood firing process. His aim is to produce beautiful ceramics that inspire people to cook and eat well, www.davidlawsonceramics.com
Bernicia Candles
The name “Bernicia” comes from the Anglo-Saxons who, under King Bernicia, came and settled in what is now known as Northumberland. Each candle is designed and hand-poured in a small batch in Northumberland, and candles are made with eco-friendly soy wax and high-quality fragrances, www.berniciacandles.co.uk
Happy Dance Seaglass
Artwork and gifts created with Seaham’s famous sea glass. Drawing on the region’s glassmaking heritage, the waste glass once discarded at the end of the day is tumbled, frosted and transformed into artworks including pictures, cards and decorations. The name “Happy Dance” refers to the reaction of sea glass collectors on stumbling across a special find, www.happydanceseaglass.co.uk
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