Blackfriars Christmas Market returns with a bigger Santa’s Grotto and team of new elves

Blackfriars Christmas Market will offer two days of festive fun on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 December with Christmas activities, local makers, seasonal food and drink, and plenty of opportunities to get into the Christmas spirit.

Now in its third year, the market which will take place in the Cloister garden, Banquet Hall and Kings Suite, will feature local traders and producers from across the North East, offering everything from artisan food and drink to handmade gifts and sustainable homeware. Confirmed participants include St Dominic’s Brewery, Ad Gefrin Distillery, Bird & Blend Tea Co., Moz-Grate, Tropics Skincare, Village Meadows, and Craft Queens, Aromas, among many others.

This year, live music will feature from the voice of the town choir and rock choir, who will fill the Cloister Garden with traditional carols throughout the weekend.

Visitors can also indulge in festive street food from Blackfriars, including giant pigs in blankets in toasted brioche rolls and spit-roasted turkey stotties with pork, sage and cranberry stuffing. Sweet treats such as apple crumble pots with brandy custard, alongside mulled wine, sloe gin, and hot chocolate.

Visitors can enjoy a ticketed Santa’s Grotto in the historic King’s Suite, featuring elf face painting, Christmas story telling, Christmas carols, snow ball games, a visit to Santa, bauble painting, cookie decorating and arts and crafts.