- Christmas
- 13th Dec 2024
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HLN’s guide to shopping local this Christmas
This festive season, there’s no better time to support the incredible independent shops right on our doorstep.
From one-of-a-kind gifts to artisan foodie treats, shopping locally ensures your Christmas presents are truly unique – and supports the small businesses that make our region thrive.
Here’s our guide to where you can shop this year to support the indies.
Newcastle
This year’s Newcastle Christmas Market, running from 16 November to 22 December, offers a great selection of local traders and festive stalls, all in one place to make your Christmas shopping easy. While you’re there, pop to the nearby Grainger Market to explore a huge range of independent businesses tucked away in the alleyways – Tian’s Gifts is a great spot for unique handmade Christmas cards. In the nearby suburb of Jesmond, Nucasa is a gorg lifestyle store focusing on super chic homeware and goods (plus, you can grab a seasonal coffee here, too.)
The popular Crafty Bazaar will return with two Christmas markets this year – Wylam Brewery (1st December) and The Grove, Byker (8th December). Here, you can browse a wide range of stalls, including homeware, food, clothing, skincare, artwork, handmade gifts and more.
Whitley Bay
Whitley Bay has become a thriving base for independent businesses at the coast, and with some great coffee and foodie spots, too, it makes for a great shopping day out. Head to Park View, starting at Escape Boutique, stocking women’s clothes and accessories. Bellwoods is a treasure trove for gifting, with ready-made festive sets, and curated, design-led items (we challenge you not to pick up a present for yourself in here). For the Love of the North, down at Spanish City, has a great range of locally-themed decorations, gifts and cards.
Ouseburn
Ouseburn, Newcastle’s cultural quarter, is a haven for independent shopping. Visit Flaura Rose, a vibrant lifestyle boutique that brings together a collective of female-owned small businesses, offering a unique mix of fashion, art, and home decor. Just a few doors down, there’s The Find, where you can pick up some gorgeous, unique gifts and stocking fillers. Then, if you fancy a treat for yourself, The People’s Exchange is a fab place to explore for pre-loved fashion.
Yarm
Escape the hustle and bustle with a day of Christmas shopping in Yarm. Cloud Cuckoo stocks beautifully hand-crafted gifts and furniture all under one (very festive) roof. Known as Strickies to locals, Strickland and Holt have been part of the market town for over a century, bringing us unusual and well-designed gifts, toys and fashion. While you’re there, pop upstairs to Cinnamon Bay Interiors, where you’ll find all the lighting, wall art and soft furnishings that you need. Wine lover? Fourteen Drops is perfect for you. Serving up exceptional wines from small artisan wineries that respect the grapes and the land, you should only expect the finest, top-quality wines here.
Durham
Set against the backdrop of Durham Cathedral, the cobbled streets of Durham give the cosiest Christmas shopping vibe. Visit The People’s Bookshop for rare literary finds or browse handmade goods at The Mugwump. The Georgian Window is a lovely shopping experience, with super friendly staff and a great range of fashion accessories and gifts.
Durham’s indie Christmas markets are also worth exploring for local crafts and festive treats, running from 6th – 8th December.
Hexham
Hexham’s market town charm extends to its shopping. Sorella is a gorgeous boutique filled with high-quality items. Lolla Mac sells mixed-metal and silver jewellery that’s handmade in Hexham, while Beautiful Betty focuses on beauty products that are sustainable and ethical, with a focus on British brands. Antique lovers will love French & Wilder – designer Nathan Wilder is passionate about French interiors and all things brocante – head to F&W for antique finds, as well as Nathan’s unique designs.
Morpeth
In Morpeth, head to Rutherfords department store for premium homeware, or pick up seasonal blooms from The Flower Room. La Bottega is a must for Italian-inspired hampers, and The Chantry features locally crafted goods from Northumbrian artisans. A hidden gem, Lady H apothecary is well worth visiting. Owner Lyndsey creates her own products, which are really high quality, and if you really want to treat someone, buy them a voucher for one of her treatments (they’re amazing).
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