Newcastle Christmas Market returns to show the best of Northern products as Christmas day gets closer, but for many the festive season isn’t so jolly.
As we roll into December it brings all the festive traditions that many have come to love. One notable staple is the long-running Newcastle Christmas market, with stalls sprouting from Grey’s Monument, and spreading down Grey Street, Grainger Street, and Eldon Square.
Since its cancellation in 2020 after the COVID-19 pandemic, Newcastle Christmas Market is back and better than ever, expanding in size year after year since lockdown.
As well as its stalls, the event provides a crucial communal aspect with many going just for food and to socialise with friends or family. Studies have found Christmas can take a toll on people’s mental health, with YouGov surveys finding over a third of those aged between 45 and 54 feel worse in the run-up to Christmas.
Northern men’s mental health charity ManHealth stated “There’s been a massive increase in demand for our services since Covid. People do struggle over the Christmas period due to the cost-of-living crisis, and there’s certainly an increase in suicide rates but it can be hard to pinpoint exact dates.”
YouGov surveys also show Christmas has a disproportionate effect on women, with 51% of women saying they have felt stressed during the Christmas period. So, while the stalls at Newcastle Christmas Market are likely the key attraction for many, the social aspect should not be ignored.
However, if you’re eager to get into the festive spirit don’t let this information get in your way, and the market is an excellent place to do this, with a wide range of gift ideas and delicious food vendors available all through the run-up to Christmas.
