Posted on December 1st, 2016
Believe it or not, it’s December already and December means one thing…Christmas! Although for students it can be a time of stress and severe hypothermia, there is still plenty of time to enjoy the festive treats Newcastle has to offer! Here are some of the things that all students should do before heading home for the holidays.
In Europe, Christmas Markets are festive staples and Newcastle is no different. Head down to Monument any time until the 11th December to feast on a range of international food from currywurst to ostrich burgers to churros. On the 12th, offerings roll in from a little closer to home with locally brewed beers, jams and chocolates available as well as handmade gifts and decorations. As well as the usual markets, Hadrain’s Tipi by Central Station adds to the festive programme with a pop up bar full of winter treats.
Decorations are essential to get into the festive spirit but with every student on a budget, sometimes money doesn’t quite stretch to the nice, classy kind our mums have made us so used to. This is the time when a student becomes their most creative. Poundland is a god send with the trusty savings store supplying most of what you need to at least attempt to decorate your house. If even Poundland is too much of a stretch then try to make as much as you can. Paper chains are quick* and cost effective and you can easily make an angel for the top of your tree. If a primary school child can do it, so can you.
*Length dependent
No Christmas in Newcastle is complete without a trip to the Fenwicks window! For 45 years, the department store has unveiled an elaborate display every winter. Take a few minutes out of your Christmas shopping to relive Beatrix Potter’s stories in this year’s offering.
If you can bear the sight of Digital whilst sober then head down to the Life Centre to try out their ice rink. Running until 26th February, there’s no excuse not to wrap up warm and take to the ice. It’s great for a romantic date but going with a group statistically improves the chances of embarrassing falls which is what ice skating is really all about.
The pantos in the north east are second to none so it’d just be a crime not to head to the theatre! Whilst there are plenty of great options to choose from, from James and the Giant Peach and Luna at Northern Stage to jack and the Beanstalk at the People’s Theatre, none can compare to the Theatre Royal’s long-running comedy show. This year Danny Adams, Clive Webb and Chris Hayward perform Cinderella so be ready for lots of boos, ooos and it’s behind yous as they take you through the funniest rendition you’ll ever see.
Everyone knows that food is the most important part of the festive season and nothing bonds people like going through the harrowing experience of cooking a Christmas dinner together. With everyone’s different Christmas traditions merging together, you’ll inevitably end up with a lack of oven space, a complicated yet inaccurate cooking schedule and an awful lot of passive aggression, but hey, it isn’t Christmas until someone fights right?
Merry Christmas from everyone here at Easiliving! We hope you have a great one!
By Katie Ackerley, our student blogger from Real World Runaway
