EVERYONE loves a Christmas fair or market.
Once again, Washington is set for its fair share this festive season – but many people still enjoy venturing further afield for bigger events.
Washington Way has done its homework and found the dates and times of the region’s most popular Christmas markets and fairs for 2026 – along with those taking place in and around Washington throughout November and December.
This list will continue to be updated as more are announced or finalised – if you’ve got one coming up which we’ve missed, please let us know at news@washingtonway.co.uk
NOVEMBER
Thursday 12:
Riverside Sunderland Christmas Market, City Hall, The Beam and Maker Building, Sunderland
Time: 1-7pm
Browse a number of stalls from local makers, talented creators and independent businesses offering a selection of gifts, artisan food, homeware, crafts and more.
The event offers a perfect chance to get ahead with your Christmas shopping, along with support local businesses.
Free admission. For more information click here
Thursday 12-Sunday 15:
Brockbushes Christmas Fayre, Brockbushes, Stocksfield, Northumberland, NE43 7UB
Time: 9am-6pm Thurs-Sat and 9am-5pm Sunday
Now in its 28th year, the family-run farm shop’s Christmas Fayre offers four days of festive shopping, food, entertainment and Christmas cheer.
This year’s event will feature more than 70 handpicked makers and artisan stalls, live music and demonstrations along with festive street food and fun for all the family.
Tickets are £3.50 per person for adults 17+ while children aged 16 and under are admitted free. Booking is advised to secure your ideal time slot. To book click here 
Saturday 14:
Springwell Village Community Venue Christmas Fair, Springwell Village, NE9 7RP
Time: 10am-3pm
More than 30 local traders indoors and outside, including gifts, crafts and food. Santa’s Grotto – booking required – face painting, entertainment, games, competitions and more.
For more information visit www.svcv.co.uk
Sunday 15:
Gateshead Stadium Christmas Market, Gateshead, NE10 0EF
Time: 11am-3pm
The popular Christmas Market is back for 2026, with more than 100 stalls, festive decorations and plenty of seasonal cheer.
Browse Christmas stalls with gifts, festive food and drinks while the kids can enjoy rides and entertainment.
Tickets £1 per person plus booking fee, from Skiddle
Wednesday 18:
Cross Keys Christmas Fair and Light Switch on, Washington Village
Time: 6-8pm
The popular Washington Village pub is switching on its Christmas lights with festive entertainment for all the family.
St Joseph’s Primary School and Inspire Ladies Choir will both be performing Christmas carols and there will be a selection of stalls from local businesses outside the pub. Free entry and all welcome.
Thursday 19-Wednesday December 23:
Newcastle Christmas Market, Grainger Street, NE1 5AF
Newcastle’s famous market is back for a five week run in 2026 in the streets around Grey’s Monument, featuring more than 70 traders.
Stalls will include a mix of food, drinks, gifts and more – while the Grainger Market will be offering extend openings and events in the run up to Christmas.
This year’s Newcastle events also include a Christmas Village at Old Eldon Square, more information is available here
Friday 20-Sunday 22: 
Wynyard Hall Christmas Fayre – Wynyard Hall, County Durham, TS22 5NF
Time: 10am and 1pm
Wynyard Hall’s grand interior is set to be transformed into a winter wonderland as the annual Christmas Fayre returns. Visitors can browse artisan stalls, pick up unique and handcrafted gifts and enjoy a range of festive food, festive delicacies and other seasonal treats.
Entry slots are available at 10am and 1pm each day and entry is strictly by ticket only. Tickets are £8 for adults and £7 for concessions and children aged 4-13 years and sell out each year so early booking is advised. To book click here
Saturday 21:
FACT Christmas Market, FACT, Springwell Road, Wrekenton, NE9 7AY
Time: 10am-1pm
FACT (Fighting All Cancers Together) will be opening the doors of its Wrekenton premises with a selection of stalls including skin care, jewellery, Christmas crafts, homemade cakes, sweets and more.
There will also be the chance to visit Santa and receive a small present for a small charge.
Admission free, all welcome.
Christmas Fayre, The Mount Community Association, Eighton Banks, NE9 7YA
Time: 10am-2pm
The volunteer-run Mount Community Association is looking forward to welcoming people to its Christmas Fayre, which is set to feature craft stalls, festive treats, a raffle and more.
See The Mount Community Association Facebook page for more information
Christmas Craft & Makers Fair, Art Centre Washington
Time: 10am-3pm
The monthly Craft & Makers Fair will be embracing the festive spirit at its November event, perfect for a touch of Christmas gift shopping here on the doorstep.
Visitors can browse a number of stalls by local and regional crafters and artists and enjoy crafty workshops and pop-up performances throughout the day.
Admission free.
Winter Fayre, Glebe Methodist Church, Glebe
Time: 2.30-4.30pm 
The annual Christmas event at Glebe Methodist Church returns, with a selection of stalls including wooden gifts, jewellery, crochet and knitted items, cakes and more.
There will also be refreshments on sale, raffle and tombola, face painting and more.
Saturday 21 and Sunday 22:
Alnwick Garden Christmas Fair, The Pavillion, NE66 1YU
Time 10.30am-3.30pm
This indoor event will be decked with a host of seasonal traders selling a selection of handmade crafts and unique gifts.
Indulge in delicious food and drinks while exploring the stalls – the perfect way to get into the festive spirit.
Free entry to The Pavillion and The Pavillion Café.
Sunday 22:
Grace House Christmas Fair, Grand Hotel, Seaburn SR6 8DB
Time 11am-3pm
Get into the Christmas spirit and discover more about Grace House as the annual event returns.
Enjoy local stalls and tombola while the kids can meet Santa.
Monday 23:
Lumley Twilight Christmas Market, Great Lumley Community Centre, DH3 4JD
Time 6-9pm 
Bring a little festive fun to the dark nights at this twilight shopping event.
Stalls are set to include unique Christmas gifts and crafts, food and drinks.
Free entry.
Friday 27-Sunday 29:
Raby Castle Christmas Market, Raby Castle, County Durham, DL2 3NF
Time: 9am -3pm
A magical festive weekend is on the cards, with more than 50 stalls of artisan crafts, gifts and seasonal produce.
This year’s event will feature a new pop-up shopping experience featuring luxury brands and shoppers can browse stalls including real Christmas trees, Christmas decorations and festive food and drink, with live festive music throughout the weekend.
Tickets are available to buy online now for the discounted rate of £2.50 and will be £5 on the day. To book click here
Sunday 29:
Christmas Market at Lambton Community Hub, Lambton Village Centre, Washington
Time: 2-5pm
A number of local businesses will be on hand with stalls including handmade gift, jewellery, skincare, sweet treats, stocking fillers and more.
Festive food and drinks will also be available to purchase and there will also be a raffle and Tombola. For more information visit Lambton Community Hub Facebook page
DECEMBER
Saturday 5:
Victorian Xmas Fair, Coffee & Co, Armstrong Industrial Estate
Time 3-6pm
An event for all the family, featuring a host of stalls packed with lovely gifts and goodies. There will also be the chance for children to visit Santa, £3 per child which will include a small gift.
The coffee shop will be open as usual to enjoy.
Free admission
Saturday 12-Sunday 13
Christmas Market at The Ship, Eighton Banks
Festive magic is heading to the pub with outdoor Christmas markets on Saturday and Sunday, featuring a selection of local business stalls along with festive pizzas, hot chocolate and mulled wine.
Saturday will feature a live brass band playing festive favourites.
For more information visit The Ship Facebook page
