Winter in Newcastle 2024-2025
Activities are on throughout December and into January on campus and in the city.
Spending your holidays in Newcastle?
If you’re spending December or the Winter Break in and around Newcastle, there are many events offered across the University and city for you to take part in. Have a look below at all the activities and events – some do require you to sign up in advance!
While many services across the University will be closed from 5pm on 20 December to reopen on 6 January, support is still available to you – make sure to have a look at the ‘Wellbeing and the Winter Break’ section for more information about what you can access during this time.
You can also read about 'Top December Events' from a student on our Experience Blog.
Are you an international student staying in Newcastle or in the UK over the holidays? This blog post from UKCISA has some great tips from international students about spending the holiday season in the UK.
Winter Break Activities
Winter Wellbeing Walk
Our Winter Wellbeing Walk is a great way to take a little time out during the winter vacation and enjoy some fresh air as we walk through one of our fantastic city centre parks, sharing in good conversation with others along the way.
This session will take place on Monday 23 December at 13:00 and is open to students and staff at Newcastle University.
Give it a Go Events
Join in with our exciting activities – either free or at a discounted rate – from social sports to festive crafting, Christmas karaoke, trips to Edinburgh and social walks in the local area! Book your place at https://nusu.co.uk/activities/giveitago and follow us on Instagram @nusugiveitago over the Students’ Union closure period for ideas for fun activities you can do at home!
Volunteering Opportunities
Are you looking for opportunities to help others over the winter break? NUSU has compiled a list of volunteering opportunities you can take part in here: https://nusu.co.uk/news/article/christmas-volunteering
Events and Activities in and around Newcastle
Northern Lights Trail in Leazes Park 22 November 2024 - 31 December 2024
Newcastle Christmas Market 16 November 2024 - 22 December 2024
Christmas at Beamish 23 November 2024 - 24 December 2024
Ice Skating at the Life Science Centre in Times Square 9 November 2024 - 5 January 2025
The Glasshouse International Centre for Music has events on throughout December and into the New Year.
Spanish City in Whitley Bay has a range of festive menu options and events throughout December.
Cinemas around Newcastle are showing festive films for all ages - have a look at what's on at the Tyneside Cinema, Everyman Cinema, Cineworld Newcastle or Gateshead Vue.
The theatre is a popular choice for a holiday activity, with pantomimes and holiday-themed productions playing, like A Christmas Carol at the Northern Stage! Here are a few other theatres around Newcastle:
Newcastle University Students' Union (NUSU) Support and Information
Support and Advice Hub
The Students’ Union Support and Advice Hub will be open until Friday the 20 December, so please pop in if you are still on campus. If you need information when the building will be closed (20 December to 6 January 2025), please check our pages here.
Clubs and Societies
If you’re part of a club or society they will likely have activities, socials, or online content towards the end of term, leading into the winter break. Keep up to date with their social media channels. We will also have some activity during the months of December and January on the Give it a Go program - check out their social media for more information.
Co-op (ground floor)
08:00-20:00 Monday-Saturday and 10:00-20:00 Sunday (except the Students’ Union closure days when the building will be closed on 20 December and will reopen on 6 January 2025).
Wetherspoon at Luther’s bar (level -1 and -2)
08:00-23:00 with food served 08:00-22:00 each day (except the Students’ Union closure days when the building will be closed on 20 December and will reopen on 6 January 2025).
Study spaces on level 2 and NUSU central
Open 24/7 with student card access (except the Students’ Union closure days when the building will be closed on 20 December and will reopen on 6 January 2025).
Wellbeing and the Winter Break
During the Winter Closure period, our usual wellbeing services will be taking a rest, along with most of the university, and therefore there will be a reduced provision on campus. However, we do have a catalogue of resources that are available for students to help them nurture their own wellbeing, and signpost to appropriate support.
You can find out more here: Wellbeing and the Winter Closure.
Stay Connected with ResLife This Christmas
ResLife are relaunching their Festive Friends WhatsApp Group for everyone staying in and around Newcastle during the festive season, covering the University’s Christmas closure. Stay connected, find friends, and share festive cheer!
Follow us on social media @ResLife_NCL and keep an eye out for the launch details.
Let’s make this holiday season amazing together!
Campus Facilities Opening Hours
Eat@Newcastle
Eat@Newcastle outlets across campus will be closed during the University's closure period, and will close at 2pm on Friday 20 December 2024. They will then reopen on Monday 6 January 2025 with standard opening hours.
Sports Centre
The Sports Centre will be closed from 5pm on Friday 20 December 2024 and will reopen on Monday 6 January 2025.
Language Resource Centre
The Language Resource Centre will close from 5pm on 20 December 2024 and reopen on the 6 January 2025.
However, there are many resources available remotely during the winter break through the Language Resource Centre, become a member by completing this form and you can:
- Watch films, TV programmes and documentaries in over 100 languages via World TV & Film
- Access language learning software online e.g. Transparent Language and uTalk
- Find language practice partners at NU by requesting access to the LRC Tandem Board
Libraries
The Philip Robinson Library will remain open throughout the vacation period, but will be closed the 24, 25, and 31 December 2024 and 1 January 2025. Access to the building is with a valid Newcastle University smartcard. The Marjorie Robinson Library Rooms, Walton and Law libraries will close at 17:00 on Friday 20 December 2024 and re-open on Monday 6 January 2025. More information about the libraries' opening hours during the holidays can be found here: Library services over the Winter Break | University Library | Newcastle University
If you want to access library resources while you're away from Newcastle, you can find out more here: Using Library resources off campus | University Library | Newcastle University