Festive Newport
Residents and visitors can look forward to a spectacular Festive Newport this year with the promise of treats galore.
Partners including the council, Newport Now BID (Business Improvement District), Friars Walk, Newport Live and Newport Market are as busy as elves getting ready to make it a glittering season.
As we countdown the number of sleeps, further information will be published here, on our social media channels and at What’s On City of Newport but here’s a taste of what’s in store in the city centre.
From Saturday 16 November until the end of December, visitors can park for free on Saturdays in council owned, city centre car parks:
Kingsway - NP20 1EX
Park Square - NP20 4EP
Emlyn Street - NP20 1ES
Faulkner Road - NP20 4PE
Hill Street - NP20 4EN
Riverfront - NP20 1HG
Stow Hill - NP20 4DX
This year's Countdown to Christmas event, which normally attracts around 8,000 people into the city centre to see the festive lights switched on, will take place on Saturday 16 November.
Organised and delivered by the Newport Now Business Improvement District (BID), Countdown to Christmas has become a popular fixture in the city centre's events calendar since 2017.
This year's event will feature live music, fairground rides, celebrity guests, Santa, and a spectacular fireworks display.
Located in the heart of the city centre, Newport’s Winter Wonderland will feature a real ice rink, Ferris Wheel, rides and stalls. More information coming soon!
Join Dick Whittington and his trusty cat at The Riverfront theatre and arts centre, as they set out on an epic journey from Newport in search of fame, fortune, friendship and adventure.
This rags to riches tale promises to be full of laugh out loud gags, stunning scenery, beautiful costumes, the baddest baddies and plenty of audience participation.
Book tickets on the Newport Live website.
A selection of stalls will be located on High Street on every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday in December from Thursday 5 December, plus a bonus day on Monday 23 December.
There will be a wide section of goods on offer which will change frequently during the month.
The market is being brought to the city centre by Newport Now BID in partnership with Green Top.
Stalls are free for businesses based in Newport city centre that pay the BID levy. For more information contact [email protected].
Santa will be returning to Friars Walk this festive season – details on how you can speak to the man himself will be released soon.
The popular Friars Walk decorations will be returning this year including a Christmas tree, golden reindeer and a new giant bauble.
A range of tasty treats will be on offer.
We’ll be supporting our local businesses throughout the festive period, but Small Business Saturday is a chance to shine a light. Look out for offers and giveaways!
The popular St David’s Hospice Care Festive Five is taking place on Friday 13 December at 6.30pm. The city centre will be lit up as over 100 runners take on a scenic five-mile course along the river paths, dressed in festive outfits and lights.
Find out more and sign up on the St David's website.
Get ready for an unforgettable afternoon tea experience, featuring a live performance by Michael Bublé tribute act, Richie Evans.
Buy tickets on the Newport Market website.
Free Christmas Concert upstairs in the market at 1.30pm.
There’s also a wide range of events and activities taking place across the city – you can find out more at What’s On City of Newport. It’s also free to advertise, so if you’re planning a Christmas event, make sure you register it.
You can also subscribe to our weekly enewsletter to keep up to date on the latest news and events.
A number of Festive Newport events including Winter Wonderland and Countdown to Christmas have been supported with UK Government funding.