Christmas fair and live festive concert bring seasonal magic to Alnwick Castle

Alnwick Castle is preparing to mark this Christmas with a festive programme of events, bringing together a Christmas Fair celebrating local makers and seasonal treats, alongside Christmas Greetings LIVE!, an enchanting concert of festive music and ballet starring acclaimed violinist Matt Glossop and the Bloomsbury Soloists.

The celebrations begin with the Alnwick Castle Christmas Fair, taking place in the castle’s Guest Hall on Tuesday 24 and Wednesday 25 November 2026. Visitors can discover handcrafted gifts from talented local artisans, enjoy seasonal refreshments and soak up the festive atmosphere in one of Northumberland’s most distinctive historic settings.

The fair opens with an exclusive Preview Evening on Tuesday 24 November, offering guests a welcome drink on arrival, kindly provided by Ad Gefrin, canapés and seasonal refreshments, as well as the first opportunity to browse a carefully selected collection of stallholders.

On Wednesday 25 November, the Christmas Fair returns for a daytime market, with food and refreshments available and plenty of inspiration for thoughtful Christmas gifts.

All ticket sales from the event go directly to Smile for Life, the Northumberland Estates Charity of the Year, that empowers disabled and disadvantaged young people to achieve their potential and live full, happy lives.

The festive programme continues on Friday 4 December, when Alnwick Castle welcomes Christmas Greetings LIVE! for an evening of live music, cinematic favourites and beautifully staged ballet.

Led by acclaimed violinist Matt Glossop, the Bloomsbury Soloists will perform a specially curated programme combining classical finesse with theatrical flair and the familiar melodies of Christmas films and seasonal favourites. Two exceptional ballerinas, trained at the world-renowned Bolshoi Ballet Academy and regular performers with Northern Ballet, will join the musicians, bringing dance to the heart of the performance.

Audiences can choose between two performances, beginning at 6pm and 8.30pm, with doors opening at 5pm and 7.30pm respectively.

The programme promises a nostalgic journey through much-loved festive music, from John Williams’ Somewhere in My Memory from Home Alone and the Glasgow Love Theme from Love Actually, to Howard Blake’s Walking in the Air from The Snowman. Classical highlights include Vivaldi’s Winter from The Four Seasons and music from Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker, alongside Christmas favourites associated with Nat King Cole, Bing Crosby and Michael Bublé.

Matt Glossop brings extensive performance experience to the castle. His television appearances include Strictly Come Dancing, the Eurovision Song Contest Final, The X Factor and Songs of Praise. He has also collaborated with celebrated composer Burt Bacharach, chart-topping singer Lewis Capaldi and vocal group Il Divo, alongside orchestral performances at the BBC Proms and work with leading ensembles including the Royal Northern Sinfonia.

Tickets and further information are available via the Alnwick Castle website:

• Christmas Fair Preview Evening, 24 November:https://www.alnwickcastle.com/whats-on/alnwick-castle-christmas-fair-2026-preview-evening
• Christmas Fair Market Day, 25 November:https://www.alnwickcastle.com/whats-on/alnwick-castle-christmas-fair-2026-market-day

Christmas Greetings LIVE!, 4 December: https://www.alnwickcastle.com/whats-on/christmas-greetings-live