Fenwick's 2026 Christmas Window, themed on Julia Donaldson's The Gruffalo's Child, is now open to the public in Newcastle following its unveiling on Sunday night. The display, which reimagines the beloved children's story with a festive twist, was revealed to invited guests before opening to the general public on Monday.
Sunday Night Reveal Draws Crowds
As in recent years, only invited guests attended the in-person reveal, with fencing and a short road closure on Northumberland Street keeping the Window out of view. Shortly after 6pm on Sunday, a large crowd of guests, including children from Fenwick's partner schools, gathered for the moment, entertained by song and dance from a cast of performers.
Santa Claus led a countdown from 10 to 1 as the curtain fell, revealing the display to those watching online. Author Julia Donaldson and illustrator Axel Scheffler were both in Newcastle on Sunday to join the audience for the reveal.
A 54-Year Tradition Continues
The Gruffalo's Child, one of the nation's most cherished children's books, has captivated generations with its tale of imagination, adventure and courage. Fenwick has reimagined the story with a festive twist, celebrating the joy of storytelling and reading together.
On Monday, the general public was able to see the display, continuing a tradition that has been spreading festive cheer in Newcastle for 54 years, since the first Window display at Fenwick in 1972. ChronicleLive attended the walk-through and captured first-look pictures of the 2026 Window.
