Experience the Magic of

Christmas at

Newgate!

Join us for festive fun, Santa visits, markets, music, and community cheer.

( Limited slots available – book early to avoid disappointment!)

Little Light Lantern Walk

A FREE Community Event, our Little Light Lantern walk takes place on 13th December at 3.30pm and is a gentle stroll from Newgate Centre, down Fore Bondgate to St Anne's Church in Bishop Auckland Marketplace for a special 4pm Christmas service.

While FREE, this event is limited numbers so book a ticket if you wish to take part.

Get Involved With Carolling around The Giving Tree.

We’re inviting local schools, community groups, and charities to take part in our Christmas celebrations. 

From carolling around the Giving Tree to our Charity Gift Wrap station, there are lots of ways to join in.

Come Post A Letter To Santa

Our North Pole Delivery Service approved postbox is located next to our Elf Service Kiosk, just next to the giving tree.

You can post a letter for free and if you wish to receive a reply then ask our Elves to book you a reply for £3.50.

Your child will watch their letter get the official delivery service stamp and our Elves will ask you to confirm the address for the reply which will be delivered before Christmas.

Note - this reply is not as detailed as those booked with your Santa Tickets as an add-on. They are two different types of letter.

Giving Tree

Our much-loved Giving Tree returns this year, supporting local grassroot charities.

Launching 14th November 2025 and accepting gifts up until Christmas Eve, our partners this year are two fantastic, good causes local to the town, Cornerstone Supported Housing and Counselling and Woodhouse Close Community Centre.

To take part, simply collect a gift request tag from the tree, purchase your gift and then drop it back off, with the tag at one of the giving stations in each of our stores.

What’s On At Newgate Centre This Christmas

Here’s a few key dates for your calendar:

Giving Tree Launches

14th November

Christmas Market

4th - 7th December

Lantern Making Craft Activities

13thDecember 10am - 3pm

Little Light Lantern Walk

13th December 3.30pm

Santa Arrives

22nd November

Christmas Market

11th - 13th December

Community Carols Around The Giving Tree

21st December

10am - 3pm

Santa’s Last Day

21st December